GFD Chairman Muhammen Krubally was re-elected unopposed as Chairman of the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) during a Congress held at the Moses Lodge in Jarra Soma, Lower River Region (LRR), about 180 Kilometres from the Capital- Banjul.
The Congress was held, alongside the Commemoration of the International Day of Persons With Disabilities Celebration from 9 to 11 February 2024, bringing toge
Other newly elected GFD Board members are: Jabel Ceesay- First Vice Chairman, Modou Gaye- 2nd Vice Chairman, Abdoulie A.O Bah- Secretary General, Ousman Bojang- re-ether 19 Disabled People's Organisations (DPOs) representatives forming the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) drawn from various regions of The Gambia.lected Treasurer;
Elected Ordinary Board Members are: Sheriff Kinteh, Sheriff Kanyi, Lamin Colley and
Madam Isatou Gano.
Speaking at the opening Ceremony, Muhammed Krubally, GFD Chairman among others said GFD's mission statement is empowweerment, equity and integration of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
He said the gathering commemorates the international day of PWDs, courtesy of the UN Resolution that every 3rd December PWDs gather and celebrate themselves and stakeholders accountable. He added that the day should have been celebrated since 3rd December 2023, but couldn't due to logistical challenges.
He added that the Theme for 2023 December- is "United in action to rescue and achieve the SGDs agenda 2030 whose mantra is leaving no one behind, for, with PWDs; which is very important in the lives of PWDs. That's why we are gathered here today inviting stakeholders to stand in solidarity with us to ensure that the SDGs 2030 agenda is achieved.
"Article 3 of UN Convention on the Rights of PWDs and Section 4 of PWDs Act 2021 of The Gambia cautions that PWDs have principles that need not be compromised, namely: Respect for Inherent Dignity, Individual Freedom/autonomy, including respecting the rights of PWDs and independence of PWDs, non-discrimination, full and effective participation of PWDs in society, accessibility, respect for difference and acceptance of PWDs in society as part of humanity and human diversity, equality between men and women, equal opportunities, respect for the rights of children with disabilities, in order to preserve their identities. These are our core principles that need not to be compromised with," said Mr Krubally who is also Principal Magistrate in Banjul, and the only visually Impaired Magistrate in The Gambia.
Krubally said in his earlier statement that GFD dissolved its board in 2018, following their members' dissatisfactions, which resulted in the closure of the then GFD Office. An Interim Board was constituted in which he was elected interim Chairman, and he led the Federation to a Congress in 2019, where he was elected for four years as Chairman. He said during his term also the Disability Act 2021 was passed, ensuring guarantee for disability rights. Implementation mechanisms will be passed by the national assembly in 2024 to ensure that PWDs' rights will not be trampled upon.
He recollected on the numerous achievements he realised during this period, including ensuring functional office, with appointment of an Executive Director to date, building relations with Government, NGOs, Parastatals, individuals and individuals.
He also explains that this is his second term in office, as the GFD Constitution allows for board members to hold office for two terms.
Jankoba Jabbi, Director of Social Welfare on behalf of Mrs Fatou Kinteh - Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare affirmed Government's commitment through her ministry to "embark on every possible means to ensure that the full independence of persons with disabilities is realised, through the provision of their basic needs.
He among others said Government commitments are manifested through domestication of international legal instruments guaranteeing rights of PWDs, and the institution of Disability Advisory Council, headed by the GFD Chairman.
Ms. Sirra Horeja Ndow - UNAIDS Country Director on behalf of UN Resident Coordinator in said The Gambia ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) 2015, adding: "In 2021, The Gambia subsequently domesticated this Convention by enacting the Disabilities Act in July 2021."
She noted that The Gambia’s Green Focused National Development Plan has a pillar dedicated to empowerment, social inclusion, and leaving no one behind, including PWDs . "These actions signal a positive trajectory towards fulfilling state obligations towards the protection of the rights of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). Despite this, PWDs continue to face stigma and discrimination and exclusion, resulting in non-enjoyment of their rights with adverse effects on their overall well-being and potential. UNAIDS is committed to ensuring that countries have policies that promote zero Discrimination on the basis of disabilities," she among others said.
Other speakers included Landing B. Sanneh, Chairman of Mansakonko Area Council, Mr Edrissa Waggeh- Representative of the LRR Governor; while Mr Sainey Camara, a private consultant, served as program moderator.
The Congress was conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
Sessions during the Congress included Presentations of activities by DPOs, HIV sensetisation session and testing.
Ousman Bojang- GFD Treasurer presented the GFD Financial Report
Delegates also among others expressed the need for PWDs to unite and work together to achieve common objectives. Delegates especially from the Upper River Region said PWDs in their area lack walking equipment, such as skrutches, Wheelchairs, while children lack access to education. Some handicaps stay indoors for years because they don't have the means to walk. They call for more support for PWDs
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