By: Alieu Ceesay
Members of The Gambia’s National Assembly have begun an extensive debate on President Adama Barrow’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA). The address, which was delivered on June 27, 2024, at the National Assembly in Banjul, addressed a range of national issues and set forth the government’s agenda.
As the debate progresses, various NAMs have underscored critical issues that, in their view, the President and his cabinet should address or enhance through the appropriate ministries.
Omar Jobe, NAM for the Niani constituency, emphasized the urgent need to tackle the skyrocketing price of rice in The Gambia. He also called on the authorities to control the widespread use of CFA currency in the Gambian market.
“The use of CFA currency is not in any sense of control. We must come up with a mechanism to control foreign currency in our country because there is no way we can use our Dalasi in Senegal. The CFA is even in the heart of this country. I think there is a need to stop this,” Honourable Jobe stated.
Lamin Ceesay, NAM for the Kiang West constituency, urged authorities to address the rapid increase in illegal drug use in The Gambia. Despite the efforts of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, drug trafficking and abuse remain significant issues.
“I think it is quite important to ask the Ministry of Interior about the security issues, particularly regarding the drug problem we are confronting in our country. Where are the drugs coming from? Are our borders not secure? What is the responsibility of security before people abuse drugs? It must come from somewhere before it enters our country. What are our security sectors doing? We cannot wait till it starts killing people before we start controlling it. If the government doesn’t address it, we will continue accusing them of allowing it into the country,” Ceesay remarked.
During the State of the Nation Address, President Barrow underscored his government’s stance against drug abuse, noting the impressive seizures of drugs and convictions achieved by the Drug Law Enforcement Agency. He mentioned that the agency is working with partners to establish a rehabilitation center and has launched a drug demand reduction program to educate the public, particularly young people, on the dangers of drug abuse.
Almameh Gibba, NAM for Foni Kansala, challenged the President’s statements about the Kanilai Skills Training Centre’s current status.
“I disagree with the President’s speech. The Kanilai Skills Centre is stagnant, has no water, and is underdeveloped. Some of the facilities that are supposed to be there are not there, so there is no learning going on in Kanilai,” Kansala NAM stated.
Lower Fulladu West lawmaker Gibbi Mballow addressed the issue of civil service salaries, stating that the sector expects a salary increase from the government. He tasked the Minister of Civil Services to act on this demand for salary restructuring.
The debate allows lawmakers to speak directly with respective ministers within their ministries. It also allows NAMs to seek clarification from ministers, as the President was represented by the Vice President during the session.
