By Makutu Manneh
On the occasion of International Youth Day, Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda of the Kanifing Municipal Council delivered a passionate and urgent appeal to young Gambians engaging in the dangerous practice of drifting on public roads. Addressing the issue with the tone of a concerned elder brother, Mayor Bensouda stressed that while youth energy and enthusiasm should be celebrated, reckless driving in public spaces poses serious dangers to both participants and innocent bystanders.
The mayor’s remarks came in the wake of a recent tragic incident in Abuko, where a young boy was struck by a drifting vehicle and left with severe injuries. Using this case as a stark reminder of the potential consequences, Mayor Bensouda described drifting on public roads as both illegal and life-threatening.
“Drifting on public roads is not only against the law; it is an imminent danger to everyone around. A vehicle, when driven recklessly, can become a lethal weapon,” he said. “The faster it moves, the more destructive it can be.”
Mayor Bensouda acknowledged that drifting is a popular activity worldwide, often seen as a sport or form of entertainment. However, he emphasized that in countries where drifting is recognized, it is conducted within regulated environments equipped with safety measures, proper infrastructure, and professional oversight.
He urged local youth involved in drifting to redirect their passion towards creating a safe and structured outlet for the activity. Specifically, he encouraged them to form associations, work together, and engage investors or private partners to finance the construction of a licensed drifting facility. Such a space, he suggested, could provide the excitement of the sport while minimizing the risks to life and property.
“With proper planning, the use of safety gear, and technical expertise, drifting can be organized in a way that ensures everyone’s safety,” he stated. “No one is saying you must stop drifting altogether — but it cannot be done on public roads where lives are at stake.”
The mayor also appealed to the sense of responsibility among young people, reminding them that they are the future leaders and drivers of progress in The Gambia. He encouraged them to channel their creativity and energy into activities that enhance their well-being and strengthen community safety.
“Parents are now living in fear when their children go outside, worried about the possibility of a drifting accident,” he noted. “This is not the kind of environment we should be creating for our communities.”
Addressing the belief among some that the government should fund and construct a drifting facility, Mayor Bensouda clarified that this is not a realistic expectation. “This is a costly sport,” he explained. “It is not the role of the government to build such facilities; rather, it is the responsibility of those who are passionate about the sport to work together and seek funding to make it a reality.”
Concluding his remarks, the mayor reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safe recreational activities for young people but urged that all such pursuits must be conducted with the safety, legality, and welfare of the wider community in mind.