News Stories

News First slide

WOMEN LEADERS CALL FOR GENDER EQUITY AS THEY CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Influential women in The Gambia amplified their voices, calling for gender equality as they joined the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare to march in unison in celebrating the 2025 International Women's Day held in Banjul. This year's commemoration marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing platform of action earmarked to enhance women's empowerment. Reminding world leaders of commitments they took to elevate the status of women in 12 critical areas of concern, officials and national stakeholders discussed strategies, objectives and actions needed to uplift women and girls. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, the Gambia’s First Lady, who presided over the event, described the day as a reminder of the women's crusade for more equality in society, which she said requires a strategic commitment, undertaking policies and programmes that reduce poverty, improve healthcare and education. ‘We must act with urgency to create a future that guarantees equality, dignity and opportunity for all,’ she said.Fatou Kinteh, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, and Rohey Malick Lowe, the Mayor of Banjul, both underscored the importance of gender equality and rights promotion especially for women with disabilities.‘I reaffirm my unwavering commitment to continue advocating for policies and programmes that uplift all women and girls, particularly those with disabilities. Let us work together to build a nation where every woman and girl can achieve their full potential,’ the Minister said.‘We are the breadbasket of Africa. Without us, things will not move, and that's the reality. The Ministry cannot do it alone, we have to come together, show solidarity to each other and make sure we stand firm to elevate Gambian women’, the Mayor stated. The commemoration of the 2025 IWD, was attended by top diplomats like Karl Frederick, Head of the UN Mission in The Gambia, who said this year's subject is not just about celebrating women. But also, ‘a call to recognise the connection between gender and disability, to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced and to dismantle the barriers that have held back too many for too long.’Themed ‘Accelerate Action for Gender Equality’, the commemoration of International Women's Day comes amid critical advances strengthening women's rights and equitable access to education and crucial socio-economic opportunities.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

STRENGTHENING HEALTHCARE DELIVERY: UNFPA & HSA HAND OVER MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TO HEALTH MINISTRY

The Ministry of Health recently received a consignment of medical equipment from the United Nations Fund for Population Affairs (UNFPA) and the Health Security Agency(HSA) based in the United Kingdom. The donation is earmarked to strengthen efficacy in healthcare services across the country.The medical equipment includes a consignment of 60 delivery beds, five anesthetic machines, 10 oxygen containers and 1000 dignity beds amongst a host of others procured through the China Aid Project, aimed at strengthening effective healthcare services across the country.Ndeye Rose Sarr, the UNFPA country representative said ‘UNFPA will reaffirm its unwavering commitment to supporting the government of the Gambia in the provision ofessential health services, especially for representative health and rights of women.’The handing over of these medical items also marks the culmination of the china aid Project, which has been providing support mechanisms in diverse areas building human capital including sexual and reproductive health services and protection of healthcare workers during the COVID pandemic.The Chinese ambassador to the Gambia, Liu Jin, said, China is one of the strongest development partners of Gambia. The ambassador added that since 2020,’ the Chinese government has donated six million dollars worth of assistance to the Gambia’s healthsector, in the form of projects and medical equipment supplies.’Doctor Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, Gambia’s Health Minister hailed the Chinese missionin the Gambia and UNFPA for the support he said will ‘ease critical healthcareconditions.’‘The items we received here are remarkable. 60 delivery beds, that's very big. What that means is that, these women now can deliver on a proper delivery bed. The staff will beable to deliver the women without straining their back, that has been a very difficult thingin this country,’ he added.In a separate but similar engagement the National Public Health Laboratory under the auspices of the Ministry of Health, also received a consignment of bio safety and lab equipment from the Health Security Agency based in the UK.Sheriffo Jagne, the director of the National Public Health Laboratory said the donatedlab items will critically uplift the capacity of bio laboratory services.Dr Bunmi Negedu Momoh, speaking at the handover ceremony on behalf of the UKHealth Security Agency said her organisation is committed to supporting sustainable development in the Gambia.The medical equipment handed to the Health Ministry will significantly complement the government's efforts to improve health services, curtailing the burden of inadequate medical care and emergencies across various hospitals in the country.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISE COMMISSION VISITS GRTS

The State-Owned Enterprise Commission (SOE) Commissioners, who are on a fact-finding mission, visited the Gambia Radio and Television Services to understand the achievements and challenges facing the National Broadcaster in its mandate to provide services to the public. Charles Mustapha Camara, the Board Chair of GRTS, who received the delegation at the GRT headquarters on the MDI Road in Kanifing, hailed the partnership between GRTS and SOE Commission as invaluable, highlighting the importance of the visit.‘This visit provides us with an opportunity to share our progress, challenges and vision for the future. We look forward to receiving your guidance, suggestions and continuous support as we strive to improve our services and expand our reach in this rapidly evolving media landscape,’ he said. ‘We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethical journalism. We are continuously innovating, striving for excellence and ensuring that our services remain accessible to all Gambians regardless of their location, background or social status’ the Board Chair added.After a closed-door meeting, GRTS officials took commissioners on a tour of the technical operation units where the team inspected the studios, control room and data centre. Ousainou Ngum, the chairman of the SOE Commission, shared positive impressions of the National broadcaster. ‘It has been a source of huge education for us. We certainly had an image of GRTS before we came, but seeing what they work with, they are managing to modernize in a not-so-modernized world, and they are doing so diligently and delivering quality programming in that process. That has been quite moving for us’ he stated. The commissioners also visited the State Broadcasters radio station at Mile 7, to inspect the country's first broadcasting outfit that was established in 1971.The visiting delegation toured the radio facilities, which are also grappling with age-old machines unable to catch up with modern-day broadcasting. SOE Commissioners were able to gather first-hand information on efforts to transform and modernize GRTS operations amidst obsolete equipment and financial constraints. ‘Our task is to make sure that whatever service is provided is fit for purpose for the population of which we are also part. We are all citizens who benefit from these services so we need to make them work for the benefit of everyone.’‘We have come, listened and learned. We will go and incorporate that, have a conversation among ourselves and come back to them. It's an ongoing conversation to build better for the future,’ Ousainou Ngum said.At the end of the tour, SOE Commissioners reflected on the historic contributions of the radio, as the main source of news, current affairs and entertainment for audiences across the country. Both sides expressed a stronger commitment to deepening collaboration to address pressing challenges facing the national broadcaster.The SOE Commission was established in 2023 through an act of parliament with an oversight mandate to oversee, regulate and support the effective management of the twelve state-owned enterprises in the Gambia, of which GRTS is part. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

2025 HAJJ PACKAGE PEGS AT D525,000

The National Hajj Commission has set the 2025 Hajj package at five hundred and twenty-five thousand dalasi.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

GOVERNMENT AWARDS OVER 1,000 SCHOLARSHIPS TO TVET STUDENTS

 The Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST), in collaboration with the World Bank and the RISE Project, has awarded 1,087 scholarships to students across 25 public and private Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. The total value of these scholarships amounts to GMD 396,761,321.50.Each scholarship provides $400 per student, covering tuition fees and stipends, with additional financial assistance offered to students from regional TVET centres to address transportation and accommodation costs.During the award ceremony, President Adama Barrow emphasized the government's commitment to implementing a robust monitoring system aimed at achieving an 80% employability rate among the scholarship recipients. This initiative is designed to address the pressing issue of youth and women unemployment in the country.President Barrow also outlined further initiatives aimed at enhancing the capabilities of TVET institutions. He announced the forthcoming launch of Window One (1) of the Fund, which will offer grants to TVET institutions for the development of high-quality infrastructure and equipment. The objective is to bolster the technical and teaching capacities of vocational training centres.Additionally, Window Three (3) is set to be launched in the last quarter of 2025 to provide startup support and mentorship for the youth. These three funding windows are strategically designed to elevate the quality of The Gambia's TVET programs to align with the needs of the labour market.The awards ceremony, which celebrated the potential of youth and their educational pursuits, was graced by the presence of His Excellency President Adama Barrow at the Sir Dawda International Conference Centre.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

