The Gambian government has announced a significant reshuffle of senior civil servants in a move it says is aimed at strengthening institutional performance and improving the delivery of public services.

According to a statement from Government Spokesperson and Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, Ebrima G. Sankareh, the changes were made in consultation with the Public Service Commission and take immediate effect.

Mr Samba Camara Mballow, formerly Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Vice President, has been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior.

Mr Demba S. Bah will continue as Permanent Secretary at the Office of the President after an earlier decision to deploy him to the Ministry of Interior was reversed.

Mr Abdoulie T.B. Jarra, previously with the Office of the President, is now the new Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Vice President.

Mrs Cordu L. Jabang, former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, moves to the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services.

Mrs Amie Njie-Joof, who held the Information Ministry portfolio, has been transferred to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

Deputy Permanent Secretary positions were also affected:

Mr Saikou Trawally, previously at the Office of the Vice President, is now Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare.

Mr Kajally Sonko moves from Gender to Information.

Mr Fanding Kinteh has been redeployed from the Ministry of Information to the Office of the Vice President.

The government said the reshuffle reflects its commitment to “fostering growth and promoting efficient resource delivery” across all sectors of governance.

By Adama Makasuba