The call was made on Sunday, August 16, 2026, during the Ministry’s General Staff Assembly held at Sindola Safari Lodge in Kanilai Village, Foni Kansala District, bringing together staff from across the country.
Addressing the gathering, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Fatou S. Kinteh, urged staff to work together in a spirit of unity, cooperation and shared responsibility, stressing that the Ministry can only achieve its mandate through collective commitment.
She said achieving the Ministry’s objectives requires staff to have a common understanding of its mandate and remain committed to moving the institution in the right direction.
Minister Kinteh encouraged staff to remain positive, consistent, committed and solution-oriented in the execution of their duties, noting that challenges should not discourage them but should instead inspire practical and sustainable solutions.
She emphasised the importance of proper planning, clear assignment of responsibilities and timely completion of tasks, describing effective planning, teamwork and commitment as essential ingredients for sustainable results.
The Minister further reminded staff that they are part of one institution and should therefore operate as one team rather than as separate individuals or units.
She assured staff that the Ministry’s senior management remains committed to working with them and relevant stakeholders to improve service delivery and achieve sustainable outcomes.
In his welcoming address, Permanent Secretary Amb. Habib T.B. Jarra described the General Staff Assembly as an important platform for engagement, reflection and institutional alignment.
He encouraged staff to treat the gathering as a “family meeting” where everyone could freely contribute ideas, raise concerns and participate constructively in discussions concerning the Ministry’s work.
According to him, the assembly provided an opportunity for staff to assess progress, identify challenges and renew their collective commitment to the Ministry’s objectives.
The Permanent Secretary placed particular emphasis on professionalism, discipline, punctuality, integrity, accountability and excellence in the discharge of official duties.
He reminded staff that they are entrusted with public resources and responsibilities and must therefore uphold transparency, efficiency, value for money and responsible management of government resources.
He also stressed the importance of confidentiality and trust, noting that the credibility of the Ministry depends largely on how staff handle official information and conduct themselves professionally and ethically.
On staff welfare, Amb. Jarra assured employees of the Ministry’s continued commitment to supporting its workforce and ensuring that officers understand their roles, responsibilities, rights and privileges.
He also called for greater emphasis on performance and results-based management, urging staff to establish clear targets, monitor progress and take responsibility for delivering measurable outcomes.
Participants expressed appreciation to the Ministry’s management for organising the assembly, describing it as an important platform for open communication, reflection and collective problem-solving.
A key message emerging from the meeting was the need for the Ministry to shift greater attention towards impact and measurable results, rather than focusing primarily on processes.
The assembly ultimately reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening teamwork, professionalism, accountability and effective service delivery, while encouraging staff to work collectively towards achieving sustainable improvements for women, children, families and vulnerable populations across The Gambia.
