Three-fourths (77%) of Gambians believe the country is moving in “the wrong direction,” according to the recently released Afrobarometer poll, which is acknowledged by the Gambia government. The government acknowledges the usefulness of perception polls as a means of learning about public opinion. However, it is crucial for the general public to understand that these polls do not represent exhaustive facts or an evaluation of the effects of ongoing government activities; rather, they represent subjective opinions and/or experiences.
Afrobarometer surveys, in particular, are perception surveys, and opinions and false information can influence perceptions. This might not accurately represent facts or results. Methodologically, they may lack empirical rigour and contain biases in the way the questions are framed, which could distort replies and ultimately affect how the data is interpreted. Survey results may be scientific, but it can be challenging to extrapolate results to a variety of groups and situations since perceptions and context might differ significantly across cultural or situational contexts.
The evidence currently available, backed by information from donor partners and findings from the NDP delivery evaluations, indicates notable advancements in all facets of Gambia’s public policy, from economic performance and infrastructure development to the delivery of health and education, the expansion of electricity and water supply, and social interventions.
Significant strides have been achieved in a number of areas in recent years to build a resilient, inclusive, and economically stable Gambia. In terms of infrastructure, the government has started one of the biggest road building initiatives in our history, linking rural and urban areas to promote economic activity, enhance transit, and ease trade. For the benefit of all Gambians, this has involved building and renovating about 1,000 km of roads across the country.
To improve service delivery and increase healthcare coverage, hospitals and regional health facilities around the nation have been renovated. Even as it makes investments in health sector reform to meet increasing needs, these advances show the government’s dedication to putting Gambians’ well-being first.
President Barrow’s plan has also placed a strong emphasis on youth employment and development. The government has made it possible for young people to flourish by establishing new internship programs, an employability centre at the University of The Gambia, and focused training efforts. Understanding how important young people are to the development of the country, the administration keeps implementing initiatives to lower unemployment and provide sustainable livelihoods.
The Barrow administration was lauded for major accomplishments, especially in bolstering economic recovery, in a recent IMF review conducted under the Extended Credit Facility. In 2024, the GDP is expected to grow by 5.8% due to broad-based economic activity in a number of industries. Along with a decline in inflation from a peak of 18.5% in September 2023 to 10% in October, the study also noted a rise in tourism, which indicates a rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.
2024. Additionally, by the end of September 2024, international reserves had surpassed their expectations, demonstrating that the new foreign exchange policy was a substantial step towards economic growth.
Significant advancements have been made in The Gambia’s investment environment, which has undergone a remarkable transformation since
2017. From a meagre $18 million to an astounding $249 million in 2021, FDI inflows have soared. Growing investor interest in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and real estate, is the reason for this roughly 14-fold growth. In 2022, the momentum persisted, with FDI levels staying strong at $236 million. This increase represents a growing belief in The Gambia’s economic potential and goes beyond simple statistics.
Although the poll identified issues with security and economic hardship, the administration has taken the initiative to put remedies in place. The nation continues to be among the most stable, secure, and peaceful in the area thanks to recent changes in security services and improved resource allocation.
The survey correctly notes the significant advancements in preserving democratic principles. The Gambia has adopted an open and free-speech culture under President Barrow’s direction, guaranteeing that the opinions of its people be heard.
The government acknowledges that the expense of living has been impacted by global economic issues, but it is unwavering in its pursuit of laws and initiatives that would lessen these burdens. The numerous interventions through subsidies to support the food supply chains, agriculture, and energy sectors make this clear.
The administration of President Barrow appreciates the opinions of Gambians and sees surveys such as this one as a chance to bolster its commitment to the country.
Since the beginning of this administration, the government has been prepared and dedicated to upholding the rights of individuals and their perceptions as guaranteed by the Gambia Constitution. At the same time, it encourages all Gambians to conduct their own independent analyses of these surveys by demonstrating the nation’s development progress during the previous ten years under the Barrow administration. Recent data would not show that The Gambia’s advancements in access to health care and education services, infrastructure and agricultural investments, and electricity and water supply far outweigh the combined interventions and investments of the previous governments if the country was really going in the wrong direction.
