The appointment of Mr Demba Sanyang, Head Chief of Kombo North, as the Paramount Chief of The Gambia ,indeed is a step  in the right direction.

 The appointment is in line with the cultural  norms  and values of our beloved country.  The appointment  is vital to all history students and those expossed to the history of the Gambia and Africa. 

Paramount chiefs play a vital role towards the sustainance of peace and human development. They are looked upon as the fountain of  justice in adjudicating between their subjects. Their  dispensation of  justice in earlier days had no restriction, and it touched on all aspects of human life, both major and minor offences.

Arts and Culture this week focused its  analysis on what a paramount chief is and their roles before, during and after the European invasion of Africa. The Gambia Local Government Amendment Act 2006, has made provisions for the establishment of a National Council of Chiefs. 

According to the Act, the council shall consist of all the chiefs in The Gambia and be responsible for settling disputes within their purview and also deal with matters relating to the administration of justice and socio-cultural development as well as traditional matters.

The provision in the said amendment empowers the paramount chief to convene and host a meeting of the National Council of Chiefs at least once  a year, at such a time and place as may be determined  by him.

Reading from the above stated provision will enlighten one on the roles of the paramout chief in the Gambian context.
 Once again, we wish the new Paramount Chief, Demba Sanyang, a happy tenure.