Earlier today, President Adama Barrow embarked on an unannounced visit to various government ministries at the Quadrangle in Banjul.
The visit according to the President was not ’a witch-hunt’ but a monitoring exercise to see first hand the conduct of civil servants.
Accompanied by the Secretary-General and Head of the Civil Service, Noah Touray, the Secretary to Cabinet, Ebrima Ceesay and the Director of Press and Public Relations, Amie Bojang-Sissoho, the President visited the Personnel Management Office(PMO), The Ministry of Youths and Sports, Ministry of Local Government and Lands, Tourism, and the Ministry of Finance.
At the PMO, the President tasked the Permanent Secretary to lead the efforts in instilling discipline in the Civil Service with zero tolerance for delinquency.
‘’You are given a responsibility in a position of trust and discipline is something that you shouldn’t compromise.’’ He stated.
In all the offices the President visited, his message was clear: ‘’work for the interest of The Gambia and not for Adama Barrow. He interacted with the staff and encourages them to be disciplined, productive, and honest in the execution of their duties.
At the Lands Ministry, President Barrow engaged both the Permanent Secretary and Minister on the issue of land disputes.
PS Sanyang, however, assured him that they are in consultation with the Justice Ministry to ensure the enforcement of court rulings in land disputes.
Stressing that there is need to resolve pending land disputes, President Barrow said, ‘’We are in a democracy and the courts are independent. I believe the judgements delivered are right and must be respected.’’
Throughout the exercise, the recurrent issue highlighted by various Ministries is the need for office spaces. The President assured that the issue would be resolved through consultation with his Cabinet.