The Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Rohey John Manjang, has questioned the opposition’s readiness to govern, urging residents of Old Yundum to carefully assess leadership records before entrusting state power.

Speaking at a National People’s Party (NPP) community engagement in Old Yundum, Minister Manjang highlighted what she described as the achievements of President Adama Barrow’s administration, including national development, peace, democratic freedoms, and the empowerment of women and young people.

She cautioned residents against leaders who, in her words, resort to involving the police over minor disagreements, arguing that such conduct raises concerns about their ability to manage national affairs.

“We have seen people who take others to the police over small misunderstandings. Imagine what would happen if such people were given control of the government,” she said.

The minister also referenced findings of the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, pointing to cases of mismanagement and institutional breakdown as lessons, she argued, on the risks of assigning greater responsibility to individuals who failed in smaller roles.

“If there was mismanagement in handling small positions, then giving them control of government would be a disaster. We must be mindful,” Manjang added.

She concluded by stressing that while The Gambia enjoys peace and democratic space, safeguarding those gains requires collective responsibility from citizens.

“Democracy and peace are enjoyable, but it is up to all of us to keep them alive,” she said.

By Adama Makasuba