Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Office of the President has announced the immediate suspension of all non-statutory official travel by public officials across government, citing mounting global economic pressures linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the presidency said the directive was ordered by Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, as part of broader efforts to safeguard national resources and ensure prudent public financial management.
According to the statement, the decision comes in response to the prevailing global situation arising from the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which authorities say has disrupted international supply chains and constrained access to essential goods and services.
“These developments have placed increased pressure on national resources,” the Office of the President stated, noting that the government has deemed it necessary to adopt stricter fiscal measures and prioritize critical expenditures.
Under the directive, all non-statutory official travel is suspended with immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice. However, exceptions may be granted in cases where travel is strictly statutory, unavoidable, and demonstrably essential.
In such instances, prior approval must be obtained from the Office of the President before any travel arrangements are made. Requests must be thoroughly scrutinized, fully justified, and limited to the minimum number of officials required.
The presidency placed responsibility for enforcing the directive on Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Departments and Agencies, Executive Directors, Chief Executive Officers, Director Generals, Managing Directors, and General Managers.
The statement added that the directive is issued in line with the government’s commitment to prudent management of public resources and will be implemented in accordance with the Public Finance Act, Financial Regulations, and the General Orders governing the Public Service.
To ensure strict compliance, the Director General of Immigration has been instructed to deny exit clearance to any public official traveling on official duty without valid authorization from the Office of the President, whether by land, sea, or air.
All accounting officers have also been directed to ensure full adherence to the order, with authorities warning that any breach will constitute misconduct and may lead to administrative or disciplinary action under applicable laws and regulations.
The directive takes immediate effect and will remain in force until further notice.
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