He added that lack of modern technological infrastructure in some departments slows his Ministry efforts to improve efficiency and accessibility.
The Minister of justice made this remarks during the opening of the legal year 2025.
Honorable Jallow said capacity gaps also remain a pressing issue. "A critical shortage of personnel in various departments places undue strain on existing staff and limits their ability to respond swiftly to emerging legal challenges," he said.
"We are committed to addressing these gaps by recruiting more professionals and investing in continuous professional development to equip our workforce with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of today’s legal landscape."
He further said they are determined to strengthen their institutions further by intensifying their recruitment efforts, prioritizing investments in modern technology, and implementing a comprehensive digital case management system to streamline operations and improve service delivery.
According to him, their public engagement efforts will also be expanded, through radio, television, and social media, to increase efforts to educate citizens about their rights and the legal services available to them at the ministry.
"We will intensify outreach programs in rural and underserved areas, ensuring that justice is accessible to all, regardless of location," he stated.
On Criminal Justice and Prosecutorial Reforms, the Justice minister said the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had made remarkable progress over the past year, as the DPP had handled an unprecedented caseload, ensuring that justice is delivered swiftly and fairly.
"One of our most significant achievements has been our relentless fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)," he said, adding that through targeted prosecutions and public awareness campaigns, they have sent a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated in The Gambia.
He said the ongoing digitization of their case management system has begun to transform how they handle cases, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability. "Despite resource constraints, we have ensured that prosecutors are present in all courts nationwide, reaffirming our commitment to justice delivery," he added.
He noted that the fight against human trafficking remains one of the most urgent priorities, under the leadership of the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (NAATIP). "We have implemented groundbreaking initiatives, including a national trafficking database, public sensation and a toll-free hotline. These efforts have significantly strengthened our capacity to combat this heinous crime," he assured.
The Gambia’s consecutive Tier 2 rankings in the U.S. State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report are a testament to their unwavering commitment to eradicating human trafficking, he cited, saying the National Agency for Legal Aid (NALA) had made remarkable strides in expanding access to justice.
“In 2024, NALA’s mobile legal aid clinics reached over 50 communities, empowering citizens, particularly those in marginalized areas, with essential legal knowledge and support,” he said.
However, he said NALA’s efforts to reduce prolonged pretrial detention have also been critical in safeguarding due process and the rights of detainees.
The Alternative Dispute Resolution Secretariat (ADRS) has continued to be a beacon of progress, he said, adding: “In 2024, ADRS resolved 90% of the 76 cases registered, providing a peaceful and efficient alternative to the traditional court system.”
He said that through innovative outreach campaigns, they had raised public awareness about the benefits of alternative dispute resolution, fostering a culture of peaceful conflict resolution.
