Former Vice President Dr Isatou Touray has delivered a stinging assessment of President Adama Barrow, claiming the President does not ask enough questions and was often reluctant to read documents presented to him.

Touray made the remarks during an interview on Coffee Time, reflecting on her experience working with Barrow while serving as his vice president.

She said that when she brought documents to the President, he would often simply direct her to take them to the relevant minister rather than go through them himself.

“I don’t think he likes reading,” Touray said.

Her comments amount to a striking criticism of the President’s approach to leadership, particularly at a time when his government is facing mounting pressure over major national issues.

Touray argued that a leader must be curious and willing to ask questions in order to properly understand the issues facing the country.

She said leadership requires more than simply receiving documents or relying on ministers, stressing the importance of examining information and seeking answers before decisions are made.

The former vice president also turned her attention to The Gambia’s worsening electricity crisis, questioning how the country could have reached the current situation despite huge financial resources being invested in the National Water and Electricity Company, NAWEC.

Touray said millions of dollars had been pumped into NAWEC, but questioned why the country was still experiencing such severe electricity shortages.

Her comments raise questions over the management and use of the resources committed to the electricity sector and whether previous investments have delivered the improvements expected by Gambians.

The electricity crisis has become one of the most pressing issues facing the Barrow administration, with prolonged power cuts sparking public anger and protests across the country.

By Adama Makasuba