Banjul, 18th March 2025: Despite increasing evidence that addiction is a treatable disease of the brain, most individuals do not receive treatment. Involvement in the criminal justice system often results from illegal drug-seeking behaviour and participation in illegal activities that reflect, in part, disrupted behaviour ensuing from brain changes triggered by repeated drug use.
Treating drug-involved addicts provides a unique opportunity to decrease substance abuse and reduce associated criminal behavior. Emerging neuroscience has the potential to transform traditional sanction-oriented public safety approaches by providing new therapeutic strategies against addiction that could be used in the criminal justice system.
In line with the above, the Ministry of the Interior has recently laid foundation for the construction of the country’s first-ever correction, rehabilitation, and treatment centre at Tranquil, Brusubi.
The project, funded by the ECOWAS Commission, to the tune of over D9 million, is being spearheaded by the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and key stakeholders in public health and social welfare.
Mr.Demba Ceesay, Director General of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG), emphasised that the initiative represents a shift toward a more compassionate and health-centered approach to addressing drug-related challenges.
“This centre will be a beacon of hope for individuals and families shattered by addiction. Society must begin to see youths struggling with drug abuse as victims rather than criminals. This facility will provide rehabilitation and reintegration services to help them rebuild their lives,” he stated.
For years, The Gambia has struggled with rising drug abuse, particularly among young people. Cannabis remains the most widely abused substance due to its availability, while new synthetic drugs pose an increasing threat.
Despite continued enforcement efforts, authorities recognise that punitive measures alone are insufficient.
He further detailed the genesis of the project, adding that in 2018, the ECOWAS Commission agreed to support the Drug Law enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) to build a correction, rehabilitation and treatment center for victims of substance abuse disorders and other drug-related psychosis.
However, he stated that due to unforeseen circumstances, the project could not take off as early as anticipated, not for their part, but due to other matters related to the onset of Covid-19, administrative and procurement challenges just to name a few.
DG Ceesay mentioned the agency’s resolve in ensuring that their approach to drugs and substance use disorders is public health oriented.
For his part, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Abdoulie Sanyang, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a balanced approach.
“The war on drugs cannot be won by arrests alone. We must address addiction through correction, treatment, and rehabilitation. This center will offer counselling, skills training, and alternative sentencing programs to first-time offenders, ensuring that justice is not just punitive but also restorative,” the minister declared.
Dr. Momodou T. Nyassi, director of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, described the event as a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards addressing the growing challenges of mental health and substance abuse, which he observed, have become a pressing public health challenge.
The establishment of this rehab centre, he observed, is not just a physical structure, but a beacon of hope for countless individuals and families in addressing mental health issues including the devastating impact of drug and substance abuse.
Claude Kondor, political adviser to the ECOWAS Resident Rep in The Gambia, on behalf of the resident rep, expressed profound gratitude and appreciation for the initiative, which he described as “laudable”.
By Awa Sowe
Gov’t to Adopt Health-centered Approach to Addressing Drug-Related Challenges
