President Adama Barrow Friday received the IMF Mission Chief, Mr Ivohasina Razafimahefa, who briefed him that The Gambia, for the first time, reached the final stage of its IMF programme on a positive note.
Receiving the briefing with delight, The President said that despite the challenges in managing citizens' expectations, his office and the government, by extension, took strategic decisions to ensure fiscal discipline to manage public finances better. He emphasised that they would do everything possible to improve the country's scorecard. "At times, you take difficult decisions and do the right thing for the good of the majority," President Barrow stressed. He congratulated his economic team and thanked the IMF for the guidance and support, adding that the transition was difficult with high expectations from the citizens.
The President pledged that his government would remain steadfast to maximise the social and economic scorecard for The Gambia. Acknowledging the deficit areas impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 and the War in Ukraine, the President looks forward to more flexibility in the following programme cycle to address the areas they have deficits.
The President indicated that his administration prioritises digitalisation and e-governance to increase revenue collection and reduce corruption. He referenced the digitalisation of tax collection and performance contracts with SOEs as necessary domestic revenue collection measures to fast-track development examples.
President Barrow cited electricity and infrastructure as the key to the country's advancement as the government works towards its target for universal access to electricity in remote areas.
The IMF Chief of Mission expressed confidence to proceed with a new country programme as it is the first time The Gambia has reached a final assessment programme. He gave an outline of the findings of his mission, stating the economic growth improved even though it had not reached the pre- covid level due to external shocks such as the post covid recovery. He pointed out the positive trends in tourism, remittance, and private and public construction works as good signs. The IMF Mission Chief noted the impact of global events on food prices and fuel, flexible exchange rates, and cross-border trade.
On the challenges, it was noted that inflation is high and public debt is still flat at 80% of GDP, but it recorded that foreign reserves and credit to the private sector are on the right path, with interest rates decreasing. Appreciating the government's efforts for economic growth, Mr Razafimahefa concluded, "The Gambia can be a model of a success story."
The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, the Central Bank of The Gambia Governor, and other senior public officials accompanied the IMF Mission to the State House.
0 Likes
State House, Banjul, 18th November 2024: The general public is hereby informed that His Excellency the President, acting under Section 71(1) of the Constitution, has created a new Ministerial portfolio within the office of the President. Alongside this role, the new Minister will also serve as the Chief of Staff to the President, a position now removed from the public service framework.As Chief of Staff and Minister at the Presidency, the office holder will serve as a key adviser and administrator to the President, ensuring efficient coordination of presidential priorities, engagements, and functions. The Chief of Staff will ensure the President's decisions are effectively implemented across all relevant ministries and departments. Additionally, the Minister will oversee the daily operations of the Office of the President and coordinate the work of presidential advisors, ensuring their recommendations align with the President’s agenda.Accordingly, and acting under section 71(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency the President is pleased to appoint Mod K. Ceesay as Chief of Staff and Minister at the Presidency, effective from 18th of November 2024.Additionally, in accordance with Section 71(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency the President has appointed Dr. Habibatou Drammeh as the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education and Mr. Lamin Jabbi as the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy.Merging the Roles of Secretary to Cabinet and Head of the Civil ServiceIn a similar vein, His Excellency the President, acting under Section 80 of the Constitution, has decided to merge the roles of Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service with the Secretary to Cabinet.This merger aims to enhance efficiency in fulfilling these traditionally separate roles. The Secretary to Cabinet guides policy development in Cabinet meetings, while the Head of the Civil Service ensures these policies are implemented across ministries and departments. Consolidating these roles with a single individual helps bridge gaps in understanding and ensures a smooth transition from policy to action. Furthermore, the decision is supported by the belief that having one person oversee both policy formulation at the Cabinet level and its execution in the civil service reduces bureaucracy and reinforces a stronger chain of accountability for delivering results.Accordingly, and acting under Section 168(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency the President is pleased to appoint Alieu Njie as Secretary to Cabinet and Head of Civil Service, effective from 15th of November 2024.
The UN Secretary General, António Guterres Friday received President Adama Barrow in his office on the sidelines of the UNGA79. The two discussed the impressive democratic gains and highly successful transitional justice programme in The Gambia. The President updated Secretary-General Guterres on three phases of the TRRC process, seeking to bring about justice, reparation, and reconciliation for victims.SG Guterres commended President Barrow’s leadership in the region and assured him of the UN support for The Gambia’s agenda toward sustainable development. The United Nations Boss encouraged the maintenance of a peaceful co-existence in and around The Gambia, adding “Maintain it that way Mr President”. President Barrow thanked the UN SG for the renewal of its peace-building support programme for The Gambia critical to delivering justice to victims. The President is also committed to working with ECOWAS, AUC and the UN during the processes.
