The Chief Justice of The Gambia, Hassan B. Jallow, has reaffirmed that constitution is the most important legal instrument for any nation.
“When properly crafted it can provide an enduring framework for effective government, for good governance, for peace and for socio-economic progress,” the Chief Justice said yesterday at the opening of the legal year 2025 in Banjul.
As the 2025 legal year stands on the verge of the new calendar year, the Judiciary is deeply conscious of the great governance enterprise on which the nation has embarked which is the proposed adoption of a new Constitution for The Gambia, he said, adding: “The Judiciary welcomes the efforts in this direction; it cannot be oblivious to the process for not only is the Judiciary a stakeholder but it occupies an important role in the Constitution drafting process with the Chief Justice or his representative being the Chairperson of the Constitution Drafting Committee.”
In this context, he said, the Judiciary had reviewed the current 2024 Draft Constitution “which is before the National Assembly”.
“We have conveyed our observations as regards some provisions of the draft relating to the administration of justice which can impact on the rule of law,” he said.
Accordingly, he added, they have submitted recommendations for amendments to the draft which in their view will help the nation strengthen the framework for good government.
The Chief Justice also appealed for a favourable consideration of their recommendations by all those engaged in the Constitution making process.
“We continue to strive and to pray for the continued peace and progress of The Gambia and for the consolidation and further development of our efforts for the rule of law, for justice and for democracy,” he stated.
