President Barrow Pledges Moral and Material Support to Police Recruits for Effective Law Enforcement

By Makutu Manneh

President Adama Barrow has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting the Gambia Police Force with both moral encouragement and critical resources, underscoring the importance of effective policing in safeguarding national security and public order.

Speaking at the 2024–2025 police passing-out ceremony held in Banjul on August 6, President Barrow assured the 1,300 newly graduated recruits that his administration remains resolute in its efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

“We are aware that proactive policing prevents crimes and reassures citizens, and so is community policing, equally phenomenal,” President Barrow said.

President Barrow affirmed that, as Commander-in-Chief of the Gambia Armed and Security Forces, he remains fully committed to protecting the lives and safety of all Gambians from preventable threats. He emphasized that strengthening and empowering the country’s security services is a key strategy in fulfilling this duty.

He further noted that population growth necessitates a proportional expansion of national security services to maintain public safety and order. In addition, he highlighted the rapid evolution of technology and the widespread use of social media as factors that demand well-equipped and highly capable security personnel.

Against this backdrop, the President described the passing-out of the new police recruits as a clear demonstration of the government’s resolve to build a police force that is adequately staffed, professionally trained, and responsive to emerging security challenges.

“Recognizing that rendering national service to maintain law and order, peace, and freedom is a noble sacrifice any patriotic citizen can offer their country, you have chosen one of the noblest professions in the world – that is, policing,” he said.

He urged the recruits to demonstrate the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and ethical conduct as they begin their careers in public service.

The passing-out ceremony, held on August 6th, marked a historic milestone for the Gambia Police Force, with 1,300 recruits officially commissioned. The event featured a striking parade, as the new officers marched in flawless formation, dressed in the force’s signature blue and black uniforms.