By Lamin B. Darboe
ide Good Practice Roundtable on Decentralisation frameworks commenced in the Upper River Region (URR) on Monday May 6th, 2025.
The roundtable discussion initiative is supported by the EU-UNDP Great Initiative Project, implemented jointly by the Ministry of Lands and Regional Government, and the Gambia Association of Local Government Authorities (GALGA).
The initiative particularly targets women, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and the youth.
In his welcome address, Director of Planning at Basse Area Council, Mr. Yahya TB Ceesay, commended both EU and UNDP for coming up with such an important event in URR.
Mr. Ceesay encouraged participants to interact and discuss in order for them to come up with recommendations that will enhance the decentralisation frameworks in The Gambia.
Local Governance Analyst at UNDP Banjul office, Mr. George Nyouki, said the roundtable discussion on decentralisation is not only to discuss decentralisation but also to actively shape a future where power and responsibility are equally distributed among women, youth and Persons with Disabilities; thus foster more inclusive and responsive local governance.
Mr. Nyouki reported that the EU-UNDP Great Initiative Project continues to support the decentralisation journey to address gender dynamics, enhance community engagement and promote fiscal discipline.
According to him the UNDP views decentralisation as a transformative process that can lead to more inclusive, equitable and sustainable development, provided that it is implemented thoughtfully and with a focus on empowering local communities and ensuring the effective delivery of services.
He expressed optimism that in the subsequent days discussion will enhance learning from diverse experiences, identify best practices, and foster collaborative problem-solving.
Decentralisation Officer at the Ministry of Lands and Regional Government, Mr. Mamudo Bah, encouraged participants to take the roundtable discussions seriously and not to shy away from speaking out against those barriers that bar women, youth and Persons With Disabilities from actively participating in local decision making, and come up with best solutions.
For the Diabugu Batapa ward councillor, Salieu Bah, who deputised for the Chairman, Basse Area Council, decentralisation cannot be complete if women, youth and PWDs are not part of local decision making.
Mr. Alagie Jatta from the Department of Community Development (DCD) office in URR, who doubles as the secretary to the Technical Advisory Committee of URR, shared similar sentiments.
