Lawmakers in The Gambia have urged swift legislative action to resolve the decades-long statelessness of residents in Ghana Town, a coastal community whose inhabitants have lived without citizenship or legal protection.

The call came during a debate on a motion introduced by Alhagie Babou Ceesay, the National Assembly member for Sabach Sanjal.

Legislators from across the political divide described the situation as a national failing that needs urgent correction.

Musa Badjie, representing Tallinding Kunjang, urged “affirmative action” to remove barriers that have denied generations their citizenship.

“The National Assembly should advocate for the government to grant naturalisation to all affected residents,” he said.

Amie Colley, member for Foni Brefet, highlighted the precarious conditions faced by both residents and refugees due to the absence of national documents.

“Issuing national documents to our brothers and sisters in Ghana Town is long overdue,” she said.

The debate also touched on electoral rights, with the member for Foni Kansala calling for an investigation into whether residents had been allowed to vote in previous elections. “Formal recognition of the community is long overdue,” he said.

Other legislators stressed the historical dimension of the issue. Bakary Badjie of Foni Bintang criticised the denial of citizenship to people born on Gambian soil, saying, “An African born in Africa should not be denied the right to citizenship.”

Nominated member Kebba Lang Fofana framed the matter as a human rights concern, urging a review of citizenship laws.

“These individuals have been deprived of essential privileges simply because of gaps in our laws,” he said, warning against politicising the issue.

Several lawmakers, including Fatou K. Jawara, called on colleagues to prioritise the humanitarian aspects of the matter.

The motion is expected to inform future discussions on amending The Gambia’s citizenship laws, which have left entire communities in legal uncertainty for generations.

By Adama Makasuba