Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Ombudsman, Bakary K. Sanyang, on Friday presented the 2021 and 2022 reports to President Adama Barrow, as mandated by the constitution. The reports provided a comprehensive overview of the country’s pressing issues, focusing on the conditions within prisons, the integrity of public officials, and the conduct of various public institutions.
Prison Conditions and Abuse of Power
A significant portion of the reports is dedicated to the deplorable conditions in the nation’s prisons. The Ombudsman detailed the office’s routine visits to prisons, where they investigated the living conditions of prisoners and the working conditions of prison officers. The reports highlighted cases of abuse of power and misconduct by authorities, raising concerns about human rights violations and the need for urgent reforms.
In response, President Barrow acknowledged the gravity of the situation and announced the government’s plan to build new prisons and rehabilitation centers. This initiative is aimed at improving the well-being of prisoners and helping them reintegrate into society as productive citizens. The President’s commitment signals a potential shift towards more humane and development-focused correctional facilities.
Reluctance in Asset Declarations
Another critical issue raised in the reports was the reluctance of some senior public officials to comply with the constitutional requirement of declaring their properties and assets. The Ombudsman stressed that these declarations are essential for preventing conflicts of interest and ensuring transparency and integrity within the government. Despite this, the reports indicated that a number of senior officials have yet to fulfill this obligation, raising concerns about accountability in public service.
The reluctance of these officials to come forward with their declarations has fueled suspicions of corruption, which could undermine public trust in the government. The Ombudsman urged the government to enforce these requirements more strictly to promote a culture of transparency and accountability.
Electoral Observations and Collaboration with the Ministry of Justice
The reports also highlighted the Ombudsman’s involvement in electoral observation, providing valuable insights into the voter registration process and ensuring that interviews were conducted fairly. This contribution is part of the office’s broader effort to support free and fair elections in the country.
In addition, Mr. Hussein Thomasi, Solicitor General at the Ministry of Justice, underscored the importance of collaboration between the Ombudsman’s office and the Ministry of Justice. He emphasized that such cooperation is crucial in addressing issues of contention within public institutions.
Presidential Response
President Barrow commended the Ombudsman’s office for its thorough investigations and reiterated his commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in all government agencies. He encouraged the Ombudsman to maintain its independence, ensuring that the office continues to serve as a watchdog for the protection of citizens’ rights and well-being.
Plans for new prison infrastructure and a renewed focus on transparency among public officials have long be sought by the general public and human rights organizations. It remains to be seen if the government will now seriously address some of the most pressing concerns identified by the Ombudsman.
Meanwhile, the Ombudsman’s 2021 and 2022 reports serve as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges in the areas of prison conditions, public sector integrity, and electoral fairness. As the government takes steps to address these issues, the role of the Ombudsman remains vital in ensuring that reforms are implemented effectively and that the rights and welfare of citizens are protected.
