The Gambia is taking a brand new approach to fighting drug addiction and helping those struggling with substance abuse. On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, they broke ground on the country's very first Correction, Rehabilitation, and Treatment Center in Tranquil, Brusubi. It's a huge step forward in tackling the problem of illegal drug use head-on.
The ECOWAS Commission is fully funding the project, and the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) is leading the charge. They're working hand in hand with the Ministry of Interior and key players in public health and social welfare to make it happen.
At the ceremony, DLEAG's Director General Demba Ceesay stressed that this center represents a more understanding and health-focused way of dealing with drug-related issues. He said it'll give hope to people and families whose lives have been torn apart by addiction. Ceesay believes society needs to start seeing young people battling drug abuse as victims, not criminals. The facility will offer rehabilitation and reintegration services to help them piece their lives back together.
The Gambia has been dealing with a growing drug abuse problem for years, especially among its youth. Cannabis is the most commonly abused drug because it's so easy to get, but new synthetic drugs are becoming an even bigger threat. The authorities know that just punishing people isn't enough to solve the problem.
Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang, who led the ceremony, pledged the government's commitment to a well-rounded strategy. He said the war on drugs can't be won by just making arrests. Addiction needs to be tackled through correction, treatment, and rehabilitation. The center will provide counseling, skills training, and alternative sentencing programs for first-time offenders. The goal is to ensure justice isn't just about punishment but also about helping people get back on their feet.
Some big names showed up to the ceremony, like Ambassador Miatta Lily French, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in The Gambia, and Dr. Simeon Koffi, Director of the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority. ECOWAS representatives said they're committed to supporting anti-drug initiatives across the region and emphasized that substance abuse is a growing crisis in West Africa that needs a coordinated response.
DLEAG officials made it clear that the facility won't be operating alone. Healthcare professionals, social welfare workers, and organizations from the community will all play a crucial role in ensuring its success. Ceesay admitted they can't run the center alone. They'll be working with experts in public health, mental health, and social services to provide complete care. The aim is to restore people's dignity and offer real solutions to those struggling with drug addiction.
With construction underway, the country is excited for the center to be finished. It's expected to change lives and redefine how The Gambia approaches substance abuse rehabilitation. This project is a major milestone in the fight against drug addiction and a beacon of hope for those who need it most.
The ECOWAS Commission is fully funding the project, and the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) is leading the charge. They're working hand in hand with the Ministry of Interior and key players in public health and social welfare to make it happen.
At the ceremony, DLEAG's Director General Demba Ceesay stressed that this center represents a more understanding and health-focused way of dealing with drug-related issues. He said it'll give hope to people and families whose lives have been torn apart by addiction. Ceesay believes society needs to start seeing young people battling drug abuse as victims, not criminals. The facility will offer rehabilitation and reintegration services to help them piece their lives back together.
The Gambia has been dealing with a growing drug abuse problem for years, especially among its youth. Cannabis is the most commonly abused drug because it's so easy to get, but new synthetic drugs are becoming an even bigger threat. The authorities know that just punishing people isn't enough to solve the problem.
Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang, who led the ceremony, pledged the government's commitment to a well-rounded strategy. He said the war on drugs can't be won by just making arrests. Addiction needs to be tackled through correction, treatment, and rehabilitation. The center will provide counseling, skills training, and alternative sentencing programs for first-time offenders. The goal is to ensure justice isn't just about punishment but also about helping people get back on their feet.
Some big names showed up to the ceremony, like Ambassador Miatta Lily French, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in The Gambia, and Dr. Simeon Koffi, Director of the ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority. ECOWAS representatives said they're committed to supporting anti-drug initiatives across the region and emphasized that substance abuse is a growing crisis in West Africa that needs a coordinated response.
DLEAG officials made it clear that the facility won't be operating alone. Healthcare professionals, social welfare workers, and organizations from the community will all play a crucial role in ensuring its success. Ceesay admitted they can't run the center alone. They'll be working with experts in public health, mental health, and social services to provide complete care. The aim is to restore people's dignity and offer real solutions to those struggling with drug addiction.
With construction underway, the country is excited for the center to be finished. It's expected to change lives and redefine how The Gambia approaches substance abuse rehabilitation. This project is a major milestone in the fight against drug addiction and a beacon of hope for those who need it most.
