Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-03-26 05:42:43
Yunus S Saliu’s tenure as Minister of Tourism and Culture has been marked by significant accomplishments over the past seven years. In a farewell ceremony held in his honor, the Director Generals of institutions under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture highlighted the achievements made during his time in office.
Appointed by President Adama Barrow in February 2017, Honourable Hamat NK Bah served as Minister of Tourism and Culture through several cabinet reshuffles until his recent redeployment to the Ministry of Lands and Regional Government. He was succeeded by Honourable Minister Abdoulie Jobe, who previously held the position of Minister of Petroleum and Energy.
During his tenure, the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC), and Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI) saw remarkable progress under the leadership of Honourable Hamat NK Bah. The Director Generals of these institutions outlined the achievements made during this period.
GTBoard made significant strides in achieving its set objectives from 2021 to 2022. These included the delineation of new sites for allocation to investors, renovation and construction of tourism facilities such as the TDA strip roads infrastructure and craft markets, as well as the construction of upcountry eco-lodges. Other accomplishments included the construction of GTBoard’s new head office, road infrastructure at TDA strips, and the construction and renovation of tourism facilities.
NCAC also experienced substantial growth, with improvements made to all heritage sites. The Centre worked with GTBoard and site host communities to develop a tour guiding scheme, trained tour guides, and supported Gambian artists. NCAC’s achievements also included the promulgation of Copyright Regulations in 2018, ratification of two UNESCO Conventions, completion of the first Inventory of Heritage and Monuments in Banjul, and digitization of the NCAC/RDD Oral Archive.
GTHI, under the leadership of Mr. Momodou Lamin Singhate, saw increased contribution to the development of tourism with a 300% increase in government subvention. The institute developed a revised curriculum to international standards, expanded programs in rural Gambia, established a research unit, and created linkages with agriculture. Other achievements included capacity building training, accreditation of teaching staff, construction of training centers, awarding of scholarships, and an increase in employability rates.
Overall, Honourable Hamat NK Bah leaves behind a legacy of significant accomplishments in the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. His leadership has paved the way for continued growth and development in the tourism and cultural sector of The Gambia.
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