By Lamin Kujabi
President Adama Barrow last week presided over the swearing-in of the new Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ousman Sowe; and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abdurrahman Maitama Yusuf, at the State House in Banjul.
Honorable Ousman Sowe and Abdourhamani Yusuf both took the oath of office of allegiance and secrecy.
Honorable Sowe expressed gratitude and appreciation to the President for appointing him.
He said: ‘‘I also take this opportunity to thank The Gambian people for the words of appreciation and good will that I received since after my appointment was announced’’.
He said his appointment represents a bestowing of trust on him while expressing commitment to restructuring and reforming the Ministry as a premiere ministry.
“In this regard, lands administration and lands reforms, allocation and management will be quite high on the agenda of the Ministry in line with national development agenda of the government,” he noted
As new minister, he wishes to take the work of the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs to another level, noting that land administration and reform, require high level of effectiveness.
Honorable Sowe promised to reposition and work with the regional administrations, regional governors, chiefs, Alkalolu and Village Development Committees (VDCs) and increase religious harmony of both Muslims and Christian.
‘‘We will also work with NGOs and increase complementarity of the state across the country. The CSOs are partners in development. Land reform will be put as a catalyse of our NDP and require the support of the members of the cabinet and The Gambian population”.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by ministers, families of new minister, and Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).