214 State Guards Decorated at State House © Askanwi Media
By Fatoumata Konteh
The Gambia Armed Forces decorated 214 personnel of the State Guard Battalion with new ranks on Thursday 29th October 2026, at a ceremony held at State House, recognising their professional advancement and commitment to national service.
The promoted personnel comprise 157 members of the State Guard Battalion, 46 personnel of The Gambia Police Force serving with the battalion, and 11 members of the Counter-Terrorism Unit of the Gambia Armed Forces drawn from the 4th Infantry Battalion of the Gambia National Army.
The promotions form part of the 2026 promotion exercise approved by President Adama Barrow, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commander of the State Guard Battalion, Abdoulie Bah, described the occasion as a significant milestone in the careers of the promoted personnel, stressing that promotion comes with greater responsibilities and higher expectations.
“Promotion is not merely a change of rank or an improvement in personal status. It is an institutional declaration that greater responsibilities may now be entrusted to you,” Bah said.
He urged the newly promoted personnel to demonstrate discipline, professionalism, integrity, and respect for the Constitution and the laws of The Gambia.
Bah explained that the promotion process was conducted through established institutional procedures, with promotion boards assessing eligible personnel based on relevant criteria, service records, and professional standing.
He emphasised that promotion in the security services should not be treated as an automatic reward for years of service or a personal favour, but as recognition of suitability and eligibility for advancement.
According to him, the true value of the promotions would be measured by improvements in leadership, discipline, competence, supervision, and service delivery.
Bah also reminded the personnel of the critical responsibility of the State Guard Battalion in protecting the State House, the presidency, the First Family, and other designated presidential facilities.
He called on them to maintain constant vigilance, exercise sound judgment, and work effectively with other security agencies while ensuring that their duties are carried out within the law.
Brigadier General Yahya Drammeh, Commander of the Gambia National Army, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Usmanu Gomez, congratulated the newly promoted personnel and described their advancement as recognition of their hard work, discipline and commitment to duty.
“Promotion in the military is neither automatic nor is it an accident, but it is a tangible endorsement of your character, performance, professional competence, and unwavering commitment to duty,” Drammeh said.
He urged the personnel to lead by example, maintain discipline, and remain humble despite their elevated ranks.
“With greater rank comes greater responsibility,” he told the newly promoted personnel, reminding them that their conduct at State House reflects on the country as a whole.
Drammeh also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the families of service personnel, noting that their patience, prayers, and support contribute to the ability of security officers to serve the country.
He encouraged those who were not promoted in the exercise to remain committed to their duties and continue striving for professional excellence.
The National Security Adviser also advised the newly promoted personnel to maintain discipline and professionalism, cautioning them against interfering in politics or the affairs of political leaders.
The advice underscored the importance of professional conduct and adherence to established responsibilities within the country’s security services.
According to the details presented at the ceremony, the military component included 105 personnel promoted to Lance Corporal, 30 Lance Corporals to Corporal, 10 Corporals to Sergeant, 12 Sergeants to Staff Sergeant, and one Staff Sergeant to Warrant Officer Class Two.
For the police component, the announced promotions included 30 personnel to First Class, four to Corporal, eight to Sergeant, one to Sub-Inspector, one to Chief Inspector, and two to Assistant Superintendent of Police.
Some personnel were absent from the ceremony because they were engaged in essential duties.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the promoted personnel, Warrant Officer Class One Lamin Jammeh expressed appreciation to President Barrow, the military leadership, commanders, colleagues, and families for their support.
He reaffirmed the promoted personnel’s commitment to duty, loyalty, discipline, and respect for the chain of command.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed call for the newly promoted personnel to uphold the standards expected of members of the country’s defence and security services and to serve The Gambia with dedication and professionalism.
