Gambia to hold referendum on new constitution in 2024

Team Outpost 

President Adama Barrow has reiterated his commitment to hold a referendum on the new draft Constitution in December 2024.

“Since 2017, my administration has embarked on significant legal reforms. Our efforts include introducing a new Constitution, and we remain committed to pursuing it this year. It is hoped that a referendum on the new Constitution will be held in December 2024.” he said 

He made these remarks on Thursday during the State of Nation Address. The SONA address is a constitutional requirement for the President to appear before lawmakers to update the citizens on the current state of the country, according to section 77 (1) of the 1997 Constitution.

The speech features range of issues, including the Economy, National Security, Health, Education among others. 

                                                         On The Economy

He said In 2023, the Gambian economy surpassed the projected growth rate for Sub-Saharan Africa and stood at 5.3%. 

“This resulted from our commitment to economic growth and prosperity, reducing inflation and our debt vulnerability, while maintaining prudent fiscal policy. 

Over the years, we have been implementing a series of public financial management reforms. These are reflected in such initiatives as the updating of the 2014 Public Finance Act and formulation of a new Public Procurement Bill.  

We have also rolled out the Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS) to all local government authorities, created the State-Owned Enterprise Commission, and enacted the Anti-Corruption Act 2023. The reforms seek to increase fiscal transparency and accountability.” he remarked. 

                                       On Agriculture And Natural Resources 

In the 2023/24 season, he said the Government allocated one billion, five hundred million Dalasis (GMD1.5 Billion) for purchase of groundnuts, acquiring about thirty-six thousand, six hundred and fifty-nine (36,659) metric tonnes. 

“This marked a significant increase over the ten thousand (10,000) metric tonnes purchased in the previous season.” said Adama Barrow.

 The 2024/2025 cropping season, he added that the government  plan to bring five thousand (5,000) hectares under rice cultivation, a target that could rise substantially, if ten (10) registered commercial farmers in the scheme commence cultivation. 

In support of the national food security drive, he said Government will procure one hundred and eighty (180) tractors and twenty (20) rotavator boats for year-round deployment. 

“Additionally, we will enhance rice processing within the country's irrigated hubs through integrated equipment, training processors, and expanding irrigation facilities.” he posited. 

He continued: “This year, my government will distribute rice, groundnuts, maize, and bean seeds to farmers to help them boost production. There is already enough fertiliser in the country, and it will be sold to the farmers at a subsidized price at different locations across the country.

To improve financial inclusivity, we plan to extend matching grant funds to microfinance institutions that operate close to the communities at grassroots level. 

We also plan to integrate modern technologies, like ICT for internet banking and mobile phones, into the farming communities and establish at least five agricultural insurance schemes to mitigate risks in agricultural lending. These schemes will be managed through public-private partnerships.” he said

                                                On National Security

He said the Office of National Security, through the National Security Adviser appointed to coordinate all security institutions, leads the SSR. 

“So far, the Office has coordinated new policies and strategies that include seventeen (17) policing policies and standard operating procedures” he said. 

Additionally, Mr. Speaker, a draft veterans' policy is now available to honour our veterans and attend to their concerns.

  

For those in active service, there is a revised version of the Terms and Conditions of Service for soldiers and officers. 

Later this year, my government will submit the Arms Trade Treaty Instrument for Accession to the United Nations agency for membership.

He further adduced that an Immigration Service Bill is underway to enhance border control and management. “This is to be supported by significant technological investments that include the Migration Information and Data Analysis System,”. 

According to Adama Barrow four thousand, eight hundred and ninety-four (4894) crime cases were recorded in 2022, four thousand, five hundred and sixty-seven (4567) were recorded in 2023, marking a decrease of 6.6%. 

Out of these, three hundred and forty-nine (349) major crimes were recorded in 2022 and two hundred and seventy-two (272) in 2023, implying a decrease of about twenty-two percent (22%). 

In 2022, one thousand and two (1002) traffic cases were registered, with nine hundred and twenty-two (922) registered in 2023. 

The decline he said, is linked to increased Police vigilance and community policing strategies.  “Notwithstanding the declining trend recorded during the last two years, the crime rate remains a grave concern to my government.

The Security Services have been charged to be more vigilant, hence a highway patrol mechanism, using modern technology, is in place around the Greater Banjul Area.” he stated. 

He said government stance against drug abuse is underscored by impressive seizures and convictions achieved by the Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

“The Agency is working actively with partners to establish a rehabilitation centre and has launched a drug demand reduction programme to educate the people, particularly young persons, on the dangers of drug abuse.” he said.

     On Education 

He said from 2022 to 2023, the government registered significant infrastructure growth, including the construction of over seven hundred and seven-five (775) new classrooms and one thousand and thirty (1,030) toilet cubicles for both conventional and non-conventional schools. 

“This expansion is geared towards making quality education affordable and accessible nationwide.” he remarked.

He added: “The number of graduates from our public institutions continues to increase, in view of the increase in the number of higher education institutions in the country. The University of The Gambia alone impressively graduated one thousand, three hundred and twenty-one (1,321) students in 2022 and one thousand, three hundred and twenty-nine (1,329) in 2023. Of course, its capacity to increase enrolment is constrained by several factors. 

The Government supports students through scholarships both within the country and abroad. In 2023, we supported one thousand, five hundred and ninety-one (1,591) students with scholarships. 

This far in 2024, we have already awarded 655 additional scholarships, totalling two thousand, two hundred and forty-six (2,246), to promote equitable access to higher education opportunities.  

To ensure sustainable financing, a Student Loan Scheme, Research and Innovation Fund, and a Tertiary and Higher Education Trust Fund will be rolled out soon. Each of them has Cabinet approval and will be presented to this august Assembly,”.