By Mariama Marong
The Government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs on Tuesday, 12 December 2023 signed four (4) performance contract with State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to enhance transparency, accountability and efficient service delivery.
The SOEs that signed the performance contract were Gambia International Airlines ( GIA), Gambia Printing and Publishing Corporation( GPPC), National Food Safety and Processing, Marketing Cooperation( formerly called GGC) and Gambia Postal Services (Gampost).
The main goal of a performance contract is to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the pursuit of national economic goals.
This is the second phase of government performance contract signing, the first phase was early this year in February where GNPC, GPA and Social Security signed performance contracts. The new 4 signings brings the total to seven performance contracts signed this year.
Bai Madi Ceesay, the Director of State Owned Enterprises at the Ministry of Finance, said signing performance contract is in line with government SOEs agenda and it is very crucial to enhance efficiency in state owned enterprises.
“This ceremony marks a crucial milestone in the collaborative efforts between the government and State-Owned Enterprises to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the pursuit of our national economic goals. The performance contracts to be signed represent a commitment to mutual success and the continual improvement of public services,” Ceesay said.
Ceesay said it is important to hold public enterprises accountable. He explained that the government can use the framework to visit performance of state owned enterprises and boost their service efficiency and effectiveness to the populace.
Momodou Ceesay, the managing director of Gambia Printing and Publishing Corporation( GPPC) highlighted that the agreement demonstrated the government’s readiness to boost public institutions in their drive to become efficient and effective, adding that holding them accountable by ensuring that their institutions achieve meaningful development shows a right step in a positive direction.
MD Ceesay called on all stakeholders to perform their roles effectively in achieving economic growth and sustainable development. He also lamented that they are aware of the challenges and they are also prepared to work with SOE Commission members to meet the expectations of all.
Mr Falalo M. Touray, a Board Member of Gambia Groundnut Corporation, said it is important to monitor the work of SOEs to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency. He added that this is tool for growth of public institutions.
He urged the government to extend performance service to all government departments and ministries for effective work and hold civil servants accountable.
Honorable Babucarr Boye, the Minister of Public Service expressed his ministry’s interest in introducing performance contract to civil servants. He added that it is easier to introduce it with SOEs than the entire civil service because it requires some background works and other activities.
Minister Boyo said, performance contracting is important and as a ministry by 2024, they will like to introduce performance contracting in the entire civil service.
“ This is the only way to hold public institutions accountable.”
Mr Ngum, the Chairperson of the State Owned Enterprises Commission, said the SOEs comprise a very significant component in the economic growth of The Gambia. Ngum noted that the primary task of the Commission is to enhance good governance, discipline in SOEs and increase service delivery.
He emphasized the commission is not about witch hunting, but a collaborative partnership between SOEs and commission for purpose of strengthening the economy, adding that SOEs are quite significant players and they contribute greatly to the GDP of the country.
He also called on the need to converge realistic targets that are achievable for greater development. He further added that performance in terms of growth is vital and increasing service efficiency and effectiveness is also key for the greater good of the public.