President Barrow Wednesday hosts his Spanish counterpart, His Excellency Mr Pedro Sanchez Perez Castejon President of The Government of Spain, for a State Visit. The visit marks an important occasion as the two States signed two significant memoranda of understanding on Circular Migration and Security Cooperation. The two agreements are crucial for facilitating legal migration and ensuring stability and security.The Circular Migration agreement is expected to enable Gambians to legally migrate to Spain to work in industries to tackle labour shortages in Spain. On the other hand, the Security Cooperation Agreement aims to enhance cooperation in addressing security challenges, through the exchange of information and intelligence to combat organised crime and other security threats.By addressing key areas such as migration and security, both nations aim to unlock new opportunities for mutual benefit, enhancing their partnership.The State visit highlights the strengthening of ties between The Gambia and Spain, focusing on bilateral development.The state visit to The Gambia marks a milestone in the relationship between the two countries. The outcomes of this visit are anticipated to drive further progress in strengthening the partnership between The Gambia and Spain.
President Adama Barrow continues his tour of industrial sites in the Central River Region with a visit to the Hamidou Jah Farm in Baya Bah in Sami District and the Swami Gambia Banana plantation in Lower Fulladu District.The tour accorded President Barrow the opportunity to assess first-hand the impact of these investments on the agricultural sector.Central River Region is steadily becoming the breadbasket of the country as private sector investors are changing The Gambia's agriculture landscape with a renewed focus on commercializationHamidou Jah is a business tycoon known in business circles as one of the most successful oil and general merchandise dealers. After making his fortune in business, Hamidou is now trying his hand at farming.He has just acquired a 120-hectare piece of land in Baya Bah, some 15km from the main Passamas Laminkoto Highway.President Barrow has made agricultural mechanization and commercialization a key pillar of his government's policy, with its potential to lead economic growth, enhance food security and create employmentMr Jah has already put up a team of agricultural experts from the Gambia and Pakistan, who are now working to transform his piece of land into one of the most productive.The President recognized Hamidou Jah's passion and his potential to contribute to the country's national food security, which has now become more urgent, given the current global dynamics.H.E. Adama Barrow tasked all the relevant government agencies to provide the private sector with the necessary support to help them realize their goals.The President and delegation also visited the Swami Gambia banana plantation in CRR South where he was briefed on the operations by the General Manager Mansukh Bhudiya.President Barrow was taken on a conducted tour of the farm; visiting the nursery shed where the right varieties are nursed under the suitable conditions and the water treatment and supply system which sources water from the River Gambia.The innovative, cost-effective and sustainable farming system has made the Swami banana plantation a model for farmers. It currently has 450 thousand plants, also making it the largest plantation in the country.The President said he is highly impressed with this model, and thanked the Swami Gambia management and staff for the work. The farm employs over 200 workers, mostly women, from Buruko and the neighbouring villages. The farm is expected to reach full capacity with an annual production of 8000 tons.
African Commission on Human and People’s Rights convened the opening of the 79th ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights. The convention in Banjul, brought dignitaries and stakeholders across the African continent to discuss thematic matters for the sustainability of human rights advocacy.The 79th session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights unveils a crucial theme anchored on ‘Educating an African fit for human rights.’The speech of Remy Ngoy Lumbu, chairperson of ACHPR, centred on the unrest and conflicts facing the African continent. He cited challenges affecting women, such as sexual violence and discrimination, as he urged the Gambia government to scale up efforts to repeal FGM laws.Addressing the convention, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Gambia’s Foreign Affairs MinisterSaid the Gambia government is committed to promoting human rights to boost reforms that include the implementation of plans presented by the Truth Commission - TRRC.For over two decades of dictatorship, the Gambia under former President Yahya Jammeh witnessed a pervasive system of forceful disappearances and extrajudicial executions that required effective transitional justice and reforms to reshape the country’s emerging democracy.As enshrined in the Charter of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, the commission is moving to strengthen human rights structure and mechanisms alongside the promotion of friendly settlement of disputes grappling the African continent.ACHPR is a charter established by the African Union to advocate for human rights, democracy and good governance on the continent. The commission has built a robust legacy of transformative impact, empowering individuals and organizations.
Lieutenant General Mamat O. Cham, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of The Gambia Armed Forces, along with the Defense Minister and a delegation from the military, commenced a nationwide tour of military deployments across the country. The objective of this tour is to facilitate direct interaction between the CDS and troops under his command, enabling him to assess their work environments, living conditions, and challenges firsthand. As the professional head of the Armed Forces, this visit signifies the first of its kind since Lieutenant General Cham's appointment as Chief of Defence Staff. His first stop was at Barra, where he visited the ECOMIG forces of Gancoy 7 at Fort Bullen, where he was accorded a warm welcome by the Ghanaian soldiers. CDS Cham was briefed in detail on the tasks and duties assigned to the Ghanaian troops stationed there. Additionally, he witnessed a special presentation by the Ghanaian ECOMIG forces, showcasing their methods for handling riot control operations within the North Bank region. CDS Cham commended the Ghanaian soldiers for their exemplary role, highlighting them as a contingent that epitomizes professionalism within the Ghanaian Armed Forces. He noted that the Ghanaian Armed Forces had successfully won the hearts and minds of the local population within the North Bank region. The Defense Minister also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of unity and professionalism among the Ghanaian soldiers in their duties. The delegation conducted a tour of the facility before proceeding to Njongon's military post. Activity at Njongon was distinctive as CDS Cham engaged with the local community, focusing on the imperative of maintaining and fostering peace. Villagers expressed gratitude to the Gambian troops stationed at Njongon, citing their presence as a source of safety and security. Army troops also had the opportunity to voice their concerns during discussions with the Army Chief. Issues raised included capacity building, improvement of hygiene standards, and motivation. This aligns with CDS Cham's objective of gathering firsthand information on their working conditions. CDS Cham assured the troops that their challenges would be ‘addressed,’ emphasizing the importance of the men in uniform as role models of discipline and commitment.
