By Makutu Manneh
The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), in partnership with TANGO through the EU-UNDP GREAT Project, has launched a training program aimed at strengthening local governance and civic participation. The initiative focuses on human rights, decentralization, and the Local Government Act.
The program, held under the theme “Activating Local Power: Civic Rights, Accountability, and Local Governance in Practice,” brings together community-based organizations, local leaders, media practitioners, and representatives of marginalized groups.
At the opening ceremony, Yusupha Bojang, Chief Civic Education Officer at NCCE, emphasized that decentralization is more than administrative restructuring. It is a mechanism for transferring decision-making power from the central government to local communities, positioning both leaders and citizens as “the primary architects of development.”
Bojang highlighted the importance of local authorities understanding the Local Government Act, noting that it provides a framework for officials to exercise their responsibilities effectively while respecting legal limits. “This training will help us understand our rights versus our responsibilities, how to demand our rights, and how to hold duty bearers accountable—but in a reasonable and constructive manner,” he said.
Representing TANGO, Amie Touray expressed appreciation for the organization’s partnership with NCCE in strengthening local governance capacities. She said human rights protection and decentralization are deeply interconnected, as effective local governance requires both empowered citizens and informed authorities.
“CSOs play a very pivotal role when it comes to human rights, decentralization, and the local government act,” she said.
Bakary Sighateh, Executive Coordinator for Kanifing Municipality, pointed to The Gambia’s democratic transition since 2016 as creating opportunities for citizen participation in national development. He commended NCCE for its leadership in civic education and encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained within their communities.
“Your role today is very important in bringing out your own stake in local governance. The local authorities, such as Alkalolu, chiefs, councils, and governors, play a very important role in making sure that there is cohesion between local governance and the central government,” he said.
The training is designed to equip participants with practical skills in local governance and enhance their ability to constructively engage with authorities, ultimately promoting inclusive, accountable, and rights-based development.