Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – GK Partners, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Service and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MOHERST), has launched an accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training program aimed at senior public officials. The training, held at the University of The Gambia’s Kanifing campus, seeks to enhance policy implementation and promote operational excellence in the pursuit of sustainable development.

The accredited training aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and influence policy development and implementation. It also focuses on enabling participants to navigate sectoral, national, and international policy frameworks, thereby improving the formulation and execution of policies and strategies.

Attendees included officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations, security agencies, and the private sector. The training sessions are designed to provide insights into the practicalities of policy development and implementation.

In his address, Pateh Jah, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Public Services, emphasized the significance of the CPD training. He noted that this initiative is both timely and crucial as the country embarks on the Recovery-Focused National Development Plan 2023-2027. Jah highlighted the training’s role in expanding and enhancing national development.

Professor Herbert Robinson, Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia, reiterated the importance of the training. He pointed out that the training is crucial for building the capacity of civil servants and strengthening institutions vital for democratic governance and socio-economic transformation. Robinson also discussed the challenges of policy-making in Africa, such as the prevalence of shortcuts and missing links in the policy value chain, particularly in data gathering, advocacy, monitoring, and evaluation. He stressed the need for evidence-based policy-making to ensure sustainable development.

Muctar Darboe, Deputy Permanent Secretary at MOHERST, speaking on behalf of the Minister, highlighted the ministry’s ongoing commitment to excellence and continuous professional development within the civil service. He reflected on past achievements, noting that over the years, 80 permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, and directors have been trained, demonstrating the power of collaboration and capacity building.

Professor Gibril Faal, Director of GK Partners, outlined the achievements and series of trainings conducted over the years. He mentioned that GK Partners had trained 80 individuals and undertaken 216 activities since 2017, attributing these successes to strong partnerships with various officials. Faal also noted that GK Partners has worked with 16 ministries, departments, and agencies, including the University of The Gambia, and 6 non-state institutions. The organization has also appointed 54 diaspora fellows, who have undertaken over 60 projects across the country.

The training comprises two sets of 2-day CPD sessions. The first course focuses on “Improving, Influencing, and Implementing Policy,” while the second course, scheduled for the following week, will cover “Operational Excellence for Sustainable Development.” These courses aim to integrate continuous professional development within the regular working schedules of public servants, ensuring long-term benefits for the country’s development.

Overall, the CPD training represents a significant step towards enhancing the capacity of Gambian public officials to implement effective and sustainable policies, thereby contributing to the country’s growth and development.