The Gambian president Adama Barrow, who started his meet-the-people’s tour, is announced to hold meeting in 17 towns and villages in 20 days.
The Gambia’s constitution gives right to the nation’s president to tour the country at least once in every year. President Barrow on Monday began his 2021 tour in Niumi where he held a meeting with the residents.
Speaking to reporters at Banjul ferry terminal, he said: “It is a constitutional requirement for the President to go round the country at least once a year to have a dialogue with the people, to discuss with the people, listen to them and know what their problems are. So that we can see how best, we can help them. Because they are our partners, they are electorates; they are citizens of this country so they are part of this country. That is why it is very important for us to dialogue with them.
“Because of the dialogue we had with them last year, we know that they wanted ambulances, they wanted milling machines, they wanted tractors, that’s why today [13th September] we are fulfilling that. So, our main objective is a dialogue with the people and it is a constitutional requirement as well,” he said.
He cited section 222 [15] of the 1997 Constitution that it requires the President to undertake a nationwide tour at least twice a year in order to familiarize himself or herself with current conditions and the effect of government policies.
During the Tour, President Barrow would conduct 20 General Meetings as well as inspect the ongoing road construction projects in Hakalang, Jimbala, Bambali, the OMVG power plant in Soma and other development projects across the Country, according to a statement from the presidency.
“Following an update on the status of the road by officials from the National Roads Authority, President Barrow commended them for their efforts and urged them to expedite the project’s completion. The President proceeded to Munyagen for a regional rally that included the districts of Upper Nuimi, Lower Nuimi, and Jokadu. Several speakers at the gathering expressed gratitude to President Barrow for the programs and services his administration has provided to the people of their respective areas.
“The President also expressed his gratitude for their support and togetherness, as well as his government’s commitment to providing progress to them.”