The Ministry of Interior has said it is partnering with National Civil Aviation Security Committee to address security challenges at the Banjul International Airport.

Speaking at a meeting, Seyaka Sonko, Minister of Interior and chairperson of the National Civil Aviation Security Committee, expressed the need to protect the premises of the Banjul International Airport and urged all security institutions involved to be vigilant.

He called on each security institution to effectively carry out their function according to the National Civil Aviation Security programme. 

In the same vein, he challenged the commands of the security establishments to work towards ensuring that this is achieved.

Fansu Bojang, director general, Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, assured that his office will continue to engage the Ministry of Local Government and Lands to establish a buffer in the airport premises in order to address the growing encroachment into the airport premises.

He informed the meeting that a new hold baggage screening machine has been installed at the airport.

“The machine is equipped with the appropriate technology to detect weapons, and explosive and the aviation security screening personnel have been trained on standard on Threat Image Recognition,” he said. 

He added that effective coordination among the security services can increase the compliance level during International Civil Aviation Organisation’s audit missions.

He highlighted the responsibility of security forces under the National Civil Aviation Security Programme to refresh the memories of committee members on their obligation and to renew their commitments to comply with the provisions of the programme.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Abdoulie TB Jarra, said: “the Banjul International Airport is an important and sensitive institution and needs effective collaboration with sister security services to ensure that there is security and safety at all times.”

He urged the sister security institutions to effectively partner and safeguard the premises of the Airport.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba