(JollofNews) – Gambia’s Chief Justice Hssan B. Jallow has urged newly appointed judges to do their best in ensuring quality delivery of justice as the country’s judiciary is taking a new shape.
He made these remarks last Thursday during an introductory ceremony of the judges of the superior courts held at Banjul High Court.
Last month President Adama Barrow swore in six new Gambian judges. He made it clear that their appointment would ensure that in
future the entire judicial system would be efficiently and professionally managed by Gambians. Their appointment brings to eight the number of indigenous judges. While Justices Awa Bah, Hardy Cecilia Roche, Basiru V.P Mahoney, Kumba Sillah Camara will serve at the Justice Court of Appeal, Justices Zainab Jawara Alami, Sainabou Wadda Fosse, Buba Jawo and Ebrima Jaiteh will preside over the High Court.
“We always say that justice delayed is justice denied,” Chief Justice Jallow reminded the gathering. He then added: ” We have to work hard and make sure our cases are addressed expeditiously.”
C.J Jallow further stated that he already gave directives specifying clearly that criminal cases will top priorities in the administration of justice.
In his address, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Aboubacar Tambadou reiterated his stance for the ‘gambianisation’ of the judiciary, saying that he will continue to encourage qualified and competent Gambians to take up a post in the judiciary.
However, Justice Minister Tambadou seized the opportunity to outline the numerous challenges his ministry is going through.
He said they have embarked into a capacity building process and added that until the work is carried on to completion, they will still have to overcome some hurdles in ‘prosecuting cases efficiently and speedily.’
He also committed himself to maintain an open-door policy towards the BAR association.
Gambia BAR Association President R.Y Mendy expressed the readiness the general membership to maintain ‘cordial relationship’ with Justice Ministry. She expressed hope that the efforts that are being put into the judiciary will help ensure its independence .
