By Ramatoulie Jawo
His Excellency President Adama Barrow, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of his newly appointed members of Cabinet and the members of the public service commission at the state house in Banjul on Thursday, March 21, 2024.
The ceremony witnessed the swearing-in of the following ministers: Hon. Abdoulie Sanyang for the Interior Ministry; Hon. Abdoulie Jobe for the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture; Hon. Hamat NK Bah for the Ministry of Lands; Regional Governments and Religious Affairs; Hon. Hadijatou Sey for the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education; Hon. Nani Juwara for the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy; and Hon. Ismaila Ceesay for the Ministry of Information.
Additionally, Mr. Kemo Conteh and Saniabou Ancha Ceesay were sworn in as members of the Public Service Commission.
All the appointed Ministers and members of the public service commission have taken the prescribed oaths of office, Allegiance, and Secrecy, which they swore to implement without fear, favor, affection or ill-will, according to the Constitution and other laws of The Gambia.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Barrow advised the newly appointed ministers to work closely and cordially with their technicians to achieve their sector goals and serve the people of the country.
“I particularly advise you, the Ministers, to work closely and cordially with your technicians to achieve your sector goals and serve the people honorably,” he said.
He said he has no doubt about their capabilities and ability to deliver on their mandates.
“Serving as a member of the Executive or Cabinet comes with great expectations and responsibilities. Cabinet calls for collective leadership; hence, ministers are expected to work as a team to support the Government through policy and program advocacy and implementation,” he emphasized.
He emphasized the necessity for positive shifts in work ethics and attitudes toward duty across various sectors, such as the Civil Service, State Owned Enterprises, security, and the Legal Sector, as part of their reform programs. Saying ”to reiterate my government’s position, 2024 is a year of delivery, due diligence, and quality service.”
President Barrow also urged the Ministry of Public Service to promptly develop a performance evaluation tool for adoption by the commission. He stressed that promotions should prioritize performance and merit over tenure, emphasizing that length of service alone should not dictate advancement.
“I request the Ministry of Public Service to immediately design performance appraisal instruments for use by the Commission this year. Meanwhile, we assure the Commission of our support to carry out its responsibilities effectively,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the sworn ministers, Hon. Hamat Nk Bah urged his fellow newly sworn-in cabinet members to champion the nation’s interests and collaborate effectively to serve the people, thereby bringing pride to the president. He emphasized that business as usual is not an option, highlighting the expectations of Gambians to fulfill President Barrow’s agenda with unwavering dedication.
“We all have to work collectively together to save this country; we do not have an excuse not to deliver the services and not to work based on what we are entrusted in our various portfolios. Ministers cannot sit on the fence; you are either a minister in cabinet, you deliver, defend, and work hard, or you go out of cabinet. We cannot run away from the insult and abuse,” he said.
On Friday, March 15, 2024, President Adama Barrow, exercising the authority granted to him by Sections 71 (3) and 71 (4)(b) of The Gambia’s Constitution, reshuffled his cabinet and made changes to certain parts of the Civil Service