His concerns come in the wake of The Gambia’s 60th Independence celebrations, where he observed the absence of people with disabilities at the VIP pavilion.
Speaking in a recent interview, Bah expressed disappointment over this exclusion, emphasising that it highlights a broader issue of neglect toward people with disabilities. He reaffirmed his solidarity with them and stressed that inclusion should be a fundamental principle in national events and development efforts.
“As we celebrate 60 years of independence, we must reflect not only on our achievements but also on the areas where we need to improve. The absence of persons with disabilities at such a significant event is deeply concerning and should serve as a wakeup call for all of us. These individuals are an integral part of our society and have a crucial role to play in our nation’s progress,” he stated.
The MP further noted that The Gambia has made progress since gaining independence in 1965, but meaningful development can only be achieved when every citizen is given equal opportunity to participate in national affairs. He urged the government to take concrete steps toward inclusive governance, ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully integrated into decision making processes, public events, and development programs.
“Inclusion should not be an afterthought. It should be a priority. The government must demonstrate its commitment by implementing the Disabilities Act 2021 effectively and ensuring that persons with disabilities are not sidelined in national activities. They deserve the same recognition and opportunities as every other citizen,” he added.
Bah concluded by calling for a collective effort from policymakers, civil society, and the general public to promote equal rights and create a more inclusive society. “The sustainable development of The Gambia depends on how well we support and uplift all members of our society. I urge the government to take immediate action to ensure that persons with disabilities are given the dignity, respect, and opportunities they rightfully deserve,” he stated.
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