Government officials and disability-rights advocates have renewed calls for strict enforcement of The Gambia’s Persons with Disabilities Act, 2021, as nationwide sensitisation sessions begin across the regions.
The engagements led by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare and the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities (NACPWD) kicked off on November 13, 2025 at the GOVI Resource Centre in Kanifing, and continued the following day in Brikama while sessions in the remaining regions begin Monday, November 17, 2025.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare highlighted major achievements since the Act came into force with the allocation of D4 million annually to the National Disability Fund, with an increase expected in 2026.
The Ministry stated that ten Organisation of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) receiving D50, 000 grants in 2024, a fully refurbished Advisory Council Secretariat at the National Rehabilitation Centre; and free rehabilitation and assistive devices at the Centre, with a new facility opening in Bwiam by January.
Officials reaffirmed that the Disability Act is aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Magistrate Muhammed Krubally, Chairman of the Advisory Council and the country’s only visually impaired magistrate, said the sensitisation is funded through the National Disability Fund, as required under the Act., urging institutions and communities to comply fully with the law.
“If you don’t want to pay D50, 000 or go to prison for six months, don’t violate the rights of a person with a disability,” Krubally said, encouraging the public to report abuse.
Principal Social Welfare Officer, Modou Suwareh reminded participants that the Act’s two-year transition period ended between 2023 and 2024, activating full enforcement.
“All institutions and individuals are now obligated to comply,” he said. “If you are constructing a building, you must ensure accessibility.”
Officials warned that violations of disability rights attract penalties of D50, 000 or six months’ imprisonment for individuals, and D100, 000 for companies.
Mr. Sainey Camara, Acting Executive Director, Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), said only about 3% of persons with disabilities complete basic or secondary education, calling for stronger support systems. He also announced a national disability survey in 2026, the first since 1998, funded by the World Bank.
