Next on TV

Tonight GRTS 8pm NEWS

More
News Sport Lifestyle Travel & