Private Work & Outside Employment
The rules on paid work outside your civil service duties — who can approve it, the three conditions that must be met, the blanket prohibition for Medical Officers and Dentists, allowances in lieu of private practice, and how violations are classified.
Chapter 9 of the General Orders governs private work. GO 09101 sets the general rule: a Public Officer may accept paid work outside official duties only with the written approval of the Secretary General, and only if three conditions are met — the work is not carried out during official working hours, it does not prejudice or compromise official duties, and no Government resources are used. Medical Officers and Dentists face a stricter regime: GO 09201 imposes a blanket prohibition on private practice. In compensation, GO 09202 provides allowances in lieu of private practice — Grade 11–12 officers receive D6,000 per annum, Grade 10 receives D5,000, Grade 9 receives D4,000, and Grade 8 receives D3,000 (these rates are reviewable by PMO). GO 09203 prohibits Medical Officers from authorising the issuance of Government drugs to private patients. GO 09204 prevents Medical Officers or Dentists from arranging treatment provision for private undertaking employees unless the Director of Health Services certifies the arrangement will not be detrimental to established duties.
The Code of Conduct addresses outside employment from the ethics angle. Section 4.5.3 states that civil servants must not, without approval, undertake remunerative work outside their official duties or use office equipment for such work. Section 6.2.1 classifies conducting any business or unauthorised transactions whilst on duty or in Government premises as Misconduct — a disciplinary offence. Section 4.4.7 requires honesty and accountability in dealing with public resources, using Government property only for authorised official purposes. The practical implication under Gambian law: if you run a side business without the Secretary General's written approval, you face disciplinary proceedings even if the business has nothing to do with your official role.