Modou Lamin Gassama, Administrative Secretary for Gold Award Holders Association (GAHA) has said that the Gambia’s president should not be given the hundred percentage autonomy in the upcoming constitution to the appointment of executives including ministers and heads of public institutions without proper scrutiny.
“The President should not be allowed to have100% autonomy to these individuals without proper scrutiny. Hence, they are responsible for leading the decision making process in the country in connection to the management of the country’s resources that are accumulated through tax collection and other means,” he told The Voice in an exclusive interview at NaNA office, Bakau.
He added: “Without effective execution of the country’s resource it will be difficult to deliver national development.”
Speaking further, the renowned youth activist said the new constitution should guarantee the strengthening of the Local Government (LG), adding the LG powers should be increased to ensure their decisions are effectively and independently without the interference of central government.
“So that they will operate successfully with inclusion of grass root stakeholders from the village, district to the regional level,” he emphasized.
“The Public Institutions that have greater mandate in delivering national development, their powers as well, should be enhanced to ensure that they are more independent and able to pursue their policies effectively without any political interference,” he suggested.
He then added that the National Youth Council should be revisited in the forthcoming constitution, saying that the constitution should guarantee the young people 100% control of their institutions and activities, without any form of government interference.
He disclosed that the past government had interfered in the affairs of NYC’s activities by appointing its chairperson, adding that it [the government] further interfered greatly towards the interventions of Youth’s Council plans and programmes.
Mr. Gassama noted that the government inference in youth activities is not much beneficial to the youth fraternity as mostly the government focus more on action that promotes their political interest. Therefore, it will be relevant for young people to have maximum control on their institutions that promotes their [the youth] welfare.
However, he advised the masses to participate fully in constitutional review process, adding that this is the opportunity where citizens raise their aspiration for the West African tiny nation. “This is a big prospect where you [the Gambians] make your voice heard to public. Your voice could be relevant in the constitutional review process,” he concluded.
Author: Sulayman Waan
