Dr. Ceesay Says Public Safety Remains Government’s Top Priority Amid Rising Crime Concerns

By Fatou Sillah

The Gambia government is intensifying efforts to address public concerns over crime, with the Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, saying the safety and security of citizens remains one of the administration’s highest priorities.

Speaking in an interview with West Coast Radio, Dr. Ceesay acknowledged growing anxiety over violent incidents in communities but said the government was working closely with security agencies to strengthen crime prevention and law enforcement.

He said that while criminal activity is a challenge faced by countries worldwide, the government has increased investment in the Gambia Police Force through the provision of additional vehicles, expanded community policing initiatives, and more visible patrols aimed at improving public safety.

“Every Gambian must be safe and free from violence; however, no country can have a zero-crime society,” Dr. Ceesay said. “These are challenges that we are facing, and we are doing everything possible to ensure that we Gambians are safe.”

Dr. Ceesay said police have intensified operations targeting criminal networks, citing the recent arrest of a gang accused of carrying out criminal activities in the Kanifing Municipality as an example of the security services’ ongoing efforts.

He said the government views public security as a matter of national importance and will continue coordinating closely with the police to respond to emerging threats and protect lives and property.

“We are aware of this problem, and we take it very seriously, and we are working very closely with the police,” he said.