The chairman of the National Human Rights Commission says he is still concerned about congestion in the country’s prisons.

Daniel Emmanuel Joof said the prisons are still overcrowded despite government’s efforts in addressing this longstanding issue that has already impacted the health and welfare of prisoners. 

Mr Joof said the government has done some improvements by releasing prisoners earlier than their scheduled release. 

He said: “There is still congestion in the prison. The government has actually done some improvement … because of our intervention government has released 125 prisoners.”

Earlier this year about 125 low-risk prisoners were released due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic on the prison population.

Mr Joof said the his Commission had already embarked on a nationwide tour to monitor the conditions of prisons and police cells.

The National Human Rights Commission is an institution established by the Barrow government to monitor and promote human rights in The Gambia.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba