Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow chaired a Cabinet meeting today at the State House in Banjul, with significant discussions centered on national infrastructure and legal reforms. The meeting featured three key paper presentations, reflecting the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the country’s transportation sector and constitutional framework.

The Honourable Ebrima Sillah, Minister for Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, presented a Cabinet Paper on the Concession for the Port of Banjul Improvement and the Development of the Sanyang Deep Seaport. This proposal aims to modernize and expand the Port of Banjul, a critical gateway for The Gambia’s trade and economic activities. The Port of Banjul is a vital economic hub for The Gambia, handling a significant portion of the country’s imports and exports. Modernizing the port facilities and expanding its capacity are crucial steps toward enhancing trade efficiency and economic competitiveness.

The development of the Sanyang Deep Seaport is also poised to enhance the country’s maritime capabilities, offering new opportunities for international trade and commerce. It is expected to complement these efforts by providing additional maritime infrastructure to support larger vessels and increased cargo volumes.

In his presentation, Minister Sillah outlined the potential benefits of a proposed partnership between The Gambia International Airlines (GIA) and Gewan Investment Solutions, an Abu Dhabi based aviation investment company specializing in cargo and logistics, private jets, and MRO.

The collaboration with this United Arab Emirates company seeks to revitalize the national airline, improving its operational efficiency and expanding its regional and international reach. The partnership is expected to bring in much-needed investment and expertise, contributing to the growth of the aviation sector in The Gambia.

The Gambia International Airlines, once a symbol of national pride, has faced various challenges over the years, including financial difficulties and operational inefficiencies. The proposed partnership with Gewan Investment Solutions represents a strategic move to inject new capital and expertise into the airline, aiming to restore its status and expand its services.

Additionally, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Honourable Dawda Jallow, presented a paper on the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia 2024 (Promulgation Bill 2024). The Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia 2024 is a pivotal element in the country’s transitional justice program, following the end of Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year dictatorship. The new constitution is designed to embed democratic norms, protect fundamental rights, and promote good governance, reflecting the aspirations of Gambians for a more just and equitable society.

Rejected by the parliament in 2021, the proposed constitution has been developed through extensive consultations and aims to address various legal and institutional gaps that have been identified in the current legal framework.

According to government sources, the discussions on improving the Port of Banjul, developing the Sanyang Deep Seaport, revitalizing the national airline, and promulgating a new constitution are meant to redirect towards a strategic approach to fostering growth and stability in The Gambia.