Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In his annual State of the Nation address, President Adama Barrow assured the citizens of The Gambia that a referendum on the draft Constitution will be held in December. This crucial referendum will allow Gambians to voice their opinions on proposed constitutional changes, including the introduction of presidential term limits.

President Barrow emphasized the significance of this referendum in shaping the future of The Gambia and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard. “I urge all Gambians to participate in this democratic process and make their voices heard on this crucial issue,” he stated, highlighting the importance of active civic engagement in the country’s democratic evolution.

In the realm of regulation, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and the Ministry of Information are finalizing broadcasting content regulations for 2024. This initiative comes amid growing demands from government officials for stricter regulations to hold publishers and broadcasters accountable for their content. According to President Barrow, the impending IMB Bill 2024 will promote responsible broadcasting practices and ensure compliance with existing laws, playing a pivotal role in shaping broadcasting standards in The Gambia.

Concurrently, the Government is drafting the Information, Media, and Broadcasting Bill (IMB), 2024. Among other objectives, it is to institute inclusivity, consultation, and partnership with media establishments, both public and private. The Bill will repeal the Information and Communications Act, 2009.

The president also announced that equally important is the Personal Data Protection and Privacy Bill 2023. It has Cabinet approval and will be tabled here shortly. The Bill is essential for regulating personal data processing and protecting the rights and privacy of individuals.

In his address, President Barrow also unveiled plans to bolster the agricultural sector, which remains a cornerstone of the nation’s economy despite a slight decline in its contribution to the GDP, from 25.7% in 2022 to 24.4% in 2023. The government plans to distribute seeds for rice, groundnuts, maize, and beans to farmers, along with subsidized fertilizers available at various locations across the country.

“Looking ahead to the 2024/2025 cropping season, the government has earmarked GMD 1.5 billion for the purchase of 36,659 metric tonnes of groundnuts, a significant increase from the 10,000 metric tonnes acquired in the previous season,” President Barrow announced. Additionally, the government plans to cultivate 5,000 hectares of rice, a target expected to rise with the participation of registered commercial farmers.

To support national food security, the government will procure 180 tractors and 20 rotavator boats for year-round use. Efforts to enhance rice processing will be strengthened through the provision of integrated equipment, training for processors, and expanded irrigation facilities.

President Barrow also highlighted plans to integrate modern technologies, such as ICT for Internet banking and mobile phones, into farming communities. The government aims to establish at least five agricultural insurance schemes to mitigate risks in agricultural lending, managed through public-private partnerships.

The Gambia Agricultural Transformation Programme will further strengthen both the public and private sectors across the agricultural value chain, focusing on the sustainable management of natural resources to bolster food and nutrition security.

President Barrow’s address underscored the government’s commitment to fostering democratic participation and advancing agricultural development, setting the stage for significant progress in both areas in the coming year.