CONFIRMED, RAMADAN BEGINS ON MARCH 1 2025

The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council has confirmed that the Crescent has been sighted in Garawol in the Upper River Region. It has also confirmed receiving verified information about the sighting of the Crescent in Mali, Senegal, Niger, Ivory Coast, and Saudi Arabia. This officially confirms that the Muslim holy month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday, 1st March 2025, in The Gambia. The Management and Staff of GRTS wish to seize this opportunity to wish Muslims around the world a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

SPORTS COMMENTATOR DONATES AVOCADO SAPLING TO GRTS SPORTS UNIT

On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Besenty Gomez, a prominent contributor to the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) Multisports programme, graciously donated an avocado sapling to the GRTS Multisports unit. This gesture aligns with the theme of World Radio Day 2025: "Radio and Climate Change." Mr Gomez emphasized the importance of encouraging local sports administrations to engage in tree planting initiatives at their respective venues, thereby contributing to broader efforts aimed at mitigating climate change.The presentation took place in the studios of GRTS TV after the programme. He remarked, “To achieve true independence, one must be self-reliant. This tree symbolizes that. As a fruit-bearing tree, its planting will yield fruits that can be consumed, and the seeds can be utilized for further planting, allowing for multiplication.” Mr. Gomez further noted, “Trees provide essential shade and oxygen. It is crucial to recognize the reality of climate change, and it is imperative for individuals, including those within the sports community, to actively participate in climate change adaptation initiatives.” The sapling will be planted on the premises of the National Broadcaster's headquarters, located on MDI Road in Kanifing.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

TRADE MINISTRY, BAKERS UNION REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT

The initial discussions between the National Bakers Union and the Ministry of Trade have resulted in an agreement to maintain the current price of bread at D10 until the rationale behind the proposed increase from the Bakers Union is clearly defined.A technical review committee, composed of officials from the Ministry of Trade, members of the Consumer Protection Competition Commission, and representatives from the National Bakers Union, is scheduled to conduct a nationwide assessment of the pricing structure for bread.Furthermore, discussions between the Bakers Union and the Ministry of Trade aimed at reaching a consensus on bread pricing will continue weekly following the Independence Celebrations.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Independence Celebrations Coverage Alert

As we prepare to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of our nation's independence, we are pleased to announce that we will provide live coverage of the day's significant events.This coverage will include the arrival of dignitaries at the airport, a vibrant march parade, the Independence Athletics competition at Serrekunda West Park, and the evening Wrestling Competition.We invite you to join us throughout the day for thorough coverage of the country’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations.Wishing everyone a joyous and meaningful Independence Day.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

GRTS EMERGES VICTORIOUS IN CYBERSECURITY DRILL

The GRTS IT staff demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork, securing first place on the final day of the Cybersecurity Training conducted by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. This achievement not only highlights the team’s unwavering dedication but also underscores their expertise and commitment to advancing digital security protocols within the organization. GRTS Management extends heartfelt congratulations to the IT team for their remarkable performance. They reaffirm their ongoing support for the team’s efforts, ensuring that the institution continues to excel and achieve its highest objectives in the ever-evolving digital landscape. This commitment is crucial as GRTS strives to enhance its cybersecurity measures and maintain the integrity of its operations in a critical industry.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

