The Member of Parliament for Donga-Mantung Centre has taken the oath of office into the Cameroon Bar Association. Honourable Ngala Gerard Ndombang took the oath during an event at the Wouri High Court in Douala on Friday 13, September 2024.
Standing before a room filled with legal minds, fellow politicians, and family, Honourable Ngala’s oath-taking was met with admiration. This was the culmination of a long, arduous journey that began in the remote village of Mbot near Nkambe town.
Speaking to the Hilltopvoices Newspaper after the oath taking ceremony as to whether his decision to join the Cameroon Bar Association was financially motivated, considering that he is already a successful businessman and politician, hisresponse was immediate and firm:
"Joining the Cameroon Bar Association is not about money. My aim is to defend the less privileged. I’ve been doing so since the advent of the Anglophone crisis by getting children back to school. Now, I will be able to defend them."
A lifelong advocate for education
Born on January 20, 1978, in Mbot, Ngala’s childhood was marked by hardship, but also by a determination to rise above his circumstances. His parents, despite limited means, encouraged his education, instilling in him a belief that knowledge could overcome any obstacle.
After excelling in his studies , he pursued a law degree at the University of Douala, where he graduated with distinction. But Ngala’s ambitions extended far beyond personal success. He returned to his community as a politician and leader, advocating for education and using his influence to rebuild and revitalize schools that had been devastated by the armed conflict that erupted in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions in late 2016.
The Anglophone crisis, now in its eighth year, has devastated communities in the North West and South West regions, particularly in education. As schools closed and children were forced to stay home due to the violence, Honourable Ngala took action. He personally funded school fees, provided uniforms, and encouraged families to prioritize education despite the dangers. His efforts have helped hundreds of children return to school, offering them a semblance of normalcy in the midst of chaos.
Championing the rights of the underprivileged
His advocacy did not stop at education. As a Member of Parliament, Honourable Ngala has been at the forefront of efforts to bring stability, development, and justice to the people of Donga-Mantung and beyond. He has worked closely with local authorities, NGOs, and international organizations to ensure that his constituents, especially the most vulnerable, are not left behind. Whether it is advocating for infrastructure and economic development, or healthcare, Honourable Ngala’s focus has always been on those who need it most.
This commitment to service now extends into the courtroom. By joining the Cameroon Bar Association, Honourable Ngala sees an opportunity to further amplify his work in defending the less privileged. With the skills and resources at his disposal as a barrister at law, he aims to fight for justice on behalf of those whose voices are often drowned out. In the wake of the Anglophone crisis, many of his constituents have faced legal challenges, displacement, and discrimination. Honourable Ngala intends to stand by them, both as a politician and as their legal advocate.
"My focus is on defending the underprivileged," he reiterated to the Hilltopvoices Newspaper
Balancing business, politics, and legal advocacy
While Honourable Ngala’s entry into the legal profession is a new chapter, he is no stranger to leadership and responsibility. As the founder and CEO of Group Jerry SARL, a company that employs over 300 people, he has demonstrated his ability to manage and grow businesses while contributing to the development of his constituency. His business savvy has earned him respect not only in Donga-Mantung but across Cameroon.
However, despite his business success, Ngala has always prioritized service over personal gain. His efforts in Parliament, where he chairs the Parliamentary Network for Circular Economy (PANCEC), have focused on sustainable development and green jobs, ensuring that his people benefit from environmentally conscious policies.
A symbol of hope amid conflict
For many in the North West Region, Honourable Ngala’s story is one of hope and resilience. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing armed conflict, he has continued to push for progress in education, development, and justice. His oath-taking at the Wouri High Court was not just a personal victory, but a symbol of hope for his community.
As the conflict continues, Honourable Ngala’s dual roles as a barrister and lawmaker place him in a unique position to affect change. His ability to fight for justice both inside and outside the courtroom will be crucial as the region seeks peace and recovery.
"I advise the younger ones not to want to be a lawyer to look for money but be a lawyer to be a role model and defend the underprivileged," Ngala said .
Honourable Ngala’s journey from the remote village of Mbot to the corridors of power in Yaoundé and now to the Cameroon Bar Association is proof to the power of education, resilience, and commitment to service. His life’s work is far from over, and with his new role as a barrister, his fight for justice is just beginning.
As he embarks on this new chapter, the people of Donga-Mantung, and indeed all of Cameroon, look to him as a source of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest times, leaders like Honourable Ngala are there to stand up for the underprivileged, fight for justice, and build a brighter future.
By Bakah Derick
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