The Gambia Public Service Act has been in existence since 1991, providing basis for civil service administration.
A day-long validation of the Public Service Bill 2023 was held at Bakadaji Hotel, Kololi.
Ms Touray, however, explained that the Act was vastly inadequate in meeting the varied needs and expectations, considering current realisation and the changing times of public administration.
According to SG Touray, the deficiencies of the Act hamper the implementation of the government’s day-to-day operations, noting that reviewing this vital tool in administering the civil service was long overdue.
The head of Civil Service explained that the Revised Act will therefore address current limitations around recruitment, discipline, promotions, performance management, service delivery and policy coordination.
“This revision is essential to guarantee civil servants an effective and efficient Human Resource Service; institute a more functional policy environment, and ensure effective and efficient policy service delivery,” SG Touray stated.
She further stated that the adoption of the revised document will also motivate Civil Servants to perform optimally and reinforce their retention strategy of trained and skilled personnel, ensure a coordinated policy and environment and a satisfied citizenry.
She informed participants that a committee was established to review the Public Service Act 1991 and they (committee) proposed changes to the Management of the Ministry.
According to SG Touray, the said committee spent an extended period conducting wide-ranging consultations, adding that oversight institutions and civil society organizations were part of the institutions consulted along with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The outcome of these consultations SG Touray added, led to the development of a draft which was further subjected to internal validation. She pointed out that keeping with good practice, the validation of the Bill 2023 will provide the opportunity for further scrutiny and deliberations on the draft bill.
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