By Aminata AP Ceesay
The National Transport Association through the Office of the President of the Gambia donated Two (2) minibuses to the Gambia Prison Service (GPS).
Speaking during the handing over ceremony held at the State Central Prison Banjul, Hon Siaka Sonko, the Minister of Interior said this magnanimous gesture could not come at a better time as the GPS is faced with mobility challenges especially transporting officers to and from work.
“The donation of these minibuses would ease the transportation constraints of officers by enhancing punctuality and making their work easy and effective. This valuable intervention is a clear manifestation of the government’s continuous commitment to supporting the Gambia’s security sector in a bid to ensure that the security and safety of the people is guaranteed.”
The Director General of the GPS, Ansumana Manneh, expressed gratitude to the President saying the buses will help increase and improve transportation challenges faced by the GPS administration.
“The GPS has been struggling with challenges relating to transportation for many years to help facilitate the transportation and access to the mobility of our officers and also inmates court, hospitals, and so on. The prison department is faced with massive mobility problems which had long been an outcry for the personnel, and if not tackled holistically the institution will not be able to meet its aim and objectives, to enhance efficient and effective service delivery.
“I hope the government will continue to do its best to transform the prison environment in line with international standards and best practices,” he stated.
The GPS management, he said is committed to the transformation of The Gambia Prison environment based upon international human rights standards that respond to the well-being and livelihood of both the inmates and the prison officers.
Hon Mamaji Njie advised the GPS officers to be dedicated and work together for their country since it belongs to all, and urged them not to be divided by tribalism. “We must respect each other’s tribe and respect each other for us to be able to work side by side as human beings and then as Gambians.”
