Judiciary Trains Legal Practitioners in Preparation for Establishment of Commercial Court
Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow © Askanwi
By Fatoumata Jaiteh
The Gambian Judiciary conducted a two-day training session for legal practitioners and court staff on commercial law and court management to establish an effective commercial court. The training concluded on Wednesday, 12th February 2025, and aims to equip delegates with the necessary skills to enhance the efficiency and speed of commercial case resolution in the country.
In an engagement with the press, the Chief Justice, Hassan B. Jallow, highlighted that the establishment of a commercial division is in line with the judiciary's 5-year plan to establish specialised courts in The Gambia, noting that once the commercial division is in place, the commercial case will move much more quickly, which he admits is good for business and the country as well.
Chief Justice Jallow noted that "having a commercial division and those who are specialised in that field helps in all those matters.” He added that the initiative is fundamental to promoting and retaining investors' confidence and explained that investors look for several things before investing in any country.
Justice Robin Knowles © Askanwi
Justice Robin Knowles, a judge of the commercial courts in England and Wales, stated that The Gambia's ambition to establish a commercial division reaffirms the country's commitment to integrating into the global commercial court forum, noting that even though the country lacks a designated commercial division, it is "amongst 58 jurisdictions across the globe" that are members of the global forum of the world's commercial courts.
Justice Knowles advised that the most important thing is to get started and let it be a "modest start," even if the country can't cover all areas. He added that it is crucial to build a reputation and trust in the commercial sector.
According to Chief Justice Jallow, both local and international investors want to make sure that the "judicial system of that country works well" such that, in the event of a dispute, "their dispute will be resolved quickly and fairly." He reaffirmed that the establishment of the specialised division by his orders would take effect in a few months and noted that "we already have judges in place who are specialised in commercial law.”
Meanwhile, speaking at the opening of the 2025 Legal Year on Sunday, 9th February 2025, Gambian President Adama Barrow revealed that "the establishment of additional courts and the appointments of highly qualified judges are concrete steps prompted by his government's resolute commitment to delivering justice impartially and swiftly."
