By Fatou Sowe
The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Mr. Adama Barrow, on Friday 24th June presided over the decoration ceremony of twelve senior officers of The Gambia Armed Forces, who were elevated from the ranks of a major to lieutenant colonel. The propitious event was graced dutifully by the Minister of Defence, Sering Modou Njie and the Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces Lieutenant General Yakuba A Drammeh.
Other prominent dignitaries present at the ceremony included the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, Mrs. Rohie Bittaye Darboe; the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff; the commanders of the Gambia National Army and Republican National Guard; the representative of the Commander of Gambia Navy; service chiefs and senior officers of The Gambia Armed Forces.
Speaking at the event, the President Barrow, extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly promoted officers, and described the elevation as a well-merited one.
Underscoring the significance of this promotion, the Commander-in-Chief said it serves as a motivation and a catalyst for the junior officers to strive harder towards achieving the aims and objectives of The Gambia Armed Forces.
He expressed gratitude to the leadership and personnel of the Gambia Armed Forces for the patriotic service they continue to render to the people of The Gambia.
He noted that his office is aware of the numerous challenges that GAF is facing currently and assured that his government is working relentlessly towards improving the identified gaps in the defence sector.
The Minister of Defence, Sering Modou Njie thanked the President for the approval of this promotion and the unflinching support his Government continues to give to the Defence Sector. He also commended the leadership and personnel of GAF for effectively executing their mandate as enshrined in the Constitution. Minister Njie went on to make an overview of the Security Sector Reform, highlighting achievements and challenges.
Other speakers were the Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces Lieutenant General Yakuba A Drammeh
Delivering the vote of thanks, newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel Ousman Bah extended appreciation to the President for gracing the occasion and for his government’s support, while urging his fellow promoted officers to see the promotion as a privilege with an added responsibility.
In a similar but separately held engagement, the Minister of Defence, Sering Modou Njie, presided over the decoration ceremony of 22 officers who have been elevated from the ranks of a lieutenant to captain; and 29 officers from the ranks of captain to major. This was held at the Joint Officers Mess in Kotu.