Amie Bojang-Sissoho On The Role of Ministers In Governance

Dear Mantawrawally Blog, I would like to take a moment to share my thoughts on the captivating analysis regarding the role of Ministers in governance. It is my belief that political parties craft manifestos to outline their governance plans, providing voters with a clear picture of what they can expect once in office. Consequently, every government seeks to identify individuals who will champion and advance this developmental agenda. Ministers are entrusted as leaders of policy advocacy, illustrating how the governing party is translating its campaign promises into reality through a comprehensive development agenda.

Though Ministers are political appointees, their technical expertise is crucial in working alongside Permanent Secretaries, who must remain non-partisan to uphold the national interest. Permanent Secretaries, as civil servants with permanent appointments, play a vital role in safeguarding governance systems, procedures, and processes from potential misuse. They are the skilled professionals who guide politicians, ensuring that efforts to achieve development goals are conducted in accordance with good governance practices and the rule of law. Even when they may not align with the party in power, Permanent Secretaries, as technical heads of their Ministries, are expected to uphold professionalism and not undermine the government of the day. Their unique position allows them to serve any ruling party, while political appointees are loyal only to the government that appointed them. Once leadership changes, political appointees often depart as well. However, this does not imply that political appointees cannot excel in their areas of expertise; indeed, many Ministers may claim to be "technocrats," thus preserving their chances for reappointment by future administrations. Permanent Secretaries should serve as mentors to Ministers, facilitating the successful implementation of government policies while aligning party interests with national priorities for sustainable development. Nation building is an ongoing journey, yet different governments adopt varying approaches and emphasize diverse priorities. The actions and strategies employed in nation building are shaped by the ideologies and perspectives of those in power. Regardless of the ideology they espouse, leaders share a common aspiration to provide citizens with: 1. Quality healthcare services 2. Accessible education for all 3. A boost in mechanized agriculture, manufacturing, and marketing 4. Robust road infrastructure 5. Affordable and accessible electricity By fostering an enabling environment, governments can stimulate job creation and economic growth, ultimately enhancing the livelihoods and well-being of their citizens within a framework of good governance and democracy. This divergence in governance significantly influences how the ruling party approaches its developmental goals. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Alagi Yorro and Yaya Dampha for igniting such an engaging debate. There remain numerous unanswered questions regarding this discourse, which I believe should be brought to the annual National Dialogue level, allowing Gambians to contribute further insights on “party politics, political appointments, and governance in The Gambia.” Such candid discussions are essential for guiding citizens toward promoting good governance and fostering a sense of responsible public service. Wishing everyone a blessed Eid Mubarak. Warm regards, Amie Bojang-Sissoho DPPR 6th June 2025.