Issue
Editorial
Civil-Military Relations
The Armed Forces Officers Mess in Kotu was the venue of a very interesting
dialogue between members of the armed forces and other disciplined forces and
a cross section of the Gambian community such as civil servants, political
figures, proprietors, university lecturers, media houses, representatives of
NGOs and religious, women and youth leaders.
The dialogue/seminar was moderated by representatives of the Centre for
Civil-Military Relations located in Monterey, California.
The participants on both sides engaged in frank discussion on the challenges
of civil-military relations in The Gambia. Foroyaa is obliged to state its
position on the issue.
First and foremost, let us draw your attention to the fact that a person
without any military experience may become head of state of The Gambia as is the
case in Ghana, Sierra Leone and so on.
However, the constitution of The Gambia has a provision which states that
the president shall be the commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the
Republic of The Gambia. Why is this the case? The answer is simple. The primary
role of the Armed Forces of The Gambia is to defend the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of the country.
Suffice it to say, in a Republic sovereignty resides in the people. Hence
the role of the armed forces is to defend the sovereign people of a Republic.
Why are they under the command of a president? It is simple. The president
under a Republic derives his/her authority to formulate and implement policies
using the vehicle of a government, from the consent of the people. He is
required by law to utilise the authority to promote their general welfare. It is
therefore a presumption that he/she who has the mandate to promote the common
good is more suitable to exercise guidance and control over the armed forces.
This equally anticipated that the armed forces will defend the people without
fear or favour, affection or ill will in accordance with the laws of the
land.
Let us visit the law of the land to find out what it says about
civil-military relations before drawing the fundamental lessons.
Section 1 Subsection (2) of the Constitution states:
“The sovereignty of The Gambia resides in the people of The Gambia from whom
all organs of the government derive their authority and in whose name and
for whose welfare and prosperity the powers of government are to be exercised
in accordance with this Constitution.”
It is therefore clear that only authority derived from consent is
legitimate. It is equally clear that such authority must be utilised to promote the
general welfare. No exercise of authority against the people is legitimate.
Suffice it to say, forces are instruments of exercising authority. The Armed
Forces is therefore given specific functions by the Constitution.
Section 187 states that the principal function of the armed forces are:
(a) to preserve and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity
of The Gambia;
(b) to aid civil authorities at their request, in emergencies and in
cases of natural disasters
(c) to engage, at the request of the civil authorities, in productive
activities, such as agriculture, engineering, health and education for the
development of The Gambia.
(2) It shall be the aim of the Government and the Armed Forces to maintain
harmony and to foster understanding between the Armed Forces and the civil
population and to this end –
(a) The National Youth Service Scheme shall be organised with the
co-operation and assistance of the Armed Forces;
(3) It shall be the duty of the members of the Armed Forces to respect the
fundamental rights and freedoms of other persons.”
Hence it is clear that the Armed Forces are supposed to be protectors of the
people. This is why Section 222 Paragraph 13 establishes a code of conduct
for the members of the armed forces. It reads:
“A person holding an office in a public service or any disciplined force
shall not –
“(a) allow his or political inclination to interfere with the discharge of
his or her official duties;
(b) be a member of, or take part in any association of persons which might
prevent him or her from impartially discharging his or her duties; or
(c) take part in any activities which cast doubt on his or her capacity to
deal impartially with matters or issues which are the concern of his or her
public office or which interfere with the performance of his or public duties.”
The Constitution wanted members of the armed forces to see themselves as
civilians in uniform. It envisaged that some members of the armed forces will
become officers and stay as professionals up to the end of their career. Others
will serve briefly and become reservists. Others will serve briefly and then
become teachers, social workers, mechanics, engineers, nurses, doctors,
university lecturers or even representatives. It therefore has a provision
stating that members of the armed forces should be trained to have skills they can
utilise when they return to civilian life.
Hence civil-military relations should be governed by the realisation that
each should see oneself as a sovereign citizen who has rights to enjoy and
duties to perform for the common good.
The Armed Forces Act has service offences dealing with abuse of inferiors,
scandalous conduct, irregular arrest and detention, etc to bar soldiers from
violating rights.
All these laws need to be known to members of the armed forces and civilians
alike to ensure that the wrongs are avoided and the rights defended for the
common good. This is the way to have peace and security.
Repatriated Gambians in Court
By Fakabary B. Ceesay
Twenty-one Gambian youths who risked their lives by joining rickety boats to
traverse the vast ocean in search of greener pastures were arraigned before
Principal Magistrate Moses Richards of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on
Tuesday 14 August. They were repatriated from the Canary Islands of Spain on 24
July.
The twenty one accused persons are in the persons of Kalipha Ceesay,
Ousainou Huma, Yaya Darboe, Mulai Muhamed Jallow, Alagie Colley, Kawsu Jawara,
Ousubi Saho, a hard of hearing, Haruna Trawally, Baba Jabbi, Kawsu Drammeh,
Abdourahman Hooma, Alasana Trawally, Sulayman Sillah, Abdoulie Bah, Sana Camara,
Buba Jammeh, Musa Jawara, Muhamed Sillah, Mansour Bah, Abdourahman Jallow and
Amat Bah.
According to the particulars of offence, on count one, the twenty one
accused persons, on the 24 July at the West Field Junction being a public place at
the Kanifing Municipality, acted unlawfully in a manner likely to breach the
peace.
On count two, it states on the 24 July, the twenty one (21) accused persons
unlawfully and needlessly without any reasonable reasons were provoking the
president by using abusive languages against him which could lead to breach of
the peace. All the twenty-one accused persons pleaded not guilty to the two
counts of charges against them.
The Police Prosecutor, ASP Momodou Bojang appealed to the court to deny them
bail. He said the accused persons are still angry and that they may go on
the rampage when granted bail. The accused persons, who were without legal
representation denied the claims of the prosecution and said they, are being
detained under solitary confinement since the 24 July. They said they were
arrested at the Banjul International Airport upon their arrival from Spain. They
said they were later escorted to the PIU Camp at Kanifing where they were
subsequently detained and released on the same day. They said that while they were
on their way to their homes the PIU personnel rounded them up at Serrekunda
near the O.J. Junction, re-arrested them and took them to mile two up until
that day when they appeared in court.
The trial Magistrate ruled that as the matter concerns the president so much
he will deny them bail, but asserted that by the next adjourned date, if the
prosecution fails to proceed, he would discharge them.
He therefore remanded all of them except one, to the state central prison at
mile two till the next adjournment date. One of the accused persons, who is
said to be an asthmatic patient Mulai Muhamed Jallow, was granted bail to the
sum of D5000. The case is adjourned to 22 August 2007.
6000 Teachers Needed
At least 6000 teachers will be needed by the end of the education policy
period (2004-2015) to ensure that every child gets a teacher of good quality,
said Babucarr Boye, Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for Basic
and Secondary Education.
Mr. Boye made this statement on Monday, August 13, at an international
workshop on budget tracking organised by the Africa Network Campaign on Education
for All (ANCEFA) in partnership with Education For All Campaign Network, at
the Paradise Suites Hotel. Mr. Boye said “The Department of State for
Education is confronted with issues such as ensuring ‘quality education’ resources
to ensure that the structures, instructional materials and other consumable
and non-consumable items are available to ensure the attainment of the EFA
goals by 2015.” He added that there are still enormous challenges, key among
which is the shortage of qualified teachers. Mr. Boye indicated that 21% of the
total budget is allocated to the basic education sector, noting that it is
important to monitor if the money is reaching its targets.
“It is enough for the government to make an upfront investment in the
building of schools and other facilities, provision of books and equipment and
training of teachers, they also need to know where the money is going to and
whether it is of proper service to the target population,” said Mr. Boye.
He said that tight budgetary constraints remain the greatest challenge to
government spending on social services that affect women and children directly.
“Women constitute the majority of the non-schooled population and if Goal 4
of the EFA Goals is to be met, that is “Achieving a 50% improvement in levels
of adult literacy by 2015, especially for women, and equitable access to
basic and continuing education for all realistically in terms of their impact on
the attainment of this goal,” the Permanent Secretary said. Mr. Boye noted
that The Gambia does not only have a credible plan, but has gone beyond the
Dakar goal of Universal Primary Education to provide nine years of basic
education for its children and the implementation of an expanded vision of basic
education, which includes early childhood development and adult and non-formal
education.
Four Lawyers Appointed to the Bench
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The Judicial Secretary, Mrs. Ngui Mboob-Janneh, has told Foroyaa that four
members of The Gambia Bar association have recently been appointed as
magistrates.
According to Mrs. Mboob-Janneh, the four are Kumba Sillah Camara, Sainabou
Wadda Ceesay, Sagar Jahateh and Johny Njie. Mrs. Janneh has confirmed that
both Mrs. Camara and Mr. Njie have been posted to their various courts. She
added that Mrs. Camara was posted to the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court as a senior
magistrate to preside over juvenile cases, while Mr. Njie is posted to the
Brikama Magistrates’ Court and that both Mrs. Ceesay and Mrs. Jahateh are yet
to take up their positions. Mrs. Mboob Janneh further applauded the move taken
by the members of the Bar to join the bench to work for their country. She
said, “We really appreciate their move because we want to Gambianise the bench.
” The Judicial Secretary also confirmed the transfer of senior Magistrate
Buba Jawo of the Kanifing Court to Bundung Court. Mr. Jawo has replaced
Magistrate Amina Saho Ceesay, who was appointed as the Sheriff of The Gambia.
Magistrate Calls for Responsible Journalism
By Modou Jonga
Senior Magistrate Edrissa F. Mbai, of the Brikama Magistrate Court, has
urged journalists to strictly observe the code of conduct and adhere to the basic
ethics of responsible journalism.
The Senior Magistrate made these remarks on Monday 13 August, 2007,
following the publication of a story, in which he was reported to have ruled, while
in Chambers on 6 August that he would consider the issuance of arrest warrants
against more than ten drivers. Magistrate M’bai noted that the story
should not have been published because according to him ‘it serves no good to the
public.’
Speaking further, Magistrate M’bai stated that the essence of press freedom
does not mean writing and expressing everything, but that it is about writing
in the public interest. Magistrate M’bai told journalists to avoid writing
everything in his court, since everything may not be in the public interest;
that journalists should be selective in writing stories that serve the
interest of the public only.
In as much as journalists and media houses want to market their papers, the
senior magistrate advised, it should be done with care and in the observance
of the ethics of responsible journalism. The presiding Magistrate further
advised journalists to avoid reporting erroneous stories and those that are
irrelevant to the public.
Mustapha Leigh and Boto Sonko Discharged
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Mustapha Leigh and Boto Sonko, who were standing trial at the Kanifing
Magistrates Court before principal Magistrate Moses Richards, have been discharged
of the charges against them, on Tuesday 14 August.
The police prosecutor, ASP, Momodou Bojang, told the court that the case has
been dragging in court without proceeding due to problems beyond their
control. He said investigations are still going on into the matter even though
there are charges against the accused persons. He appeals to the court to
withdraw the charges until prosecution can put their house in order. The defence
counsel Antouman Gaye did not object but said he hopes that the matter will not
take long. “I hope and pray that the accused persons are not put in police
custody or any form of arrest,” said counsel Gaye.
The prosecutor emphasised that the police have no such intention against the
accused persons. The two accused persons, Mustapha Leigh, the former
Director of Technical Services at the Department of Works and Infrastructure and Mr.
Momodou Lamin Sonko, alias Boto, the proprietor of the Boto construction
company, were dragged to court for allegedly using the properties of The Gambia
government without proper authority. They both pleaded not guilty.
GCCI Launches Trade Fair
By Abdoulie G. Dibba
The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), in collaboration with
its major sponsors, TAF Holding Company and LG Electronics and its official
partners, GAMCEL, AFRICELL, GAMTEL, GIPFZA and Trust Bank, have officially
launched the 2007 Trade Fair publicity and marketing campaign on Monday 13 August
2007 at LG Electronics Headquarters on Kairaba Avenue.
In his welcoming statement, the president of The Gambia Chamber of Commerce
and Industry, Bai Matarr Drammeh, told the attendants at the launching that
it is his pleasure to welcome them to this special event of TFG’2007
preparatory process, aimed at officially launching the TFG information folder, and
setting the stage for a vigorous publicity and marketing campaign. He said in
his capacity as the president of The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
they wish to express their thanks and appreciation to all stakeholders who are
playing active roles to make this trade fair a success, especially the
Chairman and members of the Trade Fair Committee. Mr. Drammeh asserted that The
Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry is appreciative of the opportunity of
orgainsing trade fairs and the tremendous support received from the government,
the sponsors and partners, and especially the general public. The president
of The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry told the gathering that the
theme for this year’s trade fair is “Tapping the Growth Potentials of the
Small and Medium Enterprises,” and is aimed at building on the gains made from
the 2005 trade fair. He said the trade fair will also provide the platform for
businesses to showcase their products and also stimulate public interest in
Gambian products. He said that the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry
will therefore continue to organise a trade fair every two years in order to
help the private sector achieve their business goals and aspirations. In
conclusion, Mr. Drammeh said they sincerely hope that this year’s trade fair will
open new avenues for private sector growth and expansion in The Gambia,
especially for the benefit of the small and medium enterprises and for the
achievement of the objective of stimulating growth and investment in The Gambia.
