Gambia: President Barrow steers cabinet toward key national initiatives at 20th meeting

President Adama Barrow presided over the continuation of the 20th Cabinet meeting, where a range of pressing national issues were brought to the forefront.

Ministers from various sectors, including Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Trade, and Defence, presented key discussions aimed at enhancing governance and economic stability in The Gambia.

One of the highlighted topics was The Gambia’s potential membership in the Open Government Partnership (OGP), an initiative aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance.

This move signals a commitment to enhancing democratic practices and fostering greater trust between the government and its citizens.

The cabinet also reviewed information regarding the Fifty-Seventh Session of the Commission on Population and Development, emphasizing the importance of demographic trends in shaping future policies.

Additionally, the establishment of a National Employment Technical Committee was discussed, aimed at addressing employment challenges and fostering job creation in the country.

A pivotal proposal on the table was the conversion of the Central Projects Coordination Unit into a self-accounting entity, coupled with the implementation of the CPCU Strategic Plan for 2024-2033. This strategic shift aims to streamline project management and enhance financial accountability within government initiatives.

Moreover, the Cabinet deliberated on the Medium Term Economic and Fiscal Framework, including a thorough examination of the Fiscal Risks Statement for 2025, which is crucial for ensuring sustainable economic growth amidst global uncertainties.

Lastly, the meeting addressed the EFS-2024 Joint Military Exercise and the Distinguished Observer Day of the Republic of Turkiye, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in enhancing national security and defense capabilities.