We regret to announce the passing of our former Director General, Malick Jeng. He passed away on Saturday morning at his residence. Mr Jeng has served with diligence and commitment as the D.G. of the State Broadcaster. He presided over the return of GRTS to satellite transmission. He equally worked to ensure GRTS covered major national and international events involving The Gambia.The late Malick Jeng was a devoted Muslim who was greatly concerned about staff welfare. A jovial and compassionate individual who treats the staff with so much respect and care. GRTS Management is saddened by the passing of Mr Jeng, who greatly contributed to the transformation of GRTS. Management extends its condolences to the family and the entire country and pray that Allah have mercy on his soul and grants him Janatul Firdausi.
The new Minister for Information Dr Ismaila Ceesay told journalists during the briefing that his ministry aims to renew commitment to the development of the media landscape to bolster relations between the press and the government.In a period of increasing misinformation and disinformation, the Ministry has also launched its website and social media handles. An initiative meant to boost the much-long-awaited access to information.Serving as the main mediator between the government and the public, the Information Minister said his ministry is committed to building the website of all other ministries – a strategic move to enhance relations with the media and chart a way forward for the government to communicate to the public. Access to information is a crucial component of a strong democracy building a strong, vibrant society that enables the media to deliver accurate and reliable information to the general public.Despite the lack of support from the government through subventions like other countries, the Gambian media plays a critical role in its drive to deliver accurate information to the public. Yankuba Saidy, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Information Ministry, said the government is working to ensure the media outlets are subvented to be able to sustain their operations. Since the country transitioned to democracy and good governance in 2017, the Barrow administration has registered significant progress in terms of strengthening press freedom. This press briefing is meant to reset relations between the government and the media.
The Minister for Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah is on tour to assess the level of progress of road construction projects across the country.In what was day one of his tour, the minister inspected works on the ‘Hakalang Road’ in Nuimi and other access roads in ‘Baddibu’ in the North Bank Region to access first-hand. The famous ‘Hakalang Road’ linking communities in Upper and Lower Niumi, is an 84 km stretch that has already been completed according to contractors. The Minister said he was satisfied with the level of progress, and hoped that it would be completed within time. Several residents in the area who are the direct beneficiaries of the road expressed delight in the historic roads, describing them as a life-changing project for the people of Niumi. From ‘Niumi’ to ‘Badibou’ where the minister and delegation inspected the ‘Kerewan Njawara Access Road’ which connects 17 communities in the catchment area to the main highway. Day one of the tour climaxed with a visit to the Banni-Salikenni road. This particular project was awarded to a Gambian contractor. The Minister said he is equally impressed with the level of work done at 70 percent. The tour continues to the Central and Upper River Regions
The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to The Gambia, H.E Liu Jin, presented a cheque for over two million dalasi to the Gambia Radio and Television Services, for the purchase of cameras for the State Broadcaster.The gesture is in response to a request for support by the Director General of GRTS Abdoulie Sey ahead of the OIC Summit in Banjul.The Chinese ambassador H.E Liu Jin said the role of the media is crucial, especially GRTS being the State Broadcaster.The Chinese diplomat also described the OIC summit as an important platform to discuss international affairs and for Muslim leaders to share their perspectives on peace, unity, and fairness across the world.The newly appointed Minister for Information Dr Ismaila Ceesay, who was in attendance, emphasised the need for a complete transformation of GRTS from equipment to staff welfare, amongst others.Minister Ceesay used the opportunity to thank China for being supportive of The Gambia and Africa at large, citing infrastructural projects like the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre built to the tune of 50 million dollars thanks to China.Director General Sey commended China for their timely intervention and continuous support towards GRTS' transformation. He further stated that the government of The Gambia under the leadership of H.E Adama Barrow, has strongly promised to support GRTS towards the coverage of the OIC Banjul summit, thanks to the intervention of the new Information Minister Dr Ismaila Ceesay. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second largest inter-governmental organization with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents. The 15th Heads of State and Government Summit will be held in The Gambia from 4th to 5th May 2024. GRTS as the National Broadcaster has been handed the lead role of covering the events live and providing feeds for international channels.
Leave A Comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *