Hamat NK Bah, The party leader of the National Reconciliation Party, Hamat NK Bah
By Ramatoulie Jawo
In a national political dialogue at the State House in Banjul, Hamat NK Bah, leader of the National Reconciliation Party and Minister of Tourism and Culture, emphasized the pressing nature of land issues in The Gambia, stating that they have escalated into a critical national security concern requiring collective attention.
“I think the first role that we need to do in every parliamentary democracy is to look at the Gambian context. Today I believe before the end of this program management of the state resources should be a key pillar in the discussion of this forum. How do we discuss the management of the physical management of state resources and how do we discuss the land management and land usage in the Gambia? We must accept that land issues are becoming entrenching national security issues that need to be discussed by everybody,” he addressed.
Bah stressed the imperative for inclusive discussions on the management of state resources, particularly focusing on land usage and administration within the Gambian context. He underscored the gravity of these issues, asserting that they cannot be overlooked or marginalized in national discourse.
Furthermore, Bah emphasized the importance of equitable political participation, advocating for a level playing field in electoral processes to ensure fairness and transparency. He emphasized the need for comprehensive civic education and legislative reforms to uphold democratic principles and foster public trust in governance.
“We must have a level playing field in politics, we must discuss the electoral process, we must make sure that everybody participates in the process and feels that you have been fairly treated, and where we need to amend laws we have to amend laws to make sure the system is free and fair for everybody. So at the end of the day when results are announced we will be up large to accept the result and that is important for us,” he said.
Addressing the challenges faced by Gambian youth, Bah emphasized the necessity of an educational system that empowers them with skills and opportunities, thereby mitigating the allure of irregular migration. He emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of migration to cultivate a society where young people can thrive and contribute positively.
Bah’s remarks underscore the urgency of addressing land issues and fostering an environment conducive to political inclusivity, civic engagement, and youth empowerment in The Gambia.