The President of the Republic of The Gambia, Prof. Alhaji Yahya Jammeh has appointed Dr Mariatou Jallow Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare. She replaces Dr Malick Njie. A press release from the Office of the President indicates that the measure took immediat effect from Tuesday, 25th November 2008. Below we reproduce the full text of the statement:

"His Excellency the president of the Republic of The Gambia, Professor Alhaji Yahya AJJ Jammeh, acting under the provisions of Section 71(4)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, has decided to relieve Dr Malick Njie of his Cabinet appointment with effect from yesterday, Tuesday 25th November 2008.

His Excellency the president has also in exercise of the powers conferred upon him under Sections 71(1) and 71(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, appointed Dr Mariatou Jallow as Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare with immediate effect."