“Will to Improve” Governance in the Gambia

Abstract: This study focused on examining the governance of the Gambia, with a specific emphasis on Gambian citizens’ perception of the government as the primary service provider in terms of accountability. To achieve this, it examined governance theory, which emphasizes the importance of non-state actors such as NGOs in providing public services. The findings of the study revealed a stark contrast in ratings between NGOs and the government, with NGOs being highly regarded for their services while the government received poor ratings due to significant deficiencies in public services. Despite this, citizens still held higher expectations of the government compared to other actors. Notably, the government played a role as a mediator in integrating non-state actors into decision-making processes, fostering collaboration and potentially strengthening accountability. In line with their commitment to democratic processes, citizens exhibited a strong determination to hold the government accountable. The interactions among the diverse actors involved in governance created tension; however, this tension also led to positive outcomes such as regime changes, expanded services, and enhanced capacity, effectively addressing various challenges.