Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Former Finance Minister and National Treasurer of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), Amadou Sanneh, has voiced opposition to the full privatization of Gamtel, instead advocating for a hybrid ownership structure that combines public participation with private sector investment.
Speaking during an interview on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez, Sanneh argued that The Gambia’s telecommunications infrastructure should not be entirely relinquished to private control, stressing the need to retain a level of public ownership in what he described as a strategic national asset.
“I opposed full privatization of Gamtel, arguing for a model that allows public participation alongside private investment,” Sanneh said, emphasizing that such an approach would enable the country to benefit from private sector expertise and capital while safeguarding national interests.
He maintained that a mixed ownership framework would strike a balance between efficiency and sovereignty, particularly in sectors critical to national development.
According to him, allowing both government and citizens to retain stakes in key infrastructure would ensure broader economic inclusion and long-term sustainability.
Sanneh further revealed that debates over the future of state-owned enterprises were a recurring feature during his time in government, with policymakers divided on whether reforms should lean toward full privatization or preserve elements of public ownership.
He noted that while development partners often pushed for privatization as part of reform agendas, some officials favored models that maintained local control.
Reflecting on his tenure, the former finance and trade minister highlighted the fiscal challenges the country faced, including tight budgetary constraints that required disciplined financial management and careful prioritization of public spending.
Despite these pressures, Sanneh pointed to gains made in stabilizing the foreign exchange environment and improving liquidity within the banking sector. He concluded by standing firmly behind the policy decisions taken during his time in office, expressing confidence that their long-term impact would be judged favorably.
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