FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Seven-Day Nationwide Campaign Calls for Full Enforcement of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2021

Date: 24 November 2025 PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Seven-Day Nationwide Campaign Calls for Full Enforcement of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2021 The Gambia has concluded a seven-day nationwide popularisation and enforcement campaign on the implementation of the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Act, 2021, with calls for stronger compliance, improved awareness and collective national commitment to disability rights. The regional sensitisation sessions, held from 13–19 November 2025, covered all administrative regions of the country, including: Kanifing Municipality & Greater Banjul Area, West Coast Region, Lower River Region, Central River Region (North and South), North Bank Region, and Upper River Region.
The engagements brought together representatives from Government ministries, Local Government authorities, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), civil society, and development partners. The initiative aimed to strengthen understanding of the PWD Act, ensure adherence to national legal standards, and promote full realisation of disability rights across communities. Officials highlighted that enforcement of the Act became effective after its two-year transition period (2023–2024), placing legal obligations on all institutions, construction companies, public service providers, and individuals. Stakeholders were reminded that violations—including denial of access to education, employment, transport or communication—attract penalties of D50,000 to D100,000, six months’ imprisonment, or both. A key announcement during the campaign was the pending inauguration of the National Disability Advisory Council Secretariat, which will handle daily coordination, complaints, and engagement with authorities to ensure full compliance nationwide. Across all seven regions, participants made unified recommendations, calling on the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities to: Ensure full implementation and monitoring of Section 70 of the PWD Act. Hold duty bearers accountable for non-compliance.
Develop an implementation of roadmap in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare. Raise stakeholders and community awareness of the PWD Act. Establish a monitoring framework with actionable timelines. Work with the NHRC and Ministry of Justice for regular national monitoring. Facilitate continuous dialogue between stakeholders and persons with disabilities. Urge the Minister of Gender and the President to formally announce the official commencement of enforcement to ensure nationwide compliance.
The Government and stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing disability rights, emphasising that the full implementation of the PWD Act aligns with international human rights standards, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). “This work requires collective effort,” officials stated. “Let us work together to make The Gambia an inclusive and safe nation for all persons with disabilities.” END
For further information please contact: His Worship Muhammed Krubally, Chairman of the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities (NACPWD) Contact/ Phone Number/WhatsApp: +220 77 393 29 Email: muhammedkrubally@gmail.com

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