President Barrow Pledges To Consider Release Of Jailed Drifters

By Makutu Manneh 

President Adama Barrow has pledged to consider the release of drifters currently in prison, stating that they were jailed to learn a lesson and not because they are hated.

He made the pledge during a meeting with the Gambia Motorsports Association on Friday at State House, adding that he believes the jailed drifters have now learnt their lessons. 

“So we will consider their release, I have the powers to remove them from prison. You coming here today will make me talk to my minister of justice to start the process,” he said. The young drifters cheered and clapped with joy as the president made the pledge. 

President Barrow said he feels the pain of the young drivers, adding that prison is difficult, especially for a young person who should be in school or starting work. He said government does not want that for them and will make a decision to release them but warned them not to break the law.

He told the association they now have the Minister of Youth and Sports to communicate with. He said whatever they need, they can go to Seedy Njie and Mama Kandeh and his youth presidents so that they can have what they want and government can also have what it wants.

In The Gambia, drifting has grown in recent years among young drivers, many of them teenagers. The main group calls itself the Outlawz.

Drifting in The Gambia is mostly done on public roads, beaches, open fields, football fields and residential streets, not on a designated track.

The practice has become controversial because of safety concerns as it has caused accidents, deaths, serious injuries, property damage and traffic standstills.

In August 2025, a convoy of over 30 drifters entered Jabang and clashed with residents. Twenty-two drifters were arrested and five were later convicted for reckless driving, unlicensed driving and unauthorized use of tinted glass.

In the same month, a drifter at Abuko Lower Basic School seriously injured a Grade 6 pupil. The drifter was sentenced to three years imprisonment with hard labour and ordered to pay D1 million in compensation.

The Gambia Police Force has declared a zero-tolerance policy on drifting. The government has said current fines under the Motor Traffic Act are too low and has proposed tougher penalties of up to D30,000 or three to five years imprisonment.

At the same time, many young people and motorsport supporters argue that drifting should be developed as a regulated sport with a dedicated track, a national association, training, insurance and safety rules instead of only being treated as a crime.