Gambia’s Barrow discourages dysfunctional public sector

By Kebba Jeffang

The Gambian leader has urged his senior government officials to step
up and avoid dysfunctional public sector in order to create a better
Gambia as he launches diaspora directorate in Banjul on Saturday.

“We must be vigilant against the problem of a dysfunctional public
sector. As President of the Republic, I urge all ministries and all
citizens to embrace nation building, with dignity for the Gambian
people. Those of us elected or appointed to public office are obliged
to safeguard the human, civil and development rights of citizens, and
to provide quality services to the citizens. This is an obligation in
our political, social and legal contracts. My administration believes
that fundamental and enlightened change is needed in the public
sector,” he said.

He assured that the coalition government will continue to pursue the
public sector reform programme for comprehensive change to entrench
public interest in the services.

According to Barrow, The Gambia needs a modern, professional, credible
and well-motivated civil and public service who would live up to their
oath to serve without fear, favour or ill will.

“Our reforms will attract and retain the best skilled and most
experienced. Competence and performance will be rewarded, whilst
support and incentives will be provided to stimulate professional
development. Incompetence, unfairness and indifference have no place
in the public sector of the New Gambia,” he said.

He also warned against the problem of corrupt practices saying, his
administration declares intolerance to all forms of corrupt and
fraudulent practices such as misappropriation of funds, bribery and
corruption in public office are illegal, disgraceful as well as breed
mis-trust, and negative acts.