By Fatou Sillah
The Office of the Chief Justice has announced the creation of a Users Committee for the Commercial Division of the High Court, an initiative intended to strengthen the handling of business-related cases and improve judicial efficiency.
According to an official statement, the committee’s central mandate is to promote the effective functioning of the Commercial Court and to recommend measures that will enhance the management and timely resolution of commercial disputes.
“The primary mandate of the committee is to promote the efficiency of the Commercial Court and recommend measures to improve the management of commercial cases,” the statement said.
The committee held its inaugural meeting on April 1, 2026, at the Office of the Chief Justice. It brings together representatives from the judiciary, government institutions, financial bodies, and civil society organizations, reflecting what officials described as a broad, collaborative approach to reform.
The Commercial Division currently comprises Justice G. A. Kwabeng, Justice Yakarr H. Roberts, and Justice Sonia E. Akinbiyi. The division was established to ensure the swift hearing and determination of commercial cases, with the broader aim of reducing delays and strengthening confidence in the legal system’s capacity to resolve business disputes.
Officials said the initiative is also intended to bolster investor confidence and support national development. “The establishment of the court is designed to help reduce delays and enhance confidence in the management of commercial cases,” the statement said, emphasizing its importance to economic growth.
In remarks accompanying the launch, Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow highlighted the link between efficient dispute resolution and investment decisions. He said investors are more likely to commit resources to jurisdictions where commercial disputes are resolved in a timely, transparent, and fair manner.
The creation of the Commercial Division, he added, is expected to improve The Gambia’s attractiveness as a destination for investment.
Justice Omar Njie, who led the study on the establishment of the division, has been appointed chair of the Users Committee. Pa Alieu Ndow of the Gambia Bankers’ Association will serve as deputy chair.
The Chief Justice said the committee’s inclusive composition underscores a commitment to stakeholder engagement and cooperation in strengthening the administration of justice.
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