CRR governor appeals for more World Bank support on social protection

Jun 1, 2023, 11:55 AM | Article By: Pa Modou Cham

The SSNP is a social protection piloted in the 20 poorest districts across the country. The World Bank supported with US$30 million while The Gambia government contributed US$1 million for its implementation which is spearheaded by the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) and its supporting partners.

Speaking at Brikama Ba in an interview, Governor Bah stated that the project is good and has gone a long way in improving the lives and livelihoods of the people. He added that the beneficiaries are not only given money but as well engaged in good practices and changing their behaviour through Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC).

"What we have seen is impressive because some households have started utilising the funds by expanding their economic gains. Some are engaged in poultry, small ruminants, gardening and more. They also used the money to buy food items in order to get nutritious food," he said.

Mrs Cordu L. Jabang-Senghore, permanent secretary at the Office of the Vice President, explained that social protection is fundamental in the lives of citizens while affirming that the project ensures that vulnerable groups within society are not left behind. She said beneficiaries are women and for a very long time, women were left out of the development aspiration of their countries.

"The government of The Gambia has seen it as a priority that not only the extremely poor are included but also the marginalised groups within society. The social safety net is fundamental in all development agendas around the world. We are thankful to the donors and register our appreciation for the government's continued support."

She concluded by thanking the governors and NaNA who she said have been very instrumental in the implementation of the project while assuring them of her office's support.

The minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Hon. Seedy Keita, has said that government officials jointly do corrupt practices with the private sector.

The government of The Gambia yesterday accepted all the recommendations by the Truth Reconciliation Reparations Commission (TRRC) with regards to the prosecution of perpetrators of human rights violations including ex-President Yahya Jammeh, for the myriad crimes committed between July 1994 to January 2017.

The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO) in partnership with Transitional Justice groups on Saturday held a national stakeholder conference to discuss the way forward in the quest for The Gambia to have a new constitution.

Banjul, 16th April 2020: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad is deeply concerned by reports it has received on the maltreatment of Africans, including Gambian nationals in Guangzhou, Guangdong Region, in China. According to the reports, Gambians and other African nationals have been subjected to forceful eviction, quarantine and multiple compulsory tests for the coronavirus by local authorities.