Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Prominent Gambian human rights defender Madi Jobarteh has sharply criticized the government’s decision to halt a maternity ward project initiated by the Gambian Diaspora Club at Chamen Health Centre, arguing the move prioritizes foreign aid over local efforts. Jobarteh described the government’s justification for the decision as “irresponsible, dishonest, and counterproductive.”

Jobarteh emphasized that the contributions made by Gambians living abroad are significant and should not be overlooked. Jobarteh urged the government to reconsider its decision and prioritize the needs and efforts of the local community, including the much-needed maternity ward at Chamen Health Centre. He called for transparency and accountability in government decisions to ensure that the interests of all Gambians, both at home and abroad, are taken into consideration.

Government’s Justification Under Scrutiny

In July 2024, the Ministry of Health approved the Diaspora Club’s initiative to construct a maternity ward at Chamen Health Centre. However, in December, the ministry revoked its approval, citing the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) plan to fund a similar project. The government also claimed that the Diaspora Club failed to provide a clear project timeline.

Jobarteh dismissed this reasoning as flawed, noting that international development projects, such as those funded by AfDB, typically undergo lengthy processes before reaching implementation. “Between July and December 2024, this AfDB project could not have been initiated and gone through all necessary processes to conclusion within that timeframe,” he stated.

He added that the Ministry of Health was likely aware of any ongoing or planned projects at the time it approved the diaspora-led initiative. “The ministry cannot just come back in December to claim a new project is in town. Minister Samateh must be honest with the people or resign if he cannot take the right decisions in the ministry and the sector he leads,” Jobarteh asserted.

A Missed Opportunity for Collaboration

Jobarteh argued that the Ministry could have worked collaboratively with the Diaspora Club to integrate both projects, leveraging resources to maximize impact. He emphasized that the land on which the health center was to be built is not owned by AfDB, suggesting there was room to accommodate both initiatives.

“The ministry does not have to withdraw the approval from the Diaspora Club. They should have sat down with these folks to see how both projects could be merged to maximize services and impact,” he said.

Diaspora’s Contribution Undervalued

Jobarteh underscored the significant contributions of the Gambian diaspora, pointing out that remittances reached $775.5 million in 2024, accounting for 31.5% of the country’s GDP. He argued this amount far exceeds the combined loans and grants provided by foreign donors in the same year.

“Why should our government reject the intentions, resources, and efforts of our own citizens in favor of foreign aid? Our development as a nation should be in the hands of our people first and foremost,” he said, questioning the government’s priorities.

Jobarteh accused the government of disregarding the health needs of Chamen residents and placing partisan interests above public welfare. He called for transparency and accountability in the decision-making process, insisting that those responsible for scrapping the diaspora-led project be held to account.

“This decision is not made in consideration of the health needs and concerns or the interest of the people of Chamen and the Gambia as a whole. This decision is rather driven by nothing other than selfish personal and partisan interests,” he declared.

The controversy has sparked widespread debate, with many Gambians echoing Jobarteh’s concerns over the government’s handling of the situation. Calls for greater collaboration between the government and diaspora groups have grown louder, as citizens demand a more inclusive approach to national development.

The Ministry of Health has yet to respond to Jobarteh’s criticisms or provide further clarification on its decision.