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Momodou
Denmark
11730 Posts |
 Posted - 08 Feb 2012 : 12:46:05
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Gov’t Urged to Tolerate Constructive Dialogue with Citizens As EU pumps in D400m for governance reforms
By Abdoulie Bah
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
The Charge d Affaires of European Union delegation to The Gambia has challenged Gambia government to tolerate constructive dialogue with the people of The Gambia.
Madam Agnes Guilad was speaking Monday 6 January at the conference hall of the country’s finance ministry where she signed a €10 million (D400 m) EU grant agreement to The Gambia.
In a country that has been criticised for poor governance record, the five year project is aimed at enhancing democracy and governance through the provision of access to justice and legal education, freedom of press, and public expenditure and financial accountability. “For our support to be sustainable in the long run, The Gambia government needs to take responsibility for constructive dialogue with the Gambian people…” Madam Agnes noted.
The first-ever EU funded governance programme falls within the financial envelope of the 10th European Development Fund (EDF).
The project follows EU’s injecting of an additional €28M, in January 2011, for the financing of Gambia’s National Transport Plan. With an initial amount of €44M in 2005, the transport plan seeks to improve the country’s road network.
Meanwhile, the governance project came a few months after EU had announced canceling some planned budget support to The Gambia due to poor results. Despite that planned budget cut, which was announced last year June, Ms Agnes however argued that EU remains by far the biggest multilateral donor in The Gambia.
“The key aspect of the governance programme in The Gambia is to provide technical assistance to strengthen government institutions, in order for them to be able to provide the services that Gambian citizens expect and deserve,” she said of the governance programme, the implementation of which begins this year.
The European Union, Ms Agnes added, is guided by principles such as democracy, rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms and respect for human dignity.
She continued: “The EU relationship with the ACP countries is defined by the Cotonou Agreement which favours a relationship in which mutual respect and political dialogue underpin a genuine and effective partnership aimed at achieving the Millennium Development Goals.”
Signing on behalf Gambia government, Mr. Mod A.K. Secka, permanent secretary, ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, said the EU grant clearly demonstrates mutually beneficial relationship that exists in the Gambia EU cooperation.
Mr Secka, who doubles as national authorising officer, said the project not only guarantees citizens rights, but also improves financial governance.
“There is empirical evidence strongly linking good governance to economic growth and improved welfare and social justice,” he said.
Source: Daily news
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Janko
Gambia
1267 Posts |
Posted - 08 Feb 2012 : 23:26:01
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quote:
...“For our support to be sustainable in the long run, The Gambia government needs to take responsibility for constructive dialogue with the Gambian people…” Madam Agnes noted.
...Mr Secka, ... “There is empirical evidence strongly linking good governance to economic growth and improved welfare and social justice".
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Clean your house before pointing a finger ... Never be moved by delirious Well-wishers in their ecstasy |
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