Posted by By: Alieu Jallow
The Ministry of Information, Communication and Infrastructure, the office of the Government Spokesperson and Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs Saturday 30th March transmit an emergency press conference to clear the dust on certain things surrounding the government of the Gambia.
The Minister of Information, Communication and Infrastructure Ebrima Sillah talking to Journalists at Minietries Conference Hall at GRTS Building, said the government of the Gambia is making stride in her international relationship especially with donors as they are facilitating in the acceleration of National Development Plan.
Mr. Babucarr Jobe Director of Economic Affairs Research Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs highlighted the status quo of the Gambia’s economic, which is making headways after consultations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The consultations revealed that the Gambia’s economy has rise from 2.6% in 2016- 2017, 2017 -2018 4.6% and plenary estimates grows to 6.6% while inflation decreases from 6.9% to 6.1% as of January 2019. The international reserves has also picked up about 193 millions from three months of prospective import cover thus strengthen bilateral relations with development partners.
“The ministry in addition is negotiating for a budget support from the World Bank to a tune of $41 Millions and another with European Union at a tune of €25 millions all of which is geared towards the development programs in the projects highlighted in the national budget”, said Jobe. According to Jobe the Ministry is also planning a spring meeting with the World Bank and IMF this April to engage partners in terms of development assistance that could be added to the economic. Jobe further stated that they are as well in business with the African Development Bank and Islamic Bank to support the development agenda of the Gambia.
Mr. Jobe concluded that the $1.7 billion pledges made by the international community in Brussels, Belgium, in May 2018 have seen 50% of it turned into commitments that have kicked started in areas such as youth empowerment and other development programs within the NDP.
On his part, Alagie Fadera Director of Micro Finance pointed out that the national development plan has one face that made provision for annual report. The report he said will look at what is achieved and the lessons learnt both as a country and development partners as well as some of things necessary to accelerate some of the achievement.
Mr. Fadera added that the government has already initiated the first annual report for the national development plan for the year 2018”. He indicated that the plan will engage government and other stakeholders as outlined by the NDP during the formulation as a result. He indicated that the report is expected in the second quarter of 2019 which will be available to the stakeholders and the media.
Mr. Ebrima G. Sankareh the government spokesperson dilated on the hullabaloo surrounding the appointment and dismissal of chiefs stating some appointment were base on party affiliation by the Jammeh regime without merits.
According to him reports of the Janneh commission discloses that Jammeh’s assets in Kanilai worthy D1 Billions that the government is pursuing every butut and dalasi Jammeh had spent, stole or hoarded.