Officials Renew Push for Enforcement of Gambia’s 2021 Disability Act

Government officials and disability-rights advocates have renewed calls for strict enforcement of The Gambia’s Persons with Disabilities Act, 2021, as nationwide sensitisation sessions begin across the regions. The engagements—led by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare and the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities (NACPWD)—kicked off on 13 November at the GOVI Resource Centre in Kanifing, and continued the following day in Brikama. Sessions in the remaining regions begin Monday, 17 November. His Worship Muhammed Krubally, Chairman of the Advisory Council and the country’s only visually impaired magistrate, said the sensitisation is funded through the National Disability Fund, as required under the Act. He urged institutions and communities to comply fully with the law. Enforcement Now Active Principal Social Welfare Officer Modou Suwareh reminded participants that the Act’s two-year transition period ended between 2023 and 2024, activating full enforcement. “All institutions and individuals are now obligated to comply,” he said. “If you are constructing a building, you must ensure accessibility.” Officials warned that violations of disability rights attract penalties of D50,000 or six months’ imprisonment for individuals, and D100,000 for companies. Need for Data and Accessibility Advocates called for reliable, disaggregated disability data to guide planning and service delivery. They also emphasised the urgent need for accessible infrastructure, communication and public services. Mr. Sainey Camara, Acting Executive Director of GFD, said only about 3% of persons with disabilities complete basic or secondary education, calling for stronger support systems. He also announced a national disability survey in 2026, the first since 1998, funded by the World Bank. Progress Reported The Ministry highlighted major achievements since the Act came into force, including: D4 million annually allocated to the National Disability Fund, with an increase expected in 2026; Ten OPDs receiving D50,000 grants in 2024; A fully refurbished Advisory Council Secretariat at the National Rehabilitation Centre; Free rehabilitation and assistive devices at the Centre, with a new facility opening in Bwiam by January. Officials reaffirmed that the Disability Act is aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Citizens Urged to Speak Out Krubally encouraged the public to report abuses: “If you don’t want to pay D50,000 or go to prison for six months, don’t violate the rights of a person with a disability,” he said. Working Toward Inclusion The Ministry said decentralisation and improved accessibility remain long-term goals but stressed that progress is ongoing. “No country can achieve everything at once,” an official noted. “Step by step, through partnership, we will build the inclusive society we envision.”

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