Professional Ethics at Gambia
In The Gambia, professional ethics are upheld through a structured framework encompassing various sectors, including civil service, law, healthcare, policing, and corporate governance. Here's an overview of the key ethical guidelines across these domains:
🇬🇲 Civil Service Ethics
The Code of Conduct for the Civil Service of The Gambia outlines seven fundamental ethical values:
Loyalty to the government and country
Prioritizing public interest over private gain
Avoiding the misuse of public office for personal advantage
Serving with efficiency, honesty, and conscientiousness
Refraining from external pressures or personal relationships influencing official duties
Declining gifts or favors that could compromise integrity
Protecting confidential information acquired during official duties
These principles are reinforced through training modules, awards for ethical behavior, and disciplinary measures for violations.
⚖️ Legal Profession Ethics
The Code of Conduct for Legal Practitioners (2011), established by the General Legal Council, sets standards for lawyers in The Gambia:
Prohibits practicing multiple professions simultaneously (e.g., doctor, engineer)
Mandates support for the Gambia Bar Association
Requires reporting of colleagues engaged in criminal activity or gross misconduct
Emphasizes professional courtesy and respect among legal practitioners
Outlines duties to clients, colleagues, and the court
This code aims to maintain the honor and dignity of the legal profession.
🏥 Medical and Dental Ethics
The Practitioners Guide on Ethics by the Medical and Dental Council of The Gambia provides ethical guidelines for healthcare professionals. Additionally, the West African Health Organization (WAHO) and ECOWAS have harmonized codes of ethics and practice that are referenced in The Gambia.
👮 Policing Ethics
The National Human Rights Commission developed a two-article Code of Conduct for the Gambia Police Force, focusing on:
Following due process in dealings
Avoiding improper influence or favoritism
Discharging duties with integrity
This code is incorporated into police training curricula to guide ethical conduct.
🏢 Corporate Governance Ethics
The Code of Good Corporate Governance for State-Owned Enterprises (2016–2020) outlines ethical standards for board members and officers of state-owned enterprises: (
Defines roles and responsibilities of the board
Emphasizes ethics, disclosure, and transparency
Establishes committees for audit, risk management, and nominations
This code aims to ensure accountability and good governance in state-owned enterprises.
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