By Kemo Kanyi
Gambia Police Force (GPF) Tuesday held a decoration ceremony for senior Gambia Police Officers. The officers are promoted from Deputy Superintendent to Assistant Inspector General ranks.
The decoration ceremony was held at the Police Headquarters in Banjul.
Pateh Jallow, Commander of Operations was promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police. Nine (9) officers were promoted to the rank of Commissioners, 22 officers promoted to Deputy Commissioner’s rank, 27 to Assistant Commissioners, Chief Superintendents were 35 officers, 59 Superintendents, and 55 Deputy Superintendent officers.
Seedy Muktarr Touray, the Inspector General of Police advised the promoted officers to be professional, accountable for public service, respecting human rights, and the rule of law.
“Show competence, dedication, and a heightened sense of duty. The most valuable asset of The Gambia is its human resources. Your new ranks come with additional pay, but let me remind you that it also comes with additional and more challenging responsibilities. I have no doubt about your competence and verse experiences. I encourage you to double up your efforts in protecting the lives and livelihood of the citizens and inhabitants of the country. We are all servants of the people whose taxes pay our salaries and the equipment we use to execute our mandates.
Therefore, our primary focus should be to serve and protect them from criminals and criminal elements. The Gambia is known for its peace and stability, but we cannot rest in our rollers as much as we can curb crimes and public disorders. The citizens are counting on us to protect them from the menace of insecurity,” he said.
He urged them to work with the civilian population for the police to prevail against those who are bent on causing fear and panic in the communities.
IG Touray said that with the introduction of community policing, they are able to reduce crime and road accidents in the country.
“With your new ranks, we expect to see new vigor and skills to crack down on crimes. You have been carefully screened and vetted for your promotion because I insisted that the Personal Management Office (PMO) be involved in the screening and vetting process for fair promotion of officers to various ranks, and not to be only determined by the Gambia Police Force alone. This was the same practice I was doing at the Gambia Immigration Department (GID). So, the process was transparent, credible, and fairly done,” he stated.
Sering Modou Njie, the Minister for Defence, tasked promoted officers to remain committed to the sacrifice for the maintenance of peace and security of the Gambia.
Honourable Njie affirmed that the promotions were based on merit while adding that such promotions are deliberately done to enhance efficiency and performance and promote competitiveness within the police.
“Professionalism and competence particularly at the senior command and leadership levels of the police force are prerequisite in regaining the much-needed trust and confidence of the people. As you step into your new roles, remember the importance of leading by example, fostering teamwork, and maintaining a high standard of professionalism.”