In delivering his launching statement the Chairman of the TFG’2007 publicity
and marketing committee, Muhammed Jagana, said he has the pleasure to
welcome the gathering at the LG House for the official launch of the TFG’2007
information folder which marks the beginning of the marketing campaign. He said
The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry is grateful to their major sponsors
and their official partners. He said they all recognised the important role
that these major sponsors and official partners play in The Gambia’s economic
development and that they thanked them sincerely for their confidence in
them and contributions to this trade fair. Mr. Jagana pointed out that some of
the main features of this year’s trade fair are the “Investment Forum” and
the “My Day of Business.” Mr. Jagana indicated that the Investment Forum will
allow companies with new products in the market to use this platform to
introduce such products to government policy makers, international investors and
the general public. The “My Day of Business” he said, will create a unique
opportunity for companies to demonstrate their products and services by taking
the centre stage at the trade fair ground accompanied by the playing of
Jingles and that the allocated time is from 1pm to 8pm. He told the gathering that
The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry will continue to organise trade
fairs in order to provide a platform for interaction between institutions,
small and medium size businesses, between international and Gambian businesses
and between policy makers and the private sector for the promotion of growth
and advancement. The Publicity and Marketing committee chair thanked the
companies that have responded to their call to sponsor the trade fair in order to
enable the private sector to come together and lead the country’s
development process and to promote business connections and activities. He concluded
by thanking the media for their support and hoped that, as partners in private
sector development, they shall continue to work for the development of the
country.
On the part of the major sponsors, Messrs..Mustapha Njie, the CEO of TAF
Holding Company and Fady Hochiemy, proprietor of LG Electronics, both said they
are honoured to be part of this grand event and noted that the trade fair
will have significant impact on large and small businesses by showcasing their
products and services in one location to the general public.
The launch ceremony was chaired by Ms. Beatrice Allen, the Trade Fair
Coordinator. The vote of thanks was delivered by The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and
Industry’s Chief Executive, Mam Cherno Jallow.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
IS MONEY LIFE?
With Amie Sillah
Part 5
Hellen Is Confused And Worried
Lang is late to come home. Hellen is worried. These days bandits are abound.
A lot of violence goes around the area. “What is holding Lang back? I am
worried. He did not call. I tried to reach him but to no avail”. Hellen worried
herself to death. The car’s horns were heard. Hellen sat upright. “Thank
God! He has come”. Lang entered, guilty and confused. Hellen asked. “What
happened? I was dead worried. You did not call. I tried your call phone but to no
avail”. He lied. “I went to the city. Bad roads”. I rushed before
nightfall. I tried to phone but poor network. Here I am darling! Sorry for the
inconvenience”. He kissed Hellen’s forehead. “Dinner is ready! It’s your delicacy!
Bon appetite!” “Let me take a hot shower first!” “Your hot water awaits you
”. Put in Hellen. “Thanks!” Lang took shower then quickly ate his supper.
He retired to the sitting room. He sat and pondered over Chaneh. She is still
beautiful and attractive. Lang longed for her sensuous body. His body and
mind were in constant struggle. “It is wrong! I cannot betray Hellen’s love and
trust. She stood for me at my time of need. She is a precious jewel. I love
my wife. I should not depress her at her condition. She is heavy with the
fruit of our love”. This was Lang’s sensible voice. The other voice was leading
him astray. “You are a man! Have fun! Chaneh is sensuous! Be discreet about
it!” These two voices were struggling inside Lang. He was worried and
confused. Hellen was observant. She knew something was eating Lang from the inside.
What was it? She has to ask. She came close to him but Lang was deeply
absorbed. She holds him. Lang startled. “What is eating you up my love? Since you
came you are not yourself. You are worried. Can I help?” Lang caught up with
himself. “It’s okay! I am alright! It’s the workload! The Honda business,
used clothes and the other petty trades. I am okay! I’ll be fine. Thanks for
your concern”. Hellen announced that she was going to bed. “You can join me
later my love but just take it easy on yourself. You cannot finish the world”. “
Thanks again for your concern. I’ll join you in bed. Love you!” Lang threw
kisses to Hellen. He pounded for a long time. He later decided to take the
adventure. Chaneh is irresistible but I have to be discreet about it. Hellen
must never know. I am a man. I can handle it”. Lang got resolved over his
escapade with Chaneh. He was overcome by lust.
At The Rendez Vous
Chaneh waited for a long time. It was a Saturday. Lang had to justify his
going out. He had to concort a story. Chaneh became discourage. She thought
Lang would not honour their date. Lang came with a story. “My City Partner
Alhagie Abdoulie rang. Our second hand clothing consignment had arrived. I had to
go darling. Sorry! This is my rest day but I believe in business before
leisure”. He kissed Hellen on the lips. “Take care! Driver safely!” “Thanks!”
Lang rushed to the bush. Chaneh was deeply relieved when she saw the car. Lang
stopped and asked her to hop in. Chaneh wanted them to have a quick one there
and then but Lang refused. “I can’t we can be caught here. What would I
tell Hellen?. We have to be discreet”. Chaneh hopped in and Lang drove away. He
started to make excuses for himself. “I love Hellen. She is a great woman but
you are my satan. I cannot hurt Hellen. She is carrying my child. We have to
be discreet about the relationship until she delivers at least”. Chaneh gave
him one in the car. She stressed her point. “You belong to me. Hellen is an
outsider. My parents deceived me to marry Essa. You are the one I love”. “
Spare me the sermon. You betrayed me at my time of need. I fall for you because
of trust not love. My flesh is weak to your body but I’ll not allow you hurt
Hellen”.
At The Town Lodge
They rented a room at the town lodge and spent the weekend there. They
enjoyed themselves to the utmost. Chaneh wanted Lang to stay longer. “No I can’t!
Hellen will be dead worried. I have to lie to come here. I have to go. Her
condition does not favour anxiety”. Chaneh exploded. “Nonsense! Everything
Hellen! Hellen! Hellen I give you heat not Hellen! One of these days I have to
let hell loose by exposing everything!” Chaneh threatened. “It you do, that
will be the end of our relationship. If my wife dies in the process you are
also a dead woman! Am I understood?” Lang also threatened. Lang gave Chaneh a
lot of money and left. “When are we to see again?” Chaneh asked. “I’ll call
you. We will work it out”. Lang drove away in a hurry.
Lang Is Guilty
He came late. Again Hellen was very worried. She asked him about the trip.
He lied. “It was fine. The consignment arrived and we disembarked everything
without a hitch”. “You must be dead tired. Your food and bath is ready darling
”. Hellen announced. “You are a darling! I’ve appreciated everything you
have done”. He kissed Hellen. “I’ll later join you in bed. Thanks for
everything!” “You are welcomed”. Hellen went to bed.
A Date
Hellen’s antenatal appointment is due. She was to carry Lang along. Through
this practice if she forgets anything Lang will note it down. Moreover gender
activists are encouraging spouses to accompany their wives to clinics in
order to boast the women’s ego at these trying times. Lang is a village role
model. Hellen is always proud to be accompanied by her loving husband. Today,
there is a clash of interest. Lang has a date with Chaneh at their love nest.
Lang completely forgot about the clinic appointment. Hellen is already dressed
waiting for him. Lang dressed, kissed and rushed past Hellen. She was
surprise. “Darling! Where are you rushing to? Have you forgotten our clinic
appointment? We are already late!” Lang lied. “Something urgent prompt up. We are
not late sister and doctors normally come at 1pm. The lectures start at 10am.
Now the time is 8.am. I’ll rush to meet my appointment at 9.am then I’ll
come back before 10.am. Being late by 30 mins or 1hour is not a big deal. We
know about the lectures. It’s a repetition of last month. We will make it. We
will see sister and doctor. Wait for me while I rush and come back in a jiffy”.
Hellen was not convince but being a nice person she accepted reluctantly. “I
am waiting for you. Be fast about it”. He gave her a lip kiss and rush to
meet Chaneh.
At The Render Vous
“Why are you late? You always kept me waiting”. Chaneh protested”. Stop
complaining. You cause it. My situation is delicate. We have to postpone until
tomorrow. I have to attend clinic with Hellen. It is her clinic day. She is
waiting for me”. “Not over my soul! You came up to here? We have to continue
to the town lodge. You can spend an hour and then back to your cry baby”. “No!
