By: Lamin B. Darboe
Senior Communication Officer, MoPS
The Minister of Public Service (MoPS) has stated that Permanent Secretaries’ retreat is one of the key tools being used to coordinate overall government operations and improve service delivery to the Gambian people.
Minister Baboucarr Bouy made this remark on Monday, April 27, 2026, during the official opening ceremony of a four-day permanent secretaries retreat held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo.
He reminded permanent secretaries that they have developed an ambitious National Development Plan (YIRIWAA), which reflected the aspirations of the people for inclusive growth, improved service delivery, and sustainable development.
Minister Bouy further stated that permanent secretaries occupy a pivotal role in the machinery of government, serving as the bridge between policy intent and implementation on the ground.
“Your leadership determines whether policies translate into measurable outcomes that improve the lives of citizens. This retreat, therefore, is not ceremonial but strategic. It is a space for honest dialogue, problem-solving, and renewed alignment,” he noted.
He urged PSs to continue finding practical solutions, streamlining processes, and reducing bureaucracy within their systems, emphasizing that timeliness, efficiency, and responsiveness must define their operations. “The era of business as usual is behind us,” he added.
Minister Bouy encourages PSs to critically assess their progress—what is working, what is not, and what must change. He also urged them to engage openly, share experiences, and identify practical actions that will strengthen service delivery across government.
He advised them to leave the retreat with a renewed sense of purpose, openness, commitment, a solution-oriented mindset, and a clear roadmap for unified action.
He concluded by extending sincere appreciation to all permanent secretaries for their dedication to public service and their continued commitment to advancing the national development agenda.
For his part, the Secretary to Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service, Alieu Njie, noted that over the past years, government has strengthened institutions, invested in infrastructure, and advanced reforms in governance and service delivery.
While these achievements are commendable, he says they also serve as a reminder that development is a continuous process that requires persistence, innovation, and unity of purpose.
He called on PSs to dismantle operational silos that hinder progress, stressing that ministries cannot function as independent entities. Instead, he emphasizes the need for a synchronized workflow where inter-ministerial task forces are empowered to resolve cross-sectoral bottlenecks before they delay NDP implementation.
“As Accounting Officers, your adherence to fiscal discipline and strict execution of programme-based budgeting is non-negotiable. Our progress must remain aligned with the NDP timelines and government regulations, ensuring that inputs translate into tangible outcomes,” Njie remarked.
