The Association of Non- Governmental Association (Tango) Thursday elected its new board of directors during a general meeting held at its secretariat in Bakau.

The 10-member board - headed by Yankuba Dibba, the executive director of the Gambia Family Planning Association - will preside over the affairs of Tango for a three-year term. Mrs Jainaba Nyang- Njie of the Actionaid The Gambia, was elected the vice-chairperson. Other members of the board included Sandang Bojang, Mrs Jarriah Daffeh, Adelaileh Sosseh, Nigel Hosford, Mary Small, Ndey Secka, Ebrima Sarr and Badara Jobe.

In his words of wisdom, Bishop Telewa Johnson, the Anglican Bishop of The Gambia, who was the outgoing chairperson of Tango, thanked members for the trust and confidence bestowed on them during their term. Bishop Johnson cited some impressive achievements registered during their tenure, notably the recent approval of a million Dollar project by the African Capacity Building Project in Zimbabwe and the Excel Project.

He advised the new board to utilise the projects to the best interest of the association, stressing the needs for all hands to be on deck to push the association forward. He then assured the incoming executive of his support.

Yankuba Dibba, the new board chairperson, assured Tango members that they will live up to the expectations and challenged other board members to be committed to the cause.

Mr Dibba called on the members not to hesitate to blow a whistle if the association is failing on its mandate. Maintaining that Tango is a democratic association whose doors are open to its huge membership, Mr Dibba lauded the outgoing board for bringing the association to this far.

For his part, Ousman Yarbo, the director of Tango, who presented the annual report, said the last three years was characterised by numerous activities such as proposals development, capacity  building and initiation of projects, among others. Mr Yarbo told the meeting that his staff were able to register achievements, although they have encountered several constraints.

This, he posited, included the development of 2006-2010 Strategic Plan, as well as the Excel Project, which is geared towards enhancing the capacities and network of core group of competent and determined civil society organisations.