The grant came on the heels of President Jammeh heaping high praise on the National Assembly for carrying out its oversight function of holding public officials and institutions to account at the recent state opening of the parliament. Assembly Speaker Abdoulie Bojang, applauded the World Bank for the gesture noting, “The PEC/PAC works has been recognised by the World Bank.”
Ismaila Ceesay, representing the World Bank, reiterated that the grant was meant to further strengthen the parliament’s oversight functions. He also heaped praise on PEC/PAC for serving as a model in the sub-region and beyond adding that institutional development grants from World Bank do not exceed half-a-million dollars but proudly said The Gambia has received more than that amount.
The majority leader and Member for Serekunda East said: “We are convinced that this assistance would add value to our oversight functions.” The minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Abdou Kolley, said the work of the PAC/PEC is important describing the grant as ‘timely’. He commended the World Bank for the gesture while challenging NAMs to strengthen their skills in finance and statistics domain.
By Sainey MK Marenah
]]>
