By: Sering Mass Jallow
The Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Rohey John Manjang has disclosed that the government, through the National Environment Agency (NEA), spent about D1.2 million within five days to enforce the ban on plastic bags in The Gambia.
She made the disclosure on Thursday at the Mansa Kunda Town Hall meeting held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, organized by the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment.
The forum brought together citizens and media professionals for an open dialogue with government officials on environmental policies, achievements, challenges, and ongoing initiatives.
Minister Manjang says enforcement of the plastic ban remains costly and challenging, noting that delays in court prosecutions are also affecting implementation efforts.
She expressed concern over prolonged legal processes involving offenders, saying such delays undermine timely accountability and weaken enforcement outcomes.
“Enforcement is expensive. What we must do together is to explore more sustainable solutions,” she said.
The minister said the ministry, in collaboration with the NEA, is revising the National Environment Management Act, which is expected to strengthen environmental governance once approved by the National Assembly.
She said the proposed law will introduce spot fines and strengthen enforcement powers for environmental officers, helping to reduce the number of cases taken to court and improving compliance.
According to her, an enforcement unit has also been established in collaboration with the Gambia Police Force to support implementation once the legislation is fully enacted.
She added that cabinet has approved the gazetting of more than 50 enforcement officers as part of efforts to strengthen institutional capacity.
“We are building our own capacity. We are preparing our ground and building momentum,” she said.
Minister Manjang further stressed the need for alternative and sustainable solutions to reduce plastic waste, calling for collective responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.