Judiciary Appoints Three Magistrates and One Justice of the Peace

Group Photo (c) Askanwi

By Haddy Ceesay

The Government of the Gambia under the auspice of the Judicial Service Commission headed by the Chief Justice appointed three new first-class Magistrates and one Justice of the Peace on 25th September 2024 at the Banjul Court House Building in Independence Drive.

The three first-class Magistrates appointed are Magistrates Ababacarr Fofana for Brikama court, Michella Mendy for Bundung court, Binta Sowe for Kanifing Court and Kemo Kanteh who was the only appointed Justice of the Peace.

Presiding over the swearing in ceremony was Chief Justice Hassan B Jallow who highlighted that the Government is looking to appoint more Magistrates and High court Judges. According to information received by this medium some Magistrates resigned recently which prompted the appointment of more Magistrates. In total there are approximately 28 Magistrates within the Judiciary presently.

Chief Justice Hassan B Jallow (c) Askanwi

Chief Justice Jallow noted that all of the appointments preceded a thorough examination and evaluation process which found the four appointees deserving and qualified to occupy their positions. He wished them a successful tenure of office and highlighted that although the role of a Magistrates and adjudicating is a very difficult and challenging tasks, he expressed confidence in their ability to discharge their duty. Chief Justice Jallow noted that Magistrates will be required to makes some difficult decisions which are part of their responsibilities during their attachment.

Chief Justice Jallow also revealed that their appointment and swearing in is an effort towards strengthening the capacity of the Courts and revealed that the Judiciary is targeting more appointments of local Magistrates. The Judiciary is focusing on upgrading the quality of its services by improving on efficiency and appointing more Gambians in such positions whom the Chief Justice hopes will uphold their tenure of service until retirement or to be promoted to the High Bench if and when suitable.

Chief Justice Jallow noted that His Excellency, President Adama Barrow recently appointed three Gambians as High Court Judges which he says is part of the process of strengthening the capacity of the High Court.

First Class Magistrates Michella Mendy with Mic and Ababacarr Fofana (c) Askanwi

Newly appointed first class Magistrate Michella Mendy spoke on behalf of the four newly appointed Magistrates and Justice of the Peace. She expressed her confidence that due process was followed in the process of appointment and pledged that they would make well informed decisions based on the law and evidence presented in court. Magistrate Mendy noted that they are all committed to make a “positive impact in the judiciary by utilizing their motivation, dedications and skills acquired from their experience in private practice’’.

She added that they are eager to contribute positively towards the legal system and to uphold the principles of Justice. Magistrate Mendy added that as newly appointed Magistrates and Justice of the Peace, they pledge to uphold the General Orders and relevant Government regulations set by the Judiciary Services Commission.

In conclusion Magistrate Mendy stated that they “are prepared to fulfil all responsibilities that comes with [their] role as Magistrates [and that they are committed] to adhering to the Judges Supplementary Code of Conduct and the Code of Conduct for Legal Practitioners Act 2011. Our goal is to have a significant [positive] impact on the Judiciary by collaborating closely with our colleagues and support staff to improve case management in our courts”.

Chief Justice Jallow urged the newly appointed Magistrates and Justice of the Peace to remain diligent, punctual and to avoid delays in discharging their duties. According to Chief Justice Jallow timely “attendance to your work is very important. Try to avoid delaying hearings and dissemination of the cases before you. As the saying goes Justice delayed is Justice denied.”

“Justice is sweetest when it is fresh, as they say the earlier you progress your case and finish with it, the better for yourself and for the parties and for the whole system of Governance and rule of law in the country,” enthused Chief Justice Jallow.

First Class Magistrate Binta Sowe (c) Askanwi