By: Fatou Krubally
The Gambia on Tuesday joined nations around the world in commemorating World Metrology Day under the theme “Measurements for All Times, For All People,” with a strong reaffirmation of its commitment to fair trade, scientific progress, and consumer protection.
Delivering the keynote address, Trade Minister Hon. Baboucarr Joof described measurement as the silent force that powers daily life from buying fuel and food to monitoring medical equipment and safeguarding the environment.
“Measurement is a foundation for trust in commerce and science,” he said, adding that this year also marks the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention signed in Paris in 1875 an event that formalized international cooperation in measurement science.
In a landmark announcement, Minister Joof disclosed that the Government had integrated the Weights and Measures Department into the Gambia Standards Bureau (GSB) as the new Department of Legal Metrology, following the recent passage of the Legal Metrology Act 2025, signed into law by President Adama Barrow in April.
“This reform aligns with our vision to create a more efficient institutional structure and deliver metrology services that support all sectors of the economy,” Minister Joof stated.
He noted that the Gambia Standards Bureau, including the newly formed department, would roll out a series of public awareness and training programs to mark the occasion, particularly focused on the revised Legal Metrology Act.
“From small-scale vendors to industrial operators, everyone has a stake in this,” the Minister emphasized, urging all stakeholders and consumers to participate in the activities and help strengthen the national measurement system.
