By Fatou Krubally
Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, has urged comprehensive reforms to strengthen parliament’s administrative structure, calling on senior management to address systemic weaknesses and improve internal operations for greater efficiency and service delivery.
Speaking on Thursday at the opening of a Senior Management Strategic Review and Planning Retreat at Bakadaji Hotel in Kotu, Jatta described the gathering as a critical institutional moment rather than a routine meeting.
“This retreat is not optional; it is a strategic necessity,” he told the Clerk, deputy clerks, directors, and unit heads. “We must move from last year’s gains into a new phase defined by sustainability, standardisation, and resilience.”
The retreat brings together top administrative and technical staff to review performance and consider recommendations from a Functional Review conducted by the SMD Management Group.
Jatta praised the Clerk and senior management team for their performance in 2025, noting that while lawmakers often occupy the public spotlight, administrators ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament behind the scenes.
He highlighted achievements over the past year, including pre-budget consultations in rural communities, national social audit exercises, and increased public access to plenary and committee proceedings through real-time coverage.
The Speaker also cited the successful hosting of the 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa Region Conference, saying it enhanced The Gambia’s standing in the parliamentary community. Additional accomplishments include improvements in committee oversight, implementation of the Constituency Development Fund, and upgrades to Assembly infrastructure.
Despite these successes, Jatta acknowledged that much of the work was carried out under significant staffing and resource constraints.
“You have often been required to do the extraordinary with very limited means,” he said, cautioning that such pressure cannot be sustained.
He urged participants to use the retreat to identify gaps, propose practical solutions, restructure departments, eliminate role duplication, and address critical staffing shortages.
“Excellence must not come from overstretch. It must come from proper systems,” Jatta emphasized.
The Speaker expressed confidence in the management team and officially opened the retreat, stating that its outcomes should position the National Assembly to operate more effectively and meet growing public expectations.
