A NATION ADDRESS ON PRESSING ISSUES IN THE GAMBIA DELIVERED BY PROFESSOR MBALLOW, NDA CHAIRMAN
Fellow Gambians,
As the Chairman of the National Development Association, I stand before you today to address the pressing issues that plague our nation.
Corruption, police brutality, crimes, embezzlement of taxpayer money, high cost of living and weak institutions, have become endemic, undermining our progress and eroding trust in our institutions.
The Scourge of Corruption
Corruption is a cancer that eats away at our economy, our governance, and our very fabric as a society. It diverts resources meant for our development, undermines accountability, and perpetuates inequality. We must tackle corruption head-on, ensuring transparency and accountability in all our dealings.
Police Brutality: A Betrayal of Trust
Police brutality is a grave concern that demands immediate attention. The use of excessive force, abuse of power, and disregard for human rights are unacceptable. We need to reform our law enforcement agencies, emphasizing community policing, accountability, and respect for human rights. The cases of police brutality globally, including the use of tear gas, physical abuse, and unjustified detention, serve as a stark reminder of the need for reform.
Crimes and Insecurity
Crimes and insecurity threaten our very existence, undermining our safety and stability. We need to address the root causes of crime, investing in education, job creation, and social welfare programs. Our law enforcement agencies must be equipped to respond effectively, prioritizing intelligence-led policing and community engagement.
Embezzlement of Taxpayer Money
The embezzlement of public funds is a serious issue that undermines trust in our government and institutions. It’s crucial that we hold our leaders accountable for their actions and ensure transparency in public resource management. For instance, the 2021 Supreme Court decision to nullify a National Assembly appropriation aimed at establishing a self-loaning scheme is a step in the right direction. We need more such bold actions to prevent corruption and ensure accountability.
High Cost of Living
The high cost of living is a significant challenge for many Gambians. With inflation rates reaching 7.1% in 2021 and prices for basic goods like food and transportation increasing, many citizens struggle to make ends meet.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around 450 Dalasis, while a kilogram of rice costs approximately 78 Dalasis. We need policies that address these economic pressures and support low-income households.
Let us unite to demand accountability, promote transparency.
Weak Institutions
Our institutions, including the judiciary and public administration, face significant challenges. Limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of human capital hinder their effectiveness. We need to strengthen these institutions, promote meritocracy, and ensure they’re free from political interference. This will help build trust and improve service delivery.
A Call to Action
We, as Gambians, must unite against these challenges. We need:
Strong Institutions: Independent and accountable institutions that uphold the rule of law and protect human rights.
Transparency and Accountability: Transparent governance and accountability mechanisms to prevent corruption and abuse of power.
Community Engagement: Community-led initiatives that promote social cohesion, trust, and cooperation between law enforcement and the public.
Reform and Capacity Building: Reform of our law enforcement agencies, emphasizing training, capacity building, and community policing.
Strengthen Anti-Corruption Efforts: Establish a robust anti-corruption framework, ensure transparency in public resource management, and hold leaders accountable for their actions.
Economic Policies to Reduce Cost of Living: Implement policies to control inflation, support low-income households, and promote economic growth.
Institutional Reforms: Strengthen our institutions, promote meritocracy, and ensure they’re free from political interference.
By working together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and future generations. Let us unite to demand accountability, promote transparency, and strengthen our institutions.
Together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and future generations. Let us equally work towards a Gambia that is just, equitable, and prosperous for all.
Thank you.