By Ramatoulie Jawo
His Excellency President Adama Barrow, On Wednesday, formally presented five buses and five tractors to the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) during a ceremony at the State House in Banjul. This generous donation is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the operational capacity and welfare of the armed forces.
According to GAF, the buses will significantly improve their transportation services, ensuring the efficient movement of personnel across various military units. Additionally, the newly acquired tractors will bolster agricultural productivity within the military.
The event was attended by senior government officials, military leaders, and other dignitaries.
During the ceremony, Chief of Defense Staff General Mamat O. Cham emphasized that reliable transportation is a key factor in the operational effectiveness of the armed forces. He stated that the donation would not only boost the morale of personnel but also contribute to the welfare of soldiers in line with the government’s Security Sector Reform agenda.
General Cham further highlighted the alignment of the GAF with President Barrow’s vision for national food security and sovereignty. He expressed gratitude for the donation of the five tractors, which will support the GAF’s rice value chain production and other agricultural activities.
“As an institution that values discipline, resilience, and self-sufficiency we are committed to playing a significant role in producing the food and nutrition requirements for the GAF and our family members,” he said.
He also noted the shift from focusing solely on physical security to embracing a broader concept of human security, where food security is central.
“I want to acknowledge the foresight and dedication of my predecessors Lt General Masanneh N Kinteh and Yakuba Drammeh, who laid the foundation for the GAF Agricultural Drive. Moreover, we recognize the global paradigm shift from a traditional focus on physical security to a broader concept of human security where food security plays a central role. A nation’s strength is not solely measured by its military capability but also by its ability to provide for the basic needs of its people,” he said.
General Cham reaffirmed that the GAF remains steadfast in its mission to protect the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of The Gambia.
In his address, President Barrow affirmed that his government is committed to creating a conducive working environment for the GAF. “We are determined to ensure that the transformations within the security sector align with the democratic values we uphold for our country. We strive for peace, security, and stability, alongside other national developments,” he said.
The President underscored that the agricultural initiative aims to provide basic produce for GAF personnel, improve their nutrition, and promote self-reliance in achieving food security.
“As we are all aware, the Security sector is one of the critical areas towards realizing the NDP, YIRIWA objectives. Gambia Armed Forces and other sister Forces have an important role in ensuring we have a peaceful and stable environment for development to thrive,” he said.
The presentation included five buses to facilitate transportation and ensure punctuality for officers, as well as five tractors to support the GAF’s agricultural endeavors.
President Barrow urged the GAF to make the most of these resources, ensuring their longevity and effectiveness.
GAF officials expressed deep appreciation for the continued support from President Barrow, noting that the buses will significantly reduce transport costs and improve the timeliness of personnel reaching their duty stations. The tractors, they said, will enhance agricultural productivity, reduce labor, and improve the efficiency of farming practices, ultimately supporting the GAF’s goals of food self-sufficiency and security.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.