Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Government of The Gambia has begun a comprehensive review of key legislation governing local authorities, with proposed amendments aimed at strengthening decentralization, expanding councils’ financial powers, and improving accountability in local governance.
The initiative was launched Tuesday as the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs opened a two-day National Validation Workshop to review and validate amendments to the Local Government Act (2002) and the Local Government Finance and Audit Act (2004).
The workshop is supported by the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme through the Gambia’s Responsive and Democratic Transition (GREAT) Project.
Key Changes Proposed
The proposed amendments introduce several new provisions intended to modernize local government administration and better equip councils to manage development at the community level.
Among the key reforms under review are clearer definitions of institutional mandates for councils and local authorities, aimed at eliminating overlapping responsibilities between local and central government institutions.
The draft changes also seek to strengthen financial governance by introducing improved audit and financial oversight mechanisms. These measures are expected to enhance transparency in council spending and ensure more effective monitoring of public resources.
Another major component of the reforms focuses on expanding local revenue generation. Updated provisions would give councils greater ability to mobilize and manage their own finances, a move expected to increase financial autonomy and reduce dependence on central government transfers.
The amendments further promote inclusive governance by integrating gender-responsive provisions and mechanisms to ensure stronger participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in local decision-making processes.
In addition, the revised framework is designed to align local governance systems with national development priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Modernizing A Two-Decade-Old Framework
Opening the workshop, Lands Minister Hamat N. K. Bah said updating the legislation was necessary to reflect the country’s evolving governance needs.
He said modernizing the laws would deepen decentralization, strengthen accountability, and improve service delivery across communities.
“The review reflects the government’s commitment to democratic governance and to equipping local authorities with the tools they need to better respond to citizens’ needs,” Bah said.
Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Deputy Head of Mission Raphaël Brigandi said revising the legislation was timely given the significant political, economic, and social changes that have occurred over the past two decades.
He noted that effective decentralization strengthens accountability by bringing decision-making closer to the people and enabling local governments to deliver essential community services more efficiently.
Strengthening Institutions
Representing the UNDP Resident Representative, Programme Specialist Sambou Nget said modernizing the legal framework for local governance would enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation.
He reaffirmed UNDP’s continued support for governance reforms in The Gambia through the EU-UNDP GREAT initiative, particularly in strengthening institutions and improving the capacity of local authorities to deliver responsive services.
The proposed amendments are the outcome of a comprehensive legal assessment conducted with technical support from UNDP.
The validation workshop has brought together about 60 participants from government institutions, local councils, civil society organizations, academia, and development partners, including representatives of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Participants are reviewing the draft amendments through technical presentations, plenary discussions, and thematic group sessions. Their recommendations will inform the final version of the Bills before they are submitted to Cabinet and later to the National Assembly for enactment.
Officials say the reforms are expected to significantly reshape the legal and operational framework guiding local government administration, positioning councils to deliver more transparent, efficient, and inclusive services to communities across the country.
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