In my book, The Throne of The Ghost, I stated that leaders are chosen by God, not people. People can only vote for, recommend, or elect a leader. Here are 15 urgent and pressing actions that the new president of The Gambia should prioritise within the first 100 days in office, based on current challenges facing the country. 

1. Enhance National Security

Strengthen the capacity of the Gambian Armed Forces and the police to address rising crime rates and ensure the safety of citizens. This includes improving training, resources, and community policing initiatives.

2. Revamp the Education System

Implement reforms to improve the quality of education, including curriculum updates, teacher training, and increased funding for schools. Focus on making education accessible to all, especially in rural areas.

3. Improve Healthcare Services

Address the deficiencies in the healthcare system by increasing funding for hospitals and clinics, ensuring the availability of essential medicines, and improving healthcare infrastructure.

4. Stimulate Economic Growth

Develop a comprehensive economic recovery plan that focuses on job creation, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and attracting foreign investment to diversify the economy.

5. Address Housing and Land Issues

Implement policies to ensure affordable housing and secure land tenure for citizens. This includes addressing land disputes and promoting sustainable land use practices.

6. Tackle Unemployment: 

Launch initiatives aimed at reducing youth unemployment, such as vocational training programmes, entrepreneurship support, and partnerships with the private sector to create job opportunities.

7. Establish a New Cabinet 

Form a cabinet composed of individuals with no ties to the previous administrations of Barrow or Jammeh to ensure a fresh start and restore public trust in governance.

8. Review Civil Servant Salaries

Conduct a comprehensive review of wages, payroll, and salaries for civil servants to ensure fair compensation and improve morale within the public sector.

9. Introduce the State House Presidential Scholarship Programme 

Create a scholarship programme to support talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds, enabling them to pursue higher education both locally and abroad.

10. Maintain ECOMOG Presence

Ensure that ECOMOG soldiers remain in The Gambia until a thorough assessment of the security situation is conducted, and a transition plan is established.

11. Revisit the Constitution

Initiate a constitutional review process to ensure that power is decentralised and that governance reflects the will of the people, promoting democratic principles.

12. Decentralise Development Programmes

 Implement a strategy to decentralise development initiatives, allowing local governments to have a greater role in decision-making and resource allocation.

13. Reform State-Owned Enterprises

Conduct an audit of state-owned enterprises and institutions to identify inefficiencies and implement reforms aimed at improving their performance and accountability.

14. Combat Drug Trafficking and Corruption

Strengthen anti-corruption measures and enhance law enforcement capabilities to combat drug trafficking and corruption, which undermine governance and public trust.

15. Improve Water and Electricity Supply

Address the challenges related to water and electricity supply by investing in infrastructure, promoting renewable energy sources, and ensuring equitable access for all citizens.

These actions are critical for addressing the pressing issues currently affecting The Gambia and will set the foundation for a more prosperous and stable future.

By

Modou Lamin Age-Almusaf Sowe  

The author is a Gambian creative writer and social commentator.