By Yaya Dampha
NPP Diaspora Coordinator, Sweden
Nearly a decade after the political transition of 2017, Gambians continue to cherish the freedoms and democratic space that replaced the dark days of authoritarian rule. However, democracy does not merely thrive on freedom of expression and political pluralism. It equally depends on strong, disciplined and professional institutions — particularly the judiciary and the police force, which together form the backbone of law, order and justice.
Regrettably, the performance of the Gambia Police Force and significant segments of the Judicial Service since 2017 has raised serious concerns among citizens who expect a justice system that inspires confidence, professionalism and national pride.
Across the country, there is a growing perception that many criminal cases are poorly investigated from the very beginning. Arrests are sometimes carried out hastily, often without the level of evidence required to sustain a prosecution. Suspects are paraded, detained and sometimes publicly condemned, only for the cases to collapse in court because the investigations were weak or incomplete.
Such failures do not only waste public resources; they also erode public trust in the very institutions mandated to protect society.
Equally troubling is the lack of diligent prosecution in many cases that reach the courts. Prosecutors often appear unprepared, witnesses are poorly guided and inadequately briefed, and basic evidentiary standards are sometimes ignored. When witnesses take the stand, their testimonies frequently fall apart under cross-examination because the groundwork for a solid case was never properly laid.
Justice cannot be achieved when investigations are shallow and prosecutions are weak.
Another worrying trend is the unprofessional conduct displayed by some officers within the security and justice sector. The culture of leaking classified or sensitive information has become disturbingly common. Information meant strictly for official processes finds its way onto social media platforms or into the public domain through individuals who justify their actions under the banner of freedom of expression and democracy.
But democracy does not mean recklessness.
Freedom of expression should never be used as an excuse for breaching professional ethics, betraying institutional confidentiality or undermining ongoing investigations and judicial processes. When police officers or judicial staff compromise confidential information, they do not only damage specific cases — they weaken the entire justice system and betray the public trust placed in them.
At this critical moment, leadership and decisive action are required.
President Adama Barrow must take bold steps to restore professionalism, discipline and patriotism within both the police force and the judicial service. The time has come for what can metaphorically be described as the use of the “electric broom” — a firm and systematic effort to weed out unprofessional, incompetent and unpatriotic officials whose actions continue to tarnish the credibility of our justice institutions.
No government in the world can function effectively without a loyal, disciplined and professional police force. Likewise, no democracy can survive without a judiciary that commands respect, competence and independence.
Institutional reform must therefore go beyond rhetoric. It must include stronger internal accountability mechanisms, improved investigative training for police officers, better prosecutorial preparation, and strict enforcement of professional ethics within the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.
Furthermore, the government should not hesitate to strengthen the system through international collaboration. One practical step would be to invite experienced Commonwealth judges and prosecutors to work alongside our Gambian legal professionals. While many Gambian judges and lawyers possess solid academic qualifications, judicial experience accumulated over decades in more mature legal systems can provide valuable mentorship and institutional strengthening.
Such partnerships are not a sign of weakness; rather, they are a demonstration of a nation’s commitment to improving its institutions.
The Gambia is still building the foundations of a stronger democracy after years of institutional decay. That rebuilding process requires courage, honesty and the willingness to confront weaknesses within our own systems.
The police must investigate professionally. Prosecutors must prosecute diligently. Judges must adjudicate competently and independently. And above all, every official entrusted with public responsibility must place national interest above personal convenience or public popularity.
The Gambian people deserve a justice system that protects the innocent, punishes the guilty and operates with the highest standards of professionalism and patriotism.
Anything less undermines the very democracy we fought so hard to restore.
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