The President Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh Wednesday presided over the swearing-in ceremony of six newly appointed ministers in Kanilai. They are Baboucarr H.M. Jallow Minister of Trade and Employment, Alhaji A. Cham Minister of Information and Communication Infrastructure, Mrs. Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie Minister of Tourism and Culture, Pierre Tamba Minister of Local Government and Lands, Dr. Mamadou Tangara Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and Lamin Kaba Bajo Minister of Fisheries, Water Recourses and National Assembly Matters. They took the oath of allegiance office and secrecy administered by the Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service, Dr. Njogu Bah.

Speaking on the occasion President Jammeh thanked them for accepting what he referred to as a very difficult challenge. He wished them all the best and advised them to always put the interest of the nation before self interest in the execution of their duties. President Jammeh said that his vision for the Gambia is a very ambitious one, which he described as achievable if Gambians change their attitude and work for the interest of the common good.

The Gambian leader urged the new ministers to make good use of the opportunities provided to them to serve their nation, noting that their appointments were based on trust and confidence. President Jammeh also spoke of the need for Gambians to hold those entrusted with position of responsibility accountable.

The Vice President Aja Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy, the Minister of Forestry and the Environment Jato Sillah and the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Abu Bakarr Gaye congratulated their colleagues and welcomed them to Cabinet. They also stressed the need for team work for the realization of the vision and objectives of the Gambian leader.

Speaking on behalf of her colleagues, the Tourism and Culture Minister, Fatou Mass Jobe-Njie thanked President Jammeh for the trust and confidence bestowed on them. She promised that with the guidance of the Gambian leader, they will live up to expectation.

By Amadou Bah