Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda Jallow has shed light on the government’s decision to remove a chapter on “Good Leadership and Integrity” from the 2024 Draft Constitution. The clause, originally proposed by the Constitutional Review Commission, was excluded due to concerns over its practicality and enforceability.

Answering questions of the media on Wednesday, Jallow explained that the chapter was considered “too prescriptive and very detailed,” with punitive measures that could lead to lifetime bans from government employment for violations.

He emphasized that while the principles of honesty and integrity are vital, embedding them in the constitution could lead to challenges in interpretation and enforcement.

Jallow highlighted that existing instruments, such as the Public Service Act and the Public Service Code of Conduct, already address the behavior and conduct of public servants. He argued that these issues are better managed through specific legislation rather than enshrining them in the constitution.

“We can better regulate that in lower legislation, the act of parliament, the code of conduct, and other instruments that govern the public service than by making it a constitutional requirement,” Jallow stated.

The Justice Minister further noted that the decision was guided by expert opinion, which favored handling integrity-related matters through existing frameworks rather than constitutional provisions. The government believes this approach will ensure that public service conduct remains effectively regulated without the complexities of constitutional enforcement.