President Adama Barrow of the Gambia has renewed his commitment to build strong public institutions that will consolidate the country’s democracy.
Presiding over the swearing in ceremony of the country’s new minister of the Interior, Ebrima M. Mballow, the secretary general and head of the civil service, Habib Saihou Drammeh and the secretary to the Cabinet, Ebrima S. Ceesay, Mr Barrow said he was optimistic that collective change of attitudes towards work could be positive steps to making a difference in government institutions.
He called for nationalism beyond the individual interests to achieve the government’s goal in institutional and legal reforms.
While urging the new appointees to serve with professionalism, without fear or favour, President Barrow said his government wants to leave a legacy of sustained institutions, laws and procedures that will transform the Gambia into a fully fledge democracy and facilitate social, economic and political development for our people.
He added: “Together we can commit ourselves to serve our national interest in our engagements. Our individual interests are embedded in the national interest. We pledged to engage in Institutional and legal reforms, therefore, I urge you to work hard for us to achieve our goal as a government and to leave a legacy of sustained institutions, laws and procedures that will transform our country into a fully fledge democracy and facilitate social, economic and political development for our people in the NEW GAMBIA.
“I have confidence in all of you that we will work together in the realization of our national Development Plan 2018-2021 to make this country a shining example of development, democracy, rule of law and peaceful co-existence in the sub region and beyond.”
I hope and pray he is bloody serious!
May the Gambia become a peaceful heaven on earth for all.
To build strong institutions Gambia must start with:
1. Constitution review. We need to review our lifestyle, cultural norms, beliefs and religion to creat appropriate and a just guiding document.
2. Clear separation of powers and non interference.
3. Strong economy.
4. Professional dedicated internal security apparatus.
5. Dedicated anti corruption and anti nepotism laws and organizations.
6. Leadership.
Mr President save the speech, save the promises. What Gambia needs is action and a show of good faith.
God Bless The Gambia.
Fundamental overhall of all public institutions are required.
From profiling all roles to outlining clear job descriptions of all roles to setting out disciplinary procedures.
Management hierachy should also be clear with department heads responsible and accountable of their departments
It is ironical that the swearing of his brother in law as minister is the time to talk about strong Institutions and values of selfless service! Can we please challenge our ideals…. and reflect on what we want for our country