The General Legal Council (GLC) has taken a significant step toward bolstering ethical standards and public confidence in the legal system with the constitution of three new disciplinary panels.
The initiative, announced yesterday, 15 October 2025, is part of the GLC’s ongoing reforms to enhance professional discipline and accountability within the legal profession. It is undertaken pursuant to Section 28 of the Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The initiative, announced yesterday, October 15, 2025, is a core part of the GLC’s ongoing commitment to professional discipline and accountability in the legal profession pursuant to Section 28 of the Legal Practitioners (Amendment) Act, 2024.
The panels were officially constituted and sworn in by the Honourable Chief Justice and Chairperson of the General Legal Council, Justice Hassan B. Jallow, at his Chambers.
According to Chief Justice Jallow, the panels have been “meticulously structured to ensure impartiality and expertise.” Each will be chaired by a High Court Judge and include two additional members drawn respectively from the Public Bar and the Private Bar.
The Judges appointed to chair the bodies are Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, Justice Sarah Aryee, and Justice Isatou Janneh. Their primary mandate is to hear and determine complaints lodged against Legal Practitioners by the public, adhering strictly to the Legal Practitioners Act and the GLC’s regulatory responsibilities.
In his address, Chief Justice Jallow underscored the gravity of their task, calling it a “sacred duty” to uphold the ethical standards and honour of the legal profession.
The Chief Justice commended the members for accepting their roles, highlighting the vital importance of professional discipline in maintaining public trust and confidence in the administration of justice.
He stressed that the disciplinary process must be “transparent, impartial, and consistent with due process and the rule of law.” Chief Justice Jallow further challenged the members to execute their functions “without fear or favour, affection or ill-will,” guided by the Constitution and laws of The Gambia, ensuring every decision reflects allegiance to the truth, fairness, and a deep sense of justice.
Speaking on behalf of the newly constituted panels, Justice Ebrima Jaiteh delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the Chief Justice’s commitment to strengthening the institutional framework for professional discipline.
Justice Jaiteh emphasised that the panels’ establishment “marks a critical step in promoting ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability among members of the Bar.” He assured the public that the Panels would discharge their mandate diligently and impartially in accordance with the dictates of justice and the rule of law.
The ceremony concluded with the Chief Justice expressing confidence that the competence, integrity, and experience of the appointed members would contribute significantly to preserving the dignity, reputation, and credibility of the legal profession.
