Editorial: The Culture of Presidential Donations to State Institutions Should Be Discouraged
- Gunjuronline.com
- Apr 3
- 2 min read
During the 22-year dictatorship of former President Yahya Jammeh, it was common to see the president personally donating equipment and resources to state institution - an approach that undermined proper fiscal planning and institutional independence. Unfortunately, we are witnessing a similar trend under President Adama Barrow, who has recently announced personal donations to state institutions rather than ensuring these needs are met through proper budgetary allocations.
A few days ago, State House announced that President Barrow had “boosted” the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) with buses and tractors. These should have been provided for in the national defence budget, rather than being handed out as presidential largesse.
The official statement from State House framed the donation as part of the National Development Agenda, emphasising the need to enhance GAF’s transportation and logistics capacity while supporting agricultural initiatives. The Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Mamat O.A. Cham, expressed gratitude, highlighting the impact on punctuality and farming productivity. However, such acts of presidential generosity raise important concerns about governance, transparency, and fiscal discipline.
When Gambians voted out a brutal dictator in December 2016, they sought a new government founded on the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and responsible financial management. Presidential donations to state institutions undermine these principles, reinforcing a patronage system rather than institutional strengthening.
State institutions should not have to rely on the goodwill of the president for their operational needs. Instead, their funding should be transparently allocated through national budgets and parliamentary oversight. If the Gambia Armed Forces require buses and tractors, the Ministry of Defence should make provisions for them in its budget, subject to public scrutiny and legislative approval.
The trend of President Barrow borrowing from Jammeh’s playbook should be a cause for concern. We urge him to abandon this practice and prioritise proper governance. Rather than making politically charged donations, the president should focus on ensuring adequate and sustainable funding for state institutions through established government channels. The future of The Gambia depends on moving away from the politics of personal rule and towards a system of accountability and fiscal discipline.
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