Justice Jallow swears in 3 High Court Judges

The Judges are two Nigerians and a Ghanaian, namely Hon. Justice Ruqayat Oremei Ayoola, Hon. Justice Mohammed Lekan Owolabi, and Hon. Justice George Appah Kwabeng.

Speaking on Wednesday at the swearing-in ceremony at the High Court in Banjul, Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow described the new judges as specialists and well experienced professionals in legal processes.

Justice Jallow further expressed optimism that the newly appointed judges would do their best in the country’s judicial system. 

He also urged them to emulate the good work that Nigerians and Ghanaian judges had done in the country over the past years.  

“I will also thank your governments for responding positively. Nigerian and Ghana have been our long-time partners,” he said.

He revealed that currently the Judicial Service Commission is reviewing appointments of some local judicial professionals who would be sworn in as high court judges in 2024.

Representing the Minister of Justice, Hussein Thomasi, Solicitor General at the Ministry of Justice, commended the Presidents and Governments of Ghana and Nigeria for assisting The Gambia’s judicial system with such professionals.

He said the role of   High Court Judges are crucial, adding the new judges would contribute to the efficiency of the judicial system.

Solicitor General Thomasi stated that The Gambia Government is committed to improving the infrastructure of the judiciary as well enhance welfare of its professionals to enhance legal proceedings in the country.

Speaking on behalf of The Gambia Bar Association, Ida Drammeh, senior lawyer, assured that the Bar would fully support the newly appointed judges.

“We are all here with the same mission and that is to ensure there is justice,” she said.

She said Nigerian and Ghanaian lawyers have been contributing to the efficiency of the judicial system, while expressing optimism that the new High Court Judges will also contribute their quota to the legal sector.

Hon. Justice Ruqayat Oremei Ayoola, one of the newly appointed judges, commended the Chief Justice and the Government of The Gambia for giving them the opportunity to serve the country in the country’s judicial sector.

She assured that they would execute their duties as expected. She also thanked the people of The Gambia for the support and hospitality given to them since they came to the country.