Gambian President Adama Barrow has called on members of his new cabinet to work hard to deliver better living conditions for the people as well as a conducive environment that sustains improved livelihoods.
“We will never catch up with other nations if we continue to focus on individual growth, instead of re-orienting ourselves collectively for the general welfare of all citizens,” he said on Tuesday at State House in Banjul at the swearing-in ceremony of the new members.
President Barrow said attempts in the past five years to implement robust reform programmes and unite the people for justice and reconciliation were slowed down by both global and national factors.
He said in various ways, individual interests and political party loyalty compromised performance and progress in the public service.
“Now that we have transitioned into a new political phase, this state of affairs has to change. Competence, timely delivery of service and output must prevail over everything else in all Government institutions,” the President said.
He told the ministers that expectations are high, as expressed by the electorate, stressing that the cabinet is expected, therefore, to generate and guide policy initiatives, and move institutions forward to fulfil the peoples’ development aspirations.
President Barrow stated that the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, declining economies globally, price hikes all over the world, conflicts and unrest in every corner of the globe make it an obligation for them to re-design strategies and take bold innovative steps to combat all these challenges and trends.
He urged all ministries to build genuine and fruitful partnerships, and work with all sincere stakeholders to yield results for the people.