URGENT NOTICE TO OUR VALUED VIEWERS AND FOLLOWERS

We want to bring to your immediate attention that recent posts circulating a video featuring a purported AI voice prompt on the website 1XGames, which claims to showcase GRTS content, should be disregarded. We would like to clarify that the audio content of this video, generated by artificial intelligence, has no affiliation whatsoever with GRTS or any of our official content on Facebook or any other online platforms. This material does not reflect our standards or the integrity of our programming.The management of GRTS is dedicated to its core mission of informing, educating, and entertaining our audience with high-quality, authentic content. We assure you that any official updates, news, or entertainment will always be communicated through our verified channels.We encourage you to follow us via our television broadcasts, radio channels, and our official online platforms for the latest news and updates directly from GRTS. Thank you for your ongoing support and trust.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

PRESS RELEASE

 AUB 2nd Media Summit on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Summit in Dakar As the world gears up to celebrate Radio Day, the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Senegalese Radio Television (RTS), is organizing a summit on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction 13th -14th February in Dakar Senegal. The forum under the theme "Reaching the last mile: Radio for Climate Action" seeks to explore the important role of radio in the fight against climate change. The Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr Ismaila Ceesay, is scheduled to lead a high-powered Gambian delegation to the summit comprising The Director General of GRTS, Abdoulie Sey, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Information Amie Njie, the   Director of Admin and Human Resources GRTS Yankuba Jatta and the Director of Radio Programmes GRTS Haddy Badji.A press release from the AUB states that radio remains an essential tool to disseminate vital information on climate change and encourage prevention given its resilience, portability and ability to reach a wide audience, especially in rural areas and isolated communities.

Continue Reading >>

Latest Updates

News First slide

VP JALLOW RECEIVES GAMBIA GIRL GUIDES OVER SKILLS CENTRE CHALLENGES

The Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, on Tuesday granted an audience to members of the Gambia Girl Guides Skills Centre at State House.The delegation met the country’s number-two office to discuss operational challenges facing the centre and to seek government support.The Gambia Girl Guides Skills Centre is one of the country’s first skills development facilities. It supports young girls in areas including tailoring, cuisine, hospitality, and tie and dye.However, over the years, the centre has deteriorated. The structures are old and dilapidated, activities have slowed, and authorities say they are losing both trainers and trainees.Faced with these challenges, the administration sought intervention from the Office of the Vice President.Following a closed-door meeting with the Vice President and senior officials, Chief Commissioner of the Gambia Girl Guides Association, Khadijatou A. Jobarteh, said the centre has done well but continues to face frustrations.(H.E Mohammed B.S Jallow - right - and Khadijatou A. Jobarteh, Chief Commissioner of the Gambia Girl Guides Association - left)Chief Commissioner Jobarteh added that the Association is also seeking an audience with First Lady Her Excellency Fatou Bah Barrow to discuss their concerns.Members of the Association said Vice President Jallow gave his full assurance that he will look into the challenges facing the centre. She said the Vice President has promised to engage the concerned Permanent Secretaries at the Ministries and the Office of the First Lady. In outlining the path to reviving the centre, Chief Commissioner Jobarteh highlighted key areas needing urgent assistance. She said they would need refurbishment of the centre and funding to be able to pay the trainers. Officials expressed optimism that the engagement with the Vice President will be a catalyst for change to restore The Gambia’s only Girl Guides skills training facility. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

PRESIDENT BARROW HOSTS STATE BANQUET FOR GABONESE PRESIDENT NGUEMA

The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, hosted a state banquet in honour of visiting Gabonese President, His Excellency General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, at State House.The banquet, attended by Gambian and Gabonese officials and invited dignitaries, marked the climax of President Nguema’s four-day visit to The Gambia.President Nguema was accompanied by First Lady Her Excellency Zita Oligui Nguema. They were received by President Barrow and First Lady Her Excellency Fatou Bah Barrow.The evening featured a toast to the enduring relationship between Gabon and The Gambia, followed by a dinner of traditional Gambian cuisine. Guests were entertained by a kora troupe and cultural performances showcasing Mandinka, Serer, and Jola music and dance.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

