GALA Raises Concerns Over “Unacceptable ID Card Situation”
GALA Statement and GID Acting PRO Ansumana Cham © Askanwi Media
By Askanwi Media
Askanwi Media sought clarification from the Gambia Immigration Department (GID) Acting Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ansumana Cham, regarding concerns raised by Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) over the current ID Card situation.
GALA recently condemned what it described as the “unacceptable ID card situation”.
According to GALA, citizens who had already applied for their National ID Cards, completed the required procedures, made the necessary payments and received receipts were reportedly being told to start the application process again because a new company had taken over the ID Card process.
In a strongly worded statement, GALA described the situation as “unacceptable,” arguing that citizens had followed the required process and “should not be punished because of a change in service providers”.
Responding to the concerns, GID Acting PRO Ansumana Cham said the department was aware of the statement and offered clarification.
He advised citizens to rely on official government communications, noting that the Ministry of Interior had already issued a statement on the matter and that the Gambia Immigration Department would adhere to it.
A government statement issued on 24 August 2026 stated that holders of enrolment printouts issued by the Gambia Immigration Department would be processed at no charge during the replacement period.
Mr Cham further explained:
“If you applied for an ID card and you have a valid ID card, then you can go forward and change your ID card for free. Equally, if you were enrolled and you have your printout, then you can come forward and be enrolled. You have to come with your printout as evidence, and then you will be enrolled for free.”
According to Mr Cham, the government had allocated more than D600,000 to cover the processing of individuals who already had valid ID cards or who had completed their enrolment and possessed valid receipts and printouts.