” Lang protested. “It is too late. Let’s go before you lose more time. Time
is not on our side”. Being weak he followed Chaneh’s instructions until
they arrived at the lodge. They went straight to bed. They have fun. Lang has
completely forgotten his wife. It was late. He was weak. He spent the night
with Chaneh. She is winning the lust game. She is an expert. She knew Lang’s
weakness towards her. She is using it to the optimum.
Disappointment
Hellen is now very suspicious. Lang is up to something. It is not business.
He is lying. “Is he cheating on me?” She asked. She cried. She felt
disappointed and betrayed.
Heavy Flooding At GTTI
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The heavy downpour of rain in the morning of Monday, 13 August resulted to
flooding at many places. The Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI) was
one of the places that experienced the flooding. The entire premises were
flooded with rain water that had risen above knee level. Both staff and students
of the school found it difficult to access the campus due to the high level of
the rushing flood. Some of the students decided to wait outside on the main
highway for the water to reduce to a level where they would be able to enter
the campus to attend their classes. Others could also be seen taking off
their shoes and pulling up their dresses above the knees and venturing into the
water in order to access their classes. This reporter also joined the students
who entered the school to see the situation. The reporter went round the
whole school to see the affected areas. The area covering the school campus up to
the football field and the main road between GTTI and Old Jeshwang were all
flooded. It was discovered that the areas of the Engineering, Mechanical,
Plumbing and Gas Fitting, Physics, Construction, Automotive, Electrical,
Business Studies Departments as well as the Library and the Administrative Building
all had their verandas inundated with muddy water.
The students, who spoke to this reporter, expressed their concern and
surprise over the incident saying that they had never thought that the Institute
was so vulnerable to such flooding.
Education Expenditure Analysis
2001 - 2005
(The Gambia)
Pro Poor Advocacy Group (Pro PAG) is a local NGO that works to facilitate
government efforts towards allocating adequate resources to sectors that have
direct impact on the welfare of the poor. Through studies, research and
advice, Pro PAG helps to ensure that the national budget is responsive to the
priorities and needs of the poor.
This piece of work was carried out by Pro PAG in partnership with the
Commonwealth Education Fund (cef). It aims to depict the real situation of’ budget
resources allocated to the education sector; with a view to inform
stakeholders of’ the need for increased resource allocation to the education sector.
The pieces of information are to inform policy makers in national budgets, as
well as serve as a basis for advocacy in education budgets.
Pro-PAG working to “improve the standard of living for the poor in The Gambia
”
SECTION I
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 Context
Citizens of democratic nations are entitled to know how public revenue is
spent, and what decisions their elected representatives make on their behalf;
in a bid to hold public officials accountable for their budget planning,
allocations and implementation. Monitoring government budgets, therefore, enhances
better decision-making within government. It provides a forum for purposeful
and concrete engagement between the executive, the legislatures and civil
society around critical choices and outcomes that boarder particularly around
the poor citizenry.
Civil society groups such as Pro-PAG, can make a significant contribution to
the development and maintenance of a good budget system by:
* simplifying budgets and deepening the debate around budget policies and
decisions;
*collating and disseminating budget information in user-friendly formats;
*providing independent critical analysis;
*providing training in budget analysis and advocacy;
*helping to build a culture of accountability;
* advocating for more access to budget decision-making, and
*providing input into budget decisions through existing channels of access
e.g. the various parliamentary select committees.
1.1.2 Objective
The objectives of the study are:
1. To analyse trends in public expenditure in education; both
local and donor funding;
2. To identify trends in programme and functional level expenditures
within the education sector for Government expenditures, and
3. To relate conclusions from the expenditure analyses to the state
sector policy objectives.
The findings of the study shall be used for advocacy to lobby greater public
funding for education and other social sector.
1.2 Approach & Methodology
1.2.1 Scope
The study covers public expenditures incurred in the education sector over
the period 2001 to 2005 including Government and donor funds.
The principal source of data is expenditures reflected in the
Government’s annual Recurrent and Development Expenditure Estimates.
1.2.2 Methodology
The study focuses first on a review of policies and programmes in the
sector, highlighting the key developments over the period under review. It then
provides a detailed analysis of the expenditure data, discussing the results of
the trend analysis and relating them to policies and developments observed
over the period. Features of the data and other technical notes are discussed
too. Conclusions and recommendations then drawn.
The literature review (i.e. of policies and programmes) is a desk exercise
and the expenditure is from secondary sources, mainly the budget data from
Department of State for Finance and functional data from Department of State for
Education.
