The Gambia Immigration Department issued a formal statement to address recent media reports alleging that the agency lost access to National ID Card data. Officials sought to clarify the status of the information, which has become the subject of public speculation regarding the security and availability of citizen records. These claims suggested that the department faced technical hurdles in retrieving identification information previously managed in partnership with SEMLEX. Ansumana Cham, representing the institution, provided the rebuttal to settle concerns regarding the integrity of the database. The department maintains that the administrative and technical operations concerning the National ID Card system remain under its control. The Gambia Immigration Department issued a statement to address media reports alleging the loss of access to National ID Card data to directly counter the narrative currently circulating in various public forums.
Clarifying Misinterpreted Court Testimony
Official statements from the Gambia Immigration Department identify a misunderstanding of testimony provided by a staff member during a court proceeding as the origin of the reports. The department states the reports originated from a misunderstanding of testimony given by a staff member during a court proceeding. Agency representatives indicated that the public narrative surrounding potential data loss stemmed from an inaccurate interpretation of these legal comments. Ansumana Cham explained that the discourse in the courtroom was misconstrued by media outlets, leading to the speculation regarding the security of citizen records. By clarifying the context of the legal proceedings, the agency aims to restore public confidence in the established protocols used to protect sensitive identification materials and digital records.
Gambia Immigration Department officials confirmed that ID Card servers from the SEMLEX contract period remain within The Gambia. The Gambia Immigration Department confirms that ID Card servers from the SEMLEX contract period remain in the country. These physical assets were not removed from the country following the conclusion of the partnership. Technical teams continue to maintain the hardware and the information stored within the infrastructure to ensure that identification systems function for citizens. The department maintains that the hardware currently housed locally contains the necessary files to support the ongoing issuance of identification documents, ensuring that no data was lost or transferred to third-party entities during the transition period.
Compliance with the Access to Information Act, 2021, remains a priority for the agency. The department asserts it is in compliance with the Access to Information Act, 2021. The Gambia Immigration Department asserts that its internal data management practices align with the requirements established by this legislation. Management stated that the agency adheres to the transparency and data protection obligations mandated by the law. Operations regarding the identification database follow the regulatory frameworks set out in the act to ensure that the public retains the right to access necessary government information while maintaining the security of the records. By adhering to these standards, the department reinforces its commitment to institutional accountability and the secure management of citizen data.
