By Yunus S Saliu
The Gambia has its first Chapter of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) based in Spain, which brings together thousands of museum professionals
Launching The Gambia Chapter on Saturday at the National Museum, Banjul, Hassoum Ceesay, the Director General of the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) disclosed that 17 museum professionals from public and private museums have joined to form the Gambia Chapter of ICOM.
DG Ceesay, who is also a museum professional with 25 years of experience, thanked Dr J.P Koudougou of ICOM Africa for encouraging The Gambia to form its Chapter of ICOM which was long overdue.
He explained that all 17 members have signed up to be members of ICOM and in the second week of 2024 there will be a General Assembly to elect a few officials to conduct of the Chapter.
More so, he explained that the NCAC will give full support to the ICOM Chapter because with this Chapter, “Gambian museum professionals will now be able to network with the wide ICOM network for mutual benefit and participate in all activities of ICOM Africa.”
Mr. Mamat Sallah, Assistant Director of Museums and Monuments, NCAC explained that the formation of The Gambia Chapter came at a good time as The Gambia has just ratified the UNESCO 1970 Convention on Prevention of Illicit Transfer of Cultural Goods.