1.2.3 Data features
Expenditure data for this study were collected from Department of State for
Finance and Economic Affairs (DOSFEA) and Department of State for Education
(DOSE). All data sets were from the Government Recurrent and Development
Expenditures Estimates.
The data from DOSFEA had a complete time series for the period under review
(2001 to 2005) for actual expenditures. However, it did not have
plan/estimate allocation for the entire period. This was obtained from the DOSE data base.
There are major discrepancies between the data sets from DOSFEA and DOSE to
the extent that for the purposes of this study, a blend of the two sets to
make certain analysis could not be done. The functional classifications in the
DOSFEA data were inconsistent with sector programme classifications. Thus for
the purpose of this study, all the functional analysis were based on data
from DOSE except the section
related to poverty reduction related expenditures.
SECTION II
2.1 Background
2.1.1 Country Context
In the 1993 population and housing census it was shown that The Gambia
achieved a population growth of 4.2% per annum (compared with an average of 2.6%
for the sub- Saharan area (SSA), making it one of the highest growth rates in
the world. The rapid growth is due to a combination of natural growth and
migration. According to the provisional results of the 2003 Population and
Housing Census, the population of The Gambia is estimated at 1,364,507 persons
compared to 1,038,145 persons in April 1993; representing a 31.4% percent
increase over the decade and resulting to an average annual growth rate of2.77%,
comparedtothe4.2% over the period 1983 1993.
The high dependency ratio, over 90%, experienced in 1993 with its serious
implications for the cost burden of supporting a large part of the population
in basic education will likely be the norm from 2003, since from the
unpublished preliminary results of the most recent poverty survey in 2005, poverty
levels especially in areas like the CRD has risen to as high as over 70%. This
trend in poverty and therefore dependency on the few employed people almost
across the entire country further reduces the availability of financial
resources to education especially basic education.
Although fiscal deficit has been stabilized in recent years, The Gambia’s
fiscal condition is challenged by the composition of expenditures which shows
an increasing share of domestic debt servicing that absorbed approximately 16
percent of domestic revenues in 2004. Debt servicing is squeezing out
expenditures on social services and capital investments. The stock of domestic debt
held in T-Bills reached 31 percent of GDP by 2004. As the stock of debt has
grown, so has the interest rate on these T-Bills, which rose from 12 percent
in 2000 to 15 percent in 2001 and 30 percent in 2004. These higher rates are
also harming the private sector, which must compete with the Government for
access to credit.
Despite resumed growth in recent years, The Gambia is still one of the
poorest countries in the world with GDP per capita around US$300. According to
UNDP Human Development Report 2005, nearly 60 percent of the Gambian population
is living below US$ 1 a day, and nearly two-thirds of the population is
living below the national poverty line. In the area of human development, The
Gambia is ranked 155 among 177 countries, with one of the lowest Human
Development Index, a composite index measuring life expectancy, adult literacy rate,
primary and secondary school enrolment, together with GDP per capita.
2.1.2 Policy Background
The Education Policy 1988 to 2003 and the Education Policy 2004 to 2015 set
the framework within which priorities in the sector are operationalised. Both
policies are set out to allow for the growth of educational opportunity and
to improve the effectiveness of education at all levels, with priority given
to Basic Education. It is important to note that these policies were premised
on Gambia Government development agenda as contained in Vision 2020 and the
Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP); and synchronized with Government
commitment towards education-related Millennium Development Goals (MDG5),
Education For All and New Partnerships for African Development (NEPAD).
It is imperative that national priorities recognise the need for better
coordination of the range of international initiatives concerned with achieving
these goals/objectives at the local level.
2.2 Budget Analysis
2.2.1 Introduction
A budget is a plan for acquiring resources (revenue) and deploying them in
order to achieve policy objectives. A government’s budget performance is
reflected in its budget inputs, outputs and outcomes.
2.2.2 Budget Process/Preparation
The drafting/design of the budget is normally driven by the executive. The
DOSFEA is the central office responsible for the national budget in The
Gambia. The budget process begins with the ‘Call Circular’ in which the DOSFEA
outlines the economic forecast against which budget ceilings are allocated to
sectors/departments. Sectors prepare budget
EFA Pursues Budget Tracking Workshop on Education
By Isatou Bittaye
The Education For All Campaign Network (EFANET) The Gambia, in collaboration
with the Africa Network Campaign on Education For All (ANCEFA), has opened a
five-day budget-tracking workshop on Education, on Monday at the Paradise
Suites Hotel. The workshop aims to develop the capacity of representatives of
education coalitions from nine Anglophone countries in Africa. It also aims to
enable these coalitions to acquire appropriate skills in budget research
credible data required for effective advocacy campaign and constructive
engagement with government and donor partners for the full implementation of the
Education For All (EFA) goals between now and 2015.
