Following the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, His Excellency, President Adama Barrow on Wednesday presided over the swearing-in of Justice Amina Saho Ceesay as a Judge of the Court of Appeal of The Gambia. Speaking at the ceremony, President Barrow called Justice Saho's appointment a result of hard work, talent, and demonstration of great expertise over the years.
While lauding her for her impressive professional track record, the President stated that Justice Saho's experience would be invaluable to the sustenance of the legal profession's work ethics and standards in the country. The President also stated that Ms Saho Ceesay’s appointment will go a long way in solidifying the jurisprudence of the Court of Appeal, noting that the judiciary has seen remarkable improvements under the leadership of His Lordship the Chief Justice.
President Barrow also praised the remarkable strides taken by the Judiciary to ensure the continuity of proceedings despite the COVID-19 induced constraints; ‘’It is also fitting on this occasion to acknowledge, with appreciation, the improvements recorded by the Judiciary as regards the disposal of cases. The innovative approaches adopted as a result of the circumstances imposed upon us by the COVID-19 Pandemic, make these achievements even more appreciable’’. President Barrow observed.
In decision making and acts taken in line with defending the rule of law, the President urged judicial staff to be guided by the values of independence, impartiality, and objectivity. He also stated that the new Judiciary Strategic Plan would significantly address the majority of the gaps that must be addressed as we move forward with the reform process of the judiciary.
President Barrow also expressed joy at his government's progress in realising its objective of making the judiciary "very Gambian." He went on to say that, it is even more pleasing and a cause of pride to highlight that the government has not only accomplished this but also achieved the much-needed gender balance at all levels of the judiciary.
He concluded by urging everyone to continue to support the judiciary in The Gambia in order to achieve our mutual goals of promoting, safeguarding, and upholding the rule of law and respect for fundamental human rights.
