The International Society of Substance Use Professionals Gambia National Chapter held its maiden general assembly on Sunday October 31st, 2021 at Dippa Kunda in the Kanifing Municipality.
In his opening remarks, Alasana Drammeh, the Executive Director of ISSUP Gambia said the organization aims to fight the drug menace through prevention, treatment and recovery as a way of ensuring that the population remains vibrant and ready to move the national development agenda forward. Drammeh expressed delight in the successful registration of the Family Therapy Association of the Gambia (FTAG) as the ‘host’ organization for The International Society for Substance Use Professionals in the Gambia.
Director Drammeh further informed the general conclave that plans are afoot for the maiden launch of ISSUP Gambia early next year and that letters to that effect have already been sent to stakeholders including the Gambia Government and the American Embassy in the Gambia.
Speaking on membership to the organization, Drammeh said ISSUP Gambia is a voluntary organization and that membership do not require a university degree but instead is open to anyone interested in reducing drug use in the country.
In conclusion, Drammeh emphasised the importance of the Council of Elders within the structure of ISSUP Gambia as elders are the pillars on which every community must lean on to succeed. The Council of Elders, Drammeh pointed out, is tasked with an advisory role to guide the organization in its strive to attain drug demand reduction in the country.
Speaking on the ISSUP Gambia action plan for the year 2021, Mamudou Jallow, the General Secretary of ISSUP Gambia told the gathering that the general meeting aimed to bring together for the first time all the organs of the National Chapter. The convergence of the Executive body, general members and the council of elders, Jallow pointed out, was an opportunity for all members to become familiar with each other as well as the activities of the organization as a way of bolstering the fight against drugs within the country.
Jallow also informed the gathering that ISSUP Gambia intends to conduct training sessions for its members with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency-the Gambia (NDLEAG) before the end of the year as well as provide a platform for members to take courses on the ISSUP Global Online Learning Hub.
The meeting recognized the in-person attendance of two of its female executive members namely Mses. Elisa Mendy and Mariama Bangoura.