President Adama Barrow ready for second term in office
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anuary 19th 2022 is set as inauguration of the newly elected President of the Gambia, His Excellency Adama Barrow. It would mark the start of his second and final term in office if nothing changes with the country’s constitution. Despite the challenges in court to the peaceful and successful re-election of President Adama Barrow, preparations are in top gear for his swearing in ceremony of His Excellency as stipulated in the Gambian constitution. With the elections over, it is time to settle down to the affairs of running the country as the President clearly stated during his press statement when he addressed the international press? The government is paving the way for a healthy financial environment despite Covid depleting GDP and keeping tourists at bay. The IMF projects GDP growth of 4.9% two years ago compared to a contraction of -0.2% last year. President Barrow’s infrastructure drive could also signal an investment and construction boom. He inaugurated one major and two smaller bridges over the River Gambia in his first term, which has been a boon for trade with Senegal.
“President Barrow will continue his heavy infrastructure development and add to the 600 kilometres of road networks he’s built,” says Hassoum Ceesay, a historian and political commentator. “So that means in the construction sector there will continue to be a lot of improvement in investment and jobs.” In October last year, President Barrow promised an additional $81m towards road and bridge development in the Upper River Region, a project supported by the Chinese government. The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy recently built a large office building in Serekunda, and officials are optimistic that the Gambia can strike oil and gas reserves off its coastline and inland. The renewable energy sector has been boosted by September’s inauguration of Gambia’s $3.7m Renewable Energy Potentials project, which will electrify rural areas and train 210 Gambians. Before his swearing in, the Voice news magazine gathered that the alliance partners has been asked to subject names of candidates to be considered for appointment in the new government in accordance with his electoral promises for their support. It is yet to be seen how the appointments would be made and the screening and approval of the National Assembly. This process may take a bit longer that expected but the President assures that it would not slow down his pace of work and developments for the people. Wishing all Gambians a peaceful new administration and progress in the next five years.
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