Banjul, 21st May 2025: On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, The Gambia joined the global community in commemorating World Metrology Day, with the Honorable Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment delivering a powerful address on this year's theme: "Measurements for All Times, For All People."
In his speech, Hon. Baboucarr O. Joof emphasised how measurement science serves as the invisible yet essential foundation of modern society, touching every aspect of daily life - from fuel purchases and food commerce to healthcare and environmental protection. Marking the 150th anniversary of the historic Metre Convention signed in Paris on May 20, 1875, the Minister's address underscored The Gambia's commitment to the global metrology community and the critical role that standardized measurements play in ensuring fairness in trade, advancing scientific innovation, and improving quality of life for all citizens.
“My ministry has always been concerned about the need to address pertinent challenges related to our national measurement system. To this end, and in line with the Government’s drive to streamline and create better efficiency in our institutions, the Government has decided to subsume the Weights and Measures Department of the Ministry of Trade as the Department of Legal Metrology within The Gambia Standards Bureau. The necessary legal framework and institutional arrangement are embodied in the updated Legal Metrology Act 2025, which was assented to in April this year by H.E. the President, Mr. Adama Barrow,” he disclosed.
He said the objective is to enhance the delivery of metrology services across all economic sectors through an integrated and sound national measurement system. As in previous years, he added, The Gambia Standards Bureau, including its new Department of Legal Metrology, will conduct a series of sensitisation and capacity-building activities in commemoration of this important day, especially on the revised Legal Metrology Act 2025.
“Given that measurement in one way or another is a prerequisite in every business transaction or economic activity from small to large scale, means that everyone has a stake in this world event,” the Minister opined.
By Mariatou Ngum
