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The Gambia's Responsive and Accountable Democratic Transition “EU-UNDP GREAT Project”

12.03.2026 Press and information team of the Delegation to GAMBIA

EU–UNDP GREAT Project Supports National Validation Workshop on Local Government Legislative Reforms in The Gambia 

Banjul, The Gambia – 10 March 2026: The Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs (MoLRG&RA), today opened a two‑day National Validation Workshop to review and validate proposed amendments to the Local Government Act (2002) and the Local Government Finance and Audit Act (2004). The workshop is supported by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Gambia’s Responsive and Democratic Transition (GREAT) Project.

The workshop convenes approximately 60 participants from government institutions, local authorities, civil society, academia, development partners, and representatives of women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The consultation aims to ensure that the updated legislative frameworks guiding local governance are inclusive, modern, and responsive to emerging development priorities.

In his opening remarks, Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah, Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, emphasized the importance of modernizing local government legislation to deepen decentralization, strengthen accountability, and improve service delivery across the country. He noted that the review reflects the Government’s commitment to democratic governance and to equipping local authorities with the tools they need to better respond to citizens’ needs.

Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Raphaël Brigandi, Deputy Head of Mission, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting governance reforms that advance decentralization and democratic consolidation. He highlighted that revising the two Acts is essential, as the country’s political, economic, and social landscape has evolved significantly over the past two decades. Mr. Brigandi underscored the central role of local governments in delivering essential community services, stressing that effective decentralization enhances accountability and strengthens the connection between decision‑makers and the people they serve.

Representing the UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Sambou Nget, Programme Specialist, and acting Deputy Resident Representative emphasized that modernizing the legal framework for local governance is vital to enhancing transparency, accountability, and inclusive participation. He reaffirmed UNDP’s continued support to the Government of The Gambia through the EU‑UNDP GREAT Initiative, particularly in strengthening institutions and ensuring that local authorities can deliver equitable and responsive services.

The draft amendments under review are the result of a comprehensive legal assessment conducted with technical expert support from UNDP. The proposed reforms seek to clarify institutional mandates, enhance financial oversight and audit mechanisms, strengthen local revenue generation, and promote gender‑responsive and inclusive governance practices.

Over the next two days, participants will examine the draft Bills through technical presentations, plenary discussions, and thematic group work. Their inputs will inform the finalization of the legislative proposals before their submission to Cabinet and subsequently to the National Assembly.

The validation workshop marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to strengthen decentralization and ensure that local government institutions are better positioned to deliver transparent, efficient, and inclusive services to communities across The Gambia.