TANGO Policy Dialogues Forum Launched

The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations in The Gambia (TANG0) on Tuesday launched their maiden policy dialogue forum held under the theme ‘Rethinking National Development- From Outputs to Outcomes,’ at their offices in Fajara.
One of the aims of the forum is to engage in an analytical overview of The Gambia’s development processes and roadmap from independence to date in order to highlight the successes registered and the challenges encountered so as to chart a way forward.
The forum also seeks to gauge the level of economy preparedness the country as put in to reflect the fact that the private sector is considered  as the engine of growth.
The forum also expects to see how far the level of preparation of The Gambia is as far as the effects of climate change are concerned.
Yankuba Dibba, chairperson of Tango in his launching statement said, the NGO community in The Gambia is a partner in development.
“Together we can achieve a lot for this country,” he said.
He further described the launching as another milestone in the history of NGOs in The Gambia.

Poverty

“Poverty still remains high in the country but together we can change the trend,” he said.
According to him, NGOs in the country have the desire to better the lives of Gambians to higher heights.

Participation

Chairperson Dibba further stated that the forum will ensure the participation of citizens and development organisations in the development and governance processes of The Gambia.
“To foster close collaboration and information sharing between the government, NGOs and development partners,” he said.
Other speakers at the launched were Benjamin A. Roberts, director GIEPA who gave an in-depth on the overview of national development- challenges, prospects and lessons.
Momodou B. Sarr, executive director, National Environment Agency gave an account of what policy, institutional and technical requirements are necessary for adaptability as the way forward for The Gambia.
Bai Matarr Drammeh, president of chamber of commerce and Modou Secka  permanent secretary ministry of finance also lecture on the private sector and national development and beyond PRSP: what lessons to learn for the prospects and challenges in the attainment of PAGE respectively.