A delegation of Gambian lawmakers from the National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence and Security is currently on a week-long study visit to the Parliament of Ghana, aimed at strengthening parliamentary oversight of the security sector.

The visit  seeks to enhance inter-parliamentary collaboration, promote regional peace and stability, and share best practices on democratic governance and security oversight.

The initiative is funded by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through its Peace and Security Project, in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

It forms part of a broader effort to build institutional capacities and improve democratic accountability in West Africa.

Leading the Gambian delegation is Hon. Samba Jallow, member for Niamina Dankunku and Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Defence and Security.

He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome by Ghanaian officials and reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to implementing key insights gained from the visit.

“This study visit presents a valuable opportunity to draw inspiration from Ghana’s legislative practices and security oversight frameworks as we continue to consolidate peace and democracy in our country,” Hon. Jallow said.

The delegation began its official engagements with a courtesy call on the First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, followed by observation of parliamentary proceedings.

A key highlight was a high-level joint meeting with Ghana’s Committees on Defence and Interior, and Security and Intelligence, where lawmakers discussed legislative approaches to national security, civil-military relations, and oversight mechanisms.

In the coming days, the delegation will conduct institutional visits to key Ghanaian security and governance bodies, including the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of the Interior, the National Peace Council, the National College of Defence Studies, and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).

By Adama Makasuba