By Tabora Bojang
The Minister of Tourism and Culture has warned that the Barrow government risks failing to achieve its development commitments if “deadwoods” remain in the system.
Speaking at a meeting in Dalaba, Niamina East as part of the ongoing president’s Meet the People Tour, Bah said the president should “put the right people in right positions” if the country is to optimally benefit from “the unprecedented international support and millions of dollars coming into the country”.
He stated: “I have to be honest with you Mr President, with the amount of money and support coming into this country today, we need capacity because the current capacity in government cannot deal with it. The bottom line is that some of these old dead woods in the system have to go and give way to young educated Gambians to come and take this country forward”.
Bah said the government should tap into the wide pool of competent Gambians in the country and abroad to help manage the system. He however acknowledged that there are some “old hands who have been and are still in the system serving well with honesty.”
The minister said these who retired often lobby for government contracts and are reluctant to give way.
“After working for over 60 years in government, they should go home and relax,” he chastised.
He called on Gambians abroad “to stop their quarreling” and return home to participate in the development of the country.
“The whole world wants to help The Gambia because we have a leader who is admired and respected all over the world. We should not miss this opportunity,” the National Reconciliation Party leader warned.
