The Gambia Takes a Major Step Forward in Global Anti-Corruption Efforts
A New Chapter in the Fight Against Corruption
On December 21, 2023, the National Assembly of The Gambia made a significant breakthrough in its fight against corruption with the passage of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2023. This bill aims to deter, detect, and penalize corrupt practices within both the public and private sectors.
A Collective Effort Against Corruption
The passage of this bill marks a major turning point in Gambia’s collective pursuit to address public sector corruption. Civil society groups, including youth-led organizations such as Gambia Participates, played a key role in the passing of the bill. The group facilitated a clause-by-clause review workshop with 49 out of 58 parliamentarians and legislative drafters from the Ministry of Justice.
Advocating for Anti-Corruption Legislation
Gambia Participates has been at the forefront of advocating for new and progressive anti-corruption legislation since 2017. The organization provided technical support to the National Assembly and carried out a nationwide campaign to educate citizens on the significance of anti-corruption legislation in improving their living standards.
A Commitment to Accountability
The efforts of Gambia Participates demonstrate the commitment of young democrats to advancing accountability, a key value outlined in the World Movement’s “What’s Next? Youth Declaration” to claim the democratic future. The passage of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2023, is a significant step towards achieving this goal and ensuring that Gambia becomes a more transparent and accountable society.
A Beacon of Hope for Global Anti-Corruption Efforts
The bill’s passage is also seen as a major victory for global anti-corruption efforts, which have been gaining momentum in recent years. As the world continues to grapple with the impact of corruption on economic development and social justice, Gambia’s move towards greater accountability serves as a beacon of hope for other countries to follow suit.
A New Chapter Ahead
The Anti-Corruption Act, 2023, is set to come into effect soon, marking a new chapter in Gambia’s fight against corruption. The country’s commitment to anti-corruption efforts is expected to have far-reaching benefits, including improved governance, increased transparency, and better living standards for its citizens.
Key Benefits of the Anti-Corruption Act
- Deterrent measures to prevent corrupt practices
- Detection mechanisms to identify and address corruption
- Penalization of corrupt activities
- Improved governance and transparency
- Better living standards for citizens