The ceremony was presided over by the Honorable Minister, Hamat N.K. Bah, who described the inauguration as a major milestone in the Government’s efforts to strengthen the NGO sector. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the sector remains vibrant, well-coordinated, and responsive to the needs of the people.
In his address, the Minister welcomed the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and newly appointed Board Members. He expressed appreciation to the members for accepting the responsibility to serve, noting that their expertise and experience would be instrumental in enhancing the role of civil society in national development.
He further highlighted the critical importance of fostering effective partnerships between the Government and non-governmental organizations across the country. The Minister assured the Board of the Ministry’s full support in creating an enabling environment that promotes collaboration, empowers local organizations, and supports socio-economic development nationwide.
The Minister also announced that the development of an NGO Bill is at an advanced stage, noting that its promulgation process will soon be finalized. The Bill is expected to provide a comprehensive framework to guide and regulate NGO operations in The Gambia.
He urged Board members to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in the execution of their duties, stressing that these values are essential for building public trust and ensuring effective service delivery.
