Five years after The Gambia took a significant step towards protecting the rights of persons with disabilities by enacting the Disability Act 2021, an uncomfortable question remains: has the law translated into meaningful change?
The concerns raised by the Chairman and Secretary General of the National Organization for the Disabled and Orphans (NODO), Lamin Manneh, deserve serious attention from policymakers. While some of his claims require official verification, they point to a broader issue that cannot be ignored—the gap between legislative promises and practical implementation.
Passing progressive legislation is often celebrated as evidence of political commitment. Yet laws are only as effective as their enforcement. If provisions such as the reservation of 3 percent of public sector jobs for persons with disabilities are not being implemented, then the objectives of the Act remain largely symbolic. Inclusion cannot be achieved through legislation alone; it requires deliberate action, adequate resources and sustained political will.
Persons with disabilities continue to encounter barriers in employment, education, healthcare and public services. These are not acts of charity that they seek but rights guaranteed by law and reinforced by international conventions to which The Gambia is a party. Every capable citizen deserves an equal opportunity to contribute to national development, irrespective of physical or sensory limitations.
Government deserves recognition for enacting the Disability Act and for allocating funding for disability programmes in recent budgets. Such measures indicate growing awareness of disability issues within public policy. However, the effectiveness of these allocations must be measured by tangible outcomes rather than budget figures alone. Are more persons with disabilities finding employment? Are schools becoming more accessible? Are healthcare facilities equipped to serve their needs? These are the indicators that truly matter.
The reported inadequacy of financial support to disability organisations also warrants review. Organisations working directly with vulnerable communities often fill gaps that government institutions cannot reach. Providing them with sustainable funding should be viewed as an investment in social inclusion rather than a discretionary expense.
Beyond financial support, government ministries, departments and agencies should be held accountable for implementing disability-inclusive policies. Recruitment processes, public infrastructure, transport systems, communication services and educational institutions must all reflect the principles enshrined in the Disability Act. Accessibility should become a standard feature of public planning, not an afterthought.
The private sector also has a role to play. Employers should recognise that persons with disabilities possess valuable skills, qualifications and experience. Inclusive workplaces not only strengthen businesses but also demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunity and social justice.
Equally important is the need to combat the stigma that still surrounds disability. Discrimination often stems from ignorance rather than inability. Public awareness campaigns, stronger advocacy and positive representation can help change perceptions and foster a more inclusive society.
The true measure of a nation’s development lies not in the laws it passes but in how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. The Disability Act 2021 provides a solid legal framework. What is needed now is determined implementation, transparent monitoring and accountability. If the rights guaranteed on paper are not realised in practice, the promise of inclusion remains unfulfilled.
The Government should engage disability organisations, assess the implementation of the Act and publish measurable progress on its commitments. Persons with disabilities are not asking for special treatment; they are demanding equal opportunities, equal dignity and equal participation in the life of the nation. Those are not privileges. They are fundamental rights that should no longer be delayed.
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