In a compelling plea to President Adama Barrow, the former DLEAG staff calls for urgent action on the rising drug epidemic in the Gambia.
Bubacarr Colley, CEO and Founder of the Colley Foundation for Social and Environmental Justice, has emphasised the urgent need for decisive action as the menace of drug abuse continues to claim numerous lives in The Gambia.
Colley, a former staff member of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG), expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis, particularly the spread of Kush, locally referred to as Gina Bass, which has absorbed communities across the nation.
Drawing on his decade-long experience within the agency, Colley asserted that the authorities are aware of the sources of these drugs but are hindered by ineffective leadership from taking proactive measures to address the issue.
“Reform that leadership, Mr. President,” urged Colley, highlighting the imperative for structural changes within the Gambia Drug Law Enforcement Agency to effectively combat drug trafficking and abuse.
In a sad accusation of the current state of governance, Colley lamented the absence of decisive leadership, stating, “Gambia is like a nation without a leader; our leader is busy with politics.” Colley said
Attributing a significant portion of the country’s crime wave to drug-related activities, Colley underscored the pressing need for immediate action, stressing that the majority of DLEAG personnel harbour discontent with the status quo.
He did not mince words in his criticism, accusing President Barrow of guilty inaction and dereliction of duty in the face of a growing crisis.
Adding to the leadership problem in the Gambia, Colley identified the prevalent influence of tribal and party politics as contributing factors to the leadership crisis, noting that electoral decisions often prioritise affiliations over competence, as evidenced by the recent parliamentary elections where qualified candidates like Alpha Lowe and Neneh Freda Gomez were overlooked due to partisan or tribal loyalties.
As The Gambia faces the devastating consequences of drug abuse, Colley’s impassioned plea serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for concerted efforts to address systemic failures and enact meaningful reforms to safeguard the nation’s future.