President Adama Barrow today presided over the swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet Ministers, tasking them to live up to the expectation of meeting the development needs of the people.

President Barrow said the new Cabinet is assuming office at a time of unprecedented demand for accountability from public officials by the people and must act to serve their interests. He said even as his administration registered some remarkable progress in his first term in office, much more needs to be done. The President lamented the slow pace of the country’s transformation since independence, noting that public officials and citizens must redouble their efforts to improve people’s living conditions.

President Barrow also declared zero tolerance for corruption and poor service delivery in the public sector. He said his Government would implement the anti-corruption laws to the fullest. He called on public servants to be apolitical and serve all Gambians equally.

Vice President Badara Joof also challenged his counterparts to quickly come up with measures to tackle the rising cost of living and security problems. Vice President Joof said business cannot continue as usual, noting that their appointment as cabinet members is to solve issues and serve the people’s interests.