Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting the Gambia Police Force (GPF), urging newly recruited officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and national service.
Presiding over the graduation ceremony of 1,333 police recruits on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at a colorful event in Banjul, President Barrow praised the officers for choosing what he described as “one of the noblest professions in the world.”
“You have chosen one of the noblest professions in the world — policing,” the President said, addressing the crowd. “The police are the ones who walk our streets in the dead of night, under the scorching sun, or in the midst of thunderstorms to keep our communities safe.”
Barrow emphasized that the GPF plays a critical role in maintaining law and order, peace, and national security. He said that his administration remains committed to empowering the police with the resources they need, highlighting the procurement of nine brand-new patrol vehicles in the first half of 2025 as part of ongoing support.
“Be assured that my government will remain ever ready to provide the moral and material support you need to effectively police The Gambia,” he declared.
The President also reminded the recruits that policing is not just a job but a patriotic calling, one that demands discipline, ethical conduct, and a deep sense of duty to the Gambian people.
“As young recruits, you have undergone rigorous training to transform you from civilians to professional police officers,” Barrow said. “Our expectation is that you will exhibit the highest degree of discipline, integrity, and ethical conduct.”
He further urged them to honor the legacy of veteran officers who dedicated their lives to the nation, adding, “You have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the men and women who served before you and devoted their lives to the nation as heroes and heroines.”
IGP Touray Promises Impartiality Amid Public Criticism
Speaking at the same event, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Seedy Muktarr Touray directly addressed long-standing public concerns about alleged bias within the GPF.
“We will not discriminate against anyone because of gender, ethnicity, or religion,” IGP Touray assured. “We continue to collaborate with all security forces to jealously guard the stability of our dear motherland, The Gambia.”
Over the years, the police have faced criticism — particularly during the tenure of former President Yahya Jammeh — for allegedly favoring ruling party supporters in politically sensitive cases. Touray, however, insisted that the GPF is committed to impartial law enforcement.
He pointed to ongoing joint patrols with the armed forces and other security services as part of efforts to boost national security and inter-agency cooperation.
“The composition of this intake is a glaring indication of our commitment to protect the fundamental human rights of Gambians through lawful means,” Touray said.
Regional Cooperation and Crime Prevention
The IGP highlighted the importance of international cooperation in combating increasingly sophisticated and transnational crimes such as cybercrime, money laundering, human trafficking, and arms smuggling.
“Criminals are abusing the opportunities created by globalization and open borders,” he said. “To effectively combat these threats, the GPF must work with law enforcement in friendly countries.”
He acknowledged the support of international partners, including Türkiye, Germany, Rwanda, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal, who have helped build the GPF’s capacity through training, mobility support, uniforms, and logistics.
Touray also emphasized the importance of community policing, calling on citizens to collaborate more closely with law enforcement.
“Timely sharing of information about criminal activity in your communities enables us to uncover countless crimes and prosecute offenders,” he stated. “The police are your brothers and sisters. Their salaries and uniforms are paid by your taxes. Therefore, you should give them all the support they need to protect you from criminals.”
Since the introduction of Security Sector Reform (SSR) following the country’s 2017 democratic transition, the Barrow administration has invested in modernizing The Gambia’s security institutions, including the police. The recruitment and training of new officers form part of this broader strategy to build a people-centered and professional security force.
The graduation of the new recruits, described by officials as the second intake under President Barrow’s leadership, marks a major milestone in the GPF’s reform process and a reaffirmation of the state’s commitment to peace, accountability, and public safety.
