Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – On September 5th, President Adama Barrow’s cabinet was briefed on the preliminary data gathered during The Gambia’s 2024 Population and Housing Census. The census, which was conducted from May 25 to June 14, 2024, marked the country’s first-ever digital census. The presentation was delivered by Honorable Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, the Minister of Trade, who stood in for the Honorable Minister of Finance, currently on an official mission.
While the detailed census results have not yet been released to the public, the Minister of Information, who also oversees the Ministry of Communications, emphasized the significance of the data. According to the minister, the census offers comprehensive insights into The Gambia’s population structure, socio-demographic characteristics, and housing conditions.
These insights are crucial for informed governance, policy-making, and development planning. The data will play a pivotal role in evidence-based decision-making, supporting the ongoing recovery-focused national development plan and monitoring the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In addition to the census briefing, the cabinet considered and approved two other important policy papers. Vice President Mohamed B.S. Jallow presented the National Disaster Risk Management Policy for 2023 to 2033, a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing The Gambia’s capacity to respond to both natural and climate-induced disasters. The policy was swiftly approved by the cabinet, reflecting the government’s commitment to proactive disaster management.
Vice President Jallow also presented a second paper, seeking the cabinet’s approval for the Maize and Rice Regulations. These regulations, aligned with the Food Safety and Quality Act of 2011, aim to establish foundational requirements to ensure the safety and suitability of food for sale. The regulations are designed to maintain public confidence in the country’s food system and uphold food safety standards.
The briefing and the approval of these critical policies highlight the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and ensure sustainable development in The Gambia.
