Posted by Chester Morton / Tuesday, 22 May 2018 / No comments
The functions of the Governor-General under the independence constitution of The Gambia
FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL UNDER THE 1965 INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTION OF THE GAMBIA
Introduction
On the 18th of February, 1965, The Gambia became a
politically independent country, having been granted independent status by the
British colonial powers. A new constitution was introduced with the coming of
independence. Though the Queen of England remained the Head of State, she was
only a nominal head, represented by a Governor, a British national.
The constitution made provision for the position of a
Governor-General. At independence, the Governor-General was John Warburton Paul
until he left office on 9th February, 1966 to be replaced by Sir Farimang
Mamadi Singatehthe on the same day.
FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL
Acted as the ceremonial head
The Governor-General, acted as the ceremonial Head of State.
He was responsible for ceremonial functions like, opening parliamentary
sessions, inspecting guards of honour, receiving credentials from ambassadors
and High commissioners. He represented the Queen of England who was resident in
London.
Gave assent to bills
Another function of the Governor-General was to give assent
to bills that had been passed in the House of Representatives. Though the major
duty of passing laws was that of the House of Representatives, after the bills
are passed, it needs the signature of the Governor-General before it can become
binding on the citizens.
Appointed the Prime Minister
The independent constitution stipulated that the party which
controls the majority seats in parliament gets its leader appointed as the
Prime Minister. It was one of the functions of the Governor-General to appoint
the Premier.
Power of prerogative
The Governor-General could pardon prisoners under the power
of prerogative of mercy. He could commit a death penalty to life imprisonment.
He could pardon prisoners and get them freed on grounds of ill-health.
Prorogued the National Assembly
To prorogue is a language that is used to describe the
coming to an end of a parliamentary session. This is usually associated with a
ceremony in the House of Representatives. One of the functions of the
Governor-General was to close a parliamentary session.
Power to remove Prime Minister
The Governor-General had the power to remove the Prime
Minister from office. This could however happen if the Prime Minister lost the
confidence of the members of the House of Representatives.
Power to dismiss ministers
The Governor-General also had the power to dismiss a
minister of government when that minister misbehaves or goes contrary to the
provisions of his position. However, this was done under the recommendation of
the Prime Minister.
SAMPLE QUESTION(S)
1. a. Describe the position of the Governor-General under
the 1965 independent constitution of The Gambia.
b. Highlight five
of the functions performed by the Governor-General under the constitution.
