KERR FATOU

The Government of The Gambia is finalizing plans for the construction of a modern 2,000-capacity correctional and rehabilitation facility in Brikama Nyambikala, a project aimed at transforming the country’s prison system from a punitive model to one focused on rehabilitation and reintegration.

Speaking on GRTS Radio’s Minister Talks programme on Wednesday, Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang said the proposed facility is being designed in line with international human rights standards and best practices in corrections management.

According to the minister, the new facility will eventually serve as the country’s primary correctional center, reducing the long-term reliance on existing detention facilities.

“Once you establish such a facility, the existing detention centers will become temporary holding facilities. The question is, when people are sentenced, where will they be accommodated?” Sanyang said.

He revealed that the government had initially considered expanding the prison cells at the Jeshwang facility. However, President Adama Barrow directed authorities to pursue a more comprehensive solution that would address the broader objectives of correction and rehabilitation.

“The President made it clear that simply expanding the cells in Jeshwang would not achieve the desired outcome. His vision is to move away from a purely punitive system toward a correctional and rehabilitative approach,” Sanyang explained.

As a result, the government developed plans for a correctional and rehabilitation complex and allocated land for the project behind Brikama.

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