𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐥 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞: 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬

Today, the Banjul City Council (BCC) proudly joined the Ministry of Health’s National Mental Health Program, the World Health Organization (WHO), and several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to commemorate World Mental Health Day 2025 at the Arch in Banjul.

Representing Her Worship the Lord Mayoress, Rohey Malick Lowe, the Deputy Mayor of Banjul, Hon. Abdou Aziz Dabakh Gaye, delivered the Council’s official remarks reaffirming BCC’s enduring commitment to health, care, and community well-being.

In his statement, the Deputy Mayor noted: “Health remains a priority for us because we see Banjul as a feminist city as the Mayoress would often say, our feminism is defined by care. Care for our communities. Care for our youth. Care for our women and men alike. Care for our collective mental and physical well-being. Because at the heart of every thriving city lies compassion and at the heart of compassion lies care.”

The Deputy Mayor also commended the Honourable National Assembly Member for Banjul North for his commitment and leadership in championing mental health advocacy and for ensuring that Banjul continues to serve as a beacon of awareness, collaboration, and inclusion.

This year’s theme, “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” underscores the urgent need to strengthen access to mental health services especially during times of crisis when emotional resilience and community solidarity are most needed.

The commemoration featured a symbolic march through Independence Drive, followed by a national program that brought together government officials, civil society partners, and mental health experts to reflect on strategies for building stronger, more compassionate health systems.

The Banjul City Council extends its deep appreciation to the Ministry of Health, WHO, the Honourable Member for Banjul North, and all partner organizations working tirelessly to promote mental health and well-being across the country.

At Banjul City Council, we believe that true leadership is service, and true service begins with care for mind, for body, and for community. That belief continues to shape our vision of Banjul as the City of Care, where empathy guides action and inclusion drives progress.

Together, we heal. Together, we rise. Together, we care because that’s what defines us as Banjul.