Adama Barrow, President Of The Republic Of The Gambia
By Ramatoulie Jawo
His Excellency, President Adama Barrow, in his State of the Nation Address on Thursday, informed the National Assembly members that a referendum on the new Constitution will be held in December 2024.
Highlighting his government’s achievements in the legal and judicial sectors of The Gambia, President Barrow noted that since 2017, his administration has implemented significant legal reforms.
“Our efforts include introducing a new Constitution, and we remain committed to pursuing it this year. It is hoped that a referendum on the new Constitution will be held in December 2024. Mr. Speaker, among items of legislation enacted in 2023 is the Anti-Corruption Bill. Apart from robust frameworks to criminalize corrupt practices, specialized anti-corruption agencies have been strengthened to effectively enforce the law on corruption,” he said.
He mentioned the enactment of the Victims Reparations Act, aimed at providing reparations to victims of human rights violations from the past regime, to ensure integrity and accountability in government.
“The Ban From Public Office Act been enacted to prevent individuals convicted of corruption or related offences from holding public office. The Former Presidents Act, also enacted, acknowledges the services of the nation’s former leaders. It provides for their dignified post-presidential life while balancing it with the interests of the Gambian people,” he added.
President Barrow emphasized that several other Bills are now under consideration. Among them are The Criminal Offences Bill and The Criminal Procedure Code Bill, saying “both are vital in building a more transparent and accountable society”
“Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Justice is acting on the TRRC recommendations, particularly through the drafting of the Special Accountability Mechanisms Bill and the Special Prosecutor’s Office Bill,” he said.
He added that these bills are part of a broader strategy to establish a Hybrid Court, in collaboration with ECOWAS, which will apply both domestic and international law to TRRC cases.
“The establishment of the Special Criminal Division of the High Court, staffed by distinguished Gambian judges, marks a huge step towards presiding over TRRC-related cases impartially and effectively. As we continue to strengthen our legal and judicial systems, my government remains resolute in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensure justice for all Gambians,” he committed.