By LaminKujabi
His Excellency President Adama Barrow on Friday, 8th April received the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Chief of Mission based in Washington DC of United States of America.
Mr. Ivohasina Fizara Razafimahefa was accompanied to the State House by Mambureh Njie, Minister of Finance; Buah Saidy, Governor of Central Bank of The Gambia; Yankuba Darboe, Commission General of Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA); Momodou Barry, IMF Resident Representative to The Gambia; and Mr. Jallow, Permanent Secretary Ministry, Ministry of Finance.
Speak to the journalists shortly after his meeting with the President, the IMF Chief of Mission revealed that they are in Banjul to do a peer-review a programme which is financed by the IMF but designed by the Government of The Gambia. Since its approval in 2020, he said they have been coming in every six months discuss the performance of the programme and progress made. This is the fourth review about the programme, he disclosed.
Mr. Ivohasina Fizara Razafimahefa said the challenges caused by Covid 19 pandemic most of the objectives were achieved in 2021. “And going forward in 2022, we discussed what would be the policies to be implemented. Another significant challenge being faced is about Ukraine –Russia war and we expect it to have a significant impact on the economy of The Gambia”.
He said the Mission recognizes the President of the Republic and his government’s significant progress in the last few years; not only on the economy but also judiciary and many other areas.
“We assure the President of our commitment and strong intention to continue supporting the reforms that the government is undertaking,” Mr Razafimahefa declares.