By: Fatou Krubally
The Driving Schools Association of The Gambia (DSAG) was officially launched on Tuesday at Alliance Française, uniting dozens of driving schools under one national umbrella in a move aimed at promoting road safety, professional standards, and quality driver education across the country.
The theme “Safe Journeys Start Here” drew support from government officials, law enforcement, and transport unions, all of whom praised the initiative as timely and critical amid rising traffic-related deaths and injuries.
“This is a historic day, the era of fragmented and unregulated driver training is over,” said DSAG President Molamin Badjie. “From now on, every registered driving school will be held to a common standard. We will work with all stakeholders to ensure discipline, safety, and proper certification.”
Commissioner King Colley of the Gambia Police Force also addressed the gathering, stressing that driving schools must see law enforcement officers as allies, not obstacles. “We are here to ensure safety, not to punish unnecessarily. Let us work together to change the mindset of drivers,” he urged.
Dr. Gassama, a member of the youth development and transport committee, highlighted the economic and social importance of proper driver training. “This is not just about teaching people how to drive. It’s about empowering young Gambians with skills that can provide jobs and protect lives,” he said.
Veteran advocate Aunty Isatou K. Sawaneh used her platform to call for more inclusion of women in the driving profession. “Driving is not only for men. We want our daughters to become certified, professional drivers, too,” she told the gathering.
Mayor Talib Bensouda of Kanifing Municipal Council expressed readiness to work with DSAG, especially in integrating road safety data and training into local transport policy. “We support this effort fully,” he said.
Transport Union President Omar Ceesay closed the event with a rallying call: “We need to stop the blame game between drivers, police, and government. This association is a step in the right direction. Let’s support it.”
The DSAG’s formation is expected to bring lasting reforms to driver training, testing, and licensing in The Gambia, with a strong emphasis on professionalism, safety, and accountability.
