COVID-19: Gambian finance minister says pandemic has negative socioeconomic impact on population
Banjul, Gambia (PANA)- Gambian Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Mambury Njie has said the coronavirus pandemic brought negative socioeconomic impact on the population.
He was speaking on Friday at the conclusion of the virtual validation exercise of a study that assessed the Impact of COVID19 on lives and livelihoods in The Gambia.
The exercise was undertaken by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs in collaboration with the UN Development Programme.
“It has negatively impacted employment, incomes, and food security for many people in the society. It has led to a contraction in government revenues and will lead to reduction in economic growth compared to our projection for this year,"’ he said, stressing that the impact of the pandemic is multidimensional.
He minister assured that the report will inform the response and recovery strategies of his ministry and the government as a whole, a process that will require the active involvement of development partners, private sector, civil society, and the citizenry.
The virtual audience included UNDP Resident Representative in The Gambia, National Assembly Members, the private sector, and members of civil society organizations.
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