In her welcoming remarks, Ms. Adelaide Sosseh, Chairperson of EFA NET, said
Civil Society Organisations (CSO) have a vital role to play in building
public pressure for education reform. Ms. Sosseh, on CSOs as advocates for the
poor and marginalised, said “it is their responsibility to translate popular
demands into detailed recommendations for the resource allocations, policies and
management systems needed to make education work”. She indicated that
education is a human right and one of the most powerful tools to reduce global
poverty. Ms. Sosseh said ensuring that all children receive the education they
deserve will help overcome inequality, improve health, and promote economic
growth and political stability.
In delivering her opening remarks, Mrs. Felicia Onibon, a representative of
ANCEFA Board (WCA) said tracking resources in Africa is getting more
attention now than ever and it calls for the attention and interest of the civil
society organizations. Mrs. Felicia added that the workshop is in response to the
need for civil society groups and coalitions working in Education to become
more knowledgeable in systems whereby budgets and resource allocation are
being tracked.
She indicated that in countries like Tanzania, progress has been made in
this direction and in Nigeria there is regular publication of allocations to the
different tiers of government in the public domain. Mrs. Felicia urged all
participants to take the workshop seriously, noting that no idea should be
shoved aside as they need all the human and material resources available to
eradicate corrupt practices that hinder the effective funding and management of
education in Africa.
Gambia, Not Many Goal Poachers
By Modou Nyang
‘There’s a scarcity of top goal scorers in Gambian football,’ said Joseph
Gomez, head coach of Hawks FC.
Hawks are one of the sides in Gambian club football that struggles with the
business of hitting the opponent’s goal and this lack of fire in front of
goal, caused them the FA Cup title to Ports on Sunday. Hawks dominated the first
period of the Cup final at the Independence Stadium creating lot of chances
but failed to utilize them. And in the second, a more aggressive Ports
Authority FC stole the show with a Sainey Nyassi goal.
Gomez said: “may be we do not have enough strikers because the strikers
score, every one in the field can score [though] but the most likely people that
score are the strikers and the midfield players, and sometimes the wingbacks.
But normally center forwards score goals more than any one else. The number
of midfielders and defenders we produced [Hawks] we did not do in strikers, we
don’t have lot of strikers in the Gambia [and] if you have one you adore him
because he will be the only one”. “There are support strikers we call them
the second striker, but a permanent striker is a finisher. A pointer, a
number 9. Wherever he goes that’s where the ball is, and whenever he touches, you
celebrate. That’s what we [Hawks] lack and you can also say in the Gambia”.
Gomez gave credit to his colleague Alagie Sarr coach of Ports for running
out with all three points in all four occasions their sides met this term. He
added: “mother luck was not on our side today that is football. I congratulate
Alagie and his boys they win us four times this season. You have to give him
credit for that”.
SK East Nawettan Hots – up
By Isatou Bittaye
Hostilities at the Serrekunda East Nawettan are gaining momentum as teams
struggle to conquer each other.
Over the weekend TK Snookers won Maccassa by a lone goal whilst Gamma Link
and Wales fought a 0-0 draw on Friday and Saturday respectively. On Saturday
again during the second fixture Eden Border also fired blanks against London
Celtic and Abuko United lost to AC Milan 2-1 on Sunday. Rangers and Leeds
United followed suit in the second match of the day sharing the spoils in a 0-0
encounter. And on Tuesday Zurich drew zeroes with Medina FC in a tightly
contested affair opening the second week of the start of the Nawettan.
Gambia Win Ivory Coast Tourney
By Modou Nyang
Gambia’s U – 17 Scorpions edged Burkina Faso 1-0 to win the four nation
cadet football tournament in Ivory Coast.
After finishing off the home country with a emphatic 2-0 defeat, the Baby
Scorpions saw off the Burkinabes in the final to finish as winners of the round
robbing tourney. The U – 17 Scorpions earlier won Burkina with the same goal
margin in their second outing after playing a 1-1 draw in their opening
fixture against Niger.
Host Ivory Coast were hoping to join The Gambia in the final had they pulled
a draw against the Baby Scorpions, but were put aside by Tarik Siagy’s boys.
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