NPP AND GDC SIGN MOU, FORM ALLIANCE AHEAD OF DECEMBER 5 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

The ruling National People’s Party and the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding formalising their alliance ahead of the December 5th Presidential election.The signing ceremony at State House drew hundreds of NPP and GDC supporters who gathered to witness what both parties described as a historic political realignment.NPP National President Musa Drammeh and GDC National President Momodou Pateh Bah signed the MOU on behalf of their parties. The event was witnessed by Hon. Sidi Njai and Momodou A.S. Mboob.Party leaders President Adama Barrow of the NPP and Hon. Mama Kandeh of the GDC looked on as the document was signed amid jubilation, ending years of rivalry between the two parties.While the specific terms of the MOU remain confidential, both parties committed to work together to support the candidature of President Adama Barrow in the upcoming election.Senior officials said negotiations had been ongoing for months to reach a workable agreement based on compromise and national interest.Hon. Seedy SK. Njie, described as one of the key architects of the rapprochement, thanked President Barrow, Hon. Kandeh, and senior executives of both parties for their role in the talks.GDC senior members including National Women’s Leader Ndey Fatou Jallow, KM Desk Officer Haruna Jallow, Jarra Ndaw, and Momodou Bobb endorsed the agreement, calling it consultative and reflective of the party’s will.GDC National President Momodou Pateh Bah said the party’s core values of democracy, inclusive development, and good governance remain intact.  “We came in good faith. We believe in partnership and collaboration. This MOU will not erase the party’s identity,” Bah said.NPP National President Musa Drammeh thanked stakeholders for their work and praised both leaders for “putting The Gambia first.” He urged supporters to ignore critics seeking to sow division and vowed the NPP would uphold the MOU to secure victory for the alliance.NPP Women’s Mobilizer Aja Maimuna Baldeh welcomed the GDC “with open arms,” describing Hon. Kandeh as a patriot who would help deliver a landslide for President Barrow.Hon. Mama Kandeh defended the alliance as a decision driven by national interest.  “This alliance is not a betrayal of our principles or a compromise of our values. We have chosen to place national interest above party interest,” Kandeh said.He reaffirmed his commitment to the alliance, expressed confidence in a landslide victory, and thanked President Barrow, whom he described as a longtime friend.President Barrow welcomed the GDC to the alliance, saying it reflects a shared responsibility to maintain peace and development despite political differences.  He described the NPP-GDC pact as “the beginning of a new dawn” that will “redraw the political map and usher in a new era of politics in The Gambia.”The President also spoke of his longstanding relationship with Hon. Kandeh dating back to childhood, and called for unity in the interest of the country.President Barrow expressed confidence in the broader 8-party alliance backing him and predicted a landslide victory in December. He further urged his political godfather to join the alliance and endorse his candidature.President Barrow and Hon. Kandeh exited State House to cheers from supporters.The alliance comes just four months before the Presidential election and marks a major shift in The Gambia’s political landscape. As parties continue to realign, attention now turns to how the NPP-GDC partnership will shape the race to December 5.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

LESOTHO PARLIAMENT SPEAKER VISITS THE GAMBIA TO LEARN FROM UNDP PARTNERSHIP

The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, on Tuesday received in audience the Right Honourable Tiohang Sekhamane, Speaker of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Lesotho, at State House.Speaker Sekhamane was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Serign Modou Njie, and the UN Resident Coordinator, Karl Frederick Paul.Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Speaker Sekhamane said the visit was jointly organised by the Government of The Gambia, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Government of Lesotho.He noted that The Gambia has made significant strides through its partnership with UNDP on government development financing."Therefore, I came here to learn from The Gambia and see how Lesotho can adopt a similar partnership for the development of our people and country," he said.Speaker Sekhamane concluded by thanking President Barrow for his leadership, vision, and commitment, which he said have contributed to the success of the program in The Gambia.The engagement forms part of efforts to strengthen South-South cooperation and share best practices in governance and development.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

THE GAMBIA AND GABON SIGN 5 AGREEMENTS TO BOOST TRADE, DIPLOMACY AND AGRICULTURE

The Gambia and Gabon have signed five agreements to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, diplomacy, and agriculture.The signing followed a three-day visit by Gabonese President His Excellency General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to The Gambia, aimed at deepening bilateral ties. Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to African unity, Pan-Africanism, and South-South cooperation.President Oligui Nguema was received with full honours on arrival at State House for talks with President Adama Barrow.The two leaders held private discussions for nearly an hour before presiding over an expanded meeting with senior officials from both sides. They reaffirmed their joint commitment to strengthen Banjul-Libreville relations.President Barrow welcomed the Gabonese delegation, describing the visit as “an important milestone” in the friendly relations between The Gambia and Gabon.He commended President Nguema’s leadership, saying it has made Gabon a bastion of democracy, peace, and development in Africa.  “The Gambia shares these values and is committed to working with other African countries, including Gabon, to strengthen cooperation in all areas of development,” President Barrow said.In his remarks, President Oligui Nguema thanked President Barrow for the warm hospitality.  “The Gambia and Gabon have dynamic and positive relations. I look forward to strengthening this partnership for the mutual benefit of our two countries,” he said.The Gabonese leader noted that both countries share common positions on many issues, and called for joint action to tackle piracy, illicit trafficking, and other illegal activities in West and Central Africa.The two leaders presided over the signing of five cooperation instruments. The agreements were signed by The Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda Jallow, and Gabon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marie-Édith Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny.The agreements are:1. General Cooperation Agreement between The Gambia and Gabon2. Agreement Establishing the Gambia-Gabon Joint Commission 3. Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemptions for holders of diplomatic and service passports4. Memorandum of Understanding on Political and Diplomatic Consultations between the two Foreign Ministries5. Joint Communiqué reaffirming commitment to deepen cooperationA joint communique read by Ministers Jallow and Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny described the visit as successful, saying it has laid a “solid and concrete framework” for partnership.The communique reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to continue dialogue and consultations to deepen cooperation in education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure. It also pledged to increase exchanges to promote peace, African unity, Pan-African solidarity, and South-South cooperation.At the end of the meeting, President Barrow saw off his counterpart, who proceeded with other engagements, including a visit to the Katchikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau.

Continue Reading >>
Sports First slide

NYIMANSATA JAWNEH KEEPS GAMBIA'S ATHLETICS HOPES ALIVE IN GLASGOW

Team Gambia endured mixed fortunes on the athletics track at the Glasgow Games today, with Nyimasata Jawneh delivering the highlight by advancing to the semi-finals.It was a day of highs and lows for the national team.Nyimasata Jawneh produced a composed and determined performance to book her place in the semi-finals, keeping Gambian medal hopes alive.Her qualification stood out on an otherwise challenging day for Team Gambia.Lamin Camara looked to have secured progress in the men’s 200m after clocking an impressive 21.19 seconds. Isatou Sey also delivered a strong run and appeared set to advance.But celebrations were cut short after both athletes were disqualified for lane infringements.The disappointment continued as Ebrima Camara and Alieu Joof bowed out in the opening rounds, bringing their campaigns to an early end.Despite the setbacks, Head Coach [First Name] Sallah praised the athletes’ commitment and determination.She acknowledged the disqualifications were tough to take, but said the performances showed the growing standard of Gambian athletics.  “The experience gained on this international stage will be invaluable as the athletes continue their development,” Coach Sallah said.With Jawneh still in contention, Team Gambia will now turn its focus to the semi-finals, where she will carry the nation’s hopes.Jawneh will be aiming to secure a place in the final as Team Gambia looks to end its athletics campaign on a high.  For the rest of the team, Glasgow has provided valuable experience and further proof of the country’s growing potential on the international stage.

Continue Reading >>