By Mariatou Ngum
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment (MoTIE) recently held a day-long consultation workshop on the newly drafted Legal Metrology Bill 2024, designed to replace the outdated Weights and Measures Act of 1977. The new Bill broadens the scope of legal metrology to regulate measurements not only in trade but also in health and safety, law enforcement, and environmental management.
The new Bill aims to modernise our legal metrology framework by incorporating advancements in science and technology related to measuring devices. It addresses the challenges posed by modern instruments, ensuring that our legislation meets current and future needs.
The collaboration with the Select Committee on Trade of the National Assembly was instrumental in facilitating rich discussions around key issues and observations regarding this important legislative initiative.
In his opening statement, Mr. Lamin Dampha, the permanent secretary at MoTIE stated that in drafting this bill, the Ministry had worked diligently with support from the West Africa Quality Programme and other key stakeholders, to ensure that it reflects the best practices for legal metrology systems. He said they have had consultations with relevant institutions; such as the Weights and Measures Bureau, the Ministry of Health, and the National Environment Agency, among others; and that the input from these institutions have been invaluable in shaping the bill.
He therefore extended gratitude to the National Assembly Committee on Trade and Regional Integration for their unwavering commitment to this bill. He particularly referenced their efforts in providing oversight, reviewing the provisions, and in guiding the legislative process. “We are confident that with their continual support this bill will soon become law, bringing numerous benefits to both businesses and consumers,” PS Dampha said.
The Permanent Secretary further explained that the new bill is crucial in safeguarding consumers by ensuring that measuring devices used in trade are accurate and reliable. Furthermore, he observed that by adopting the International System of Units, they align their practices with global standards, which is essential for regional and international trade.
He informed the workshop that another key aspect of this bill is the merger of the Weights and Measures Bureau with the Gambia Standards Bureau. This merger, he said, is part of the government’s broader strategy to streamline agencies and ensure the efficient delivery of services. He added that the amalgamation will enhance the regulatory capacity of The Gambia Standards Bureau, creating a robust system for the enforcement of legal metrology.
Chairman of the National Assembly Select Committee on Trade and Regional Integration, Hon. Kebba Jallow; and Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Gambia Standards Bureau, Ernest Aubee, both commended the Ministry of Trade for their initiative of having a new Legal Metrology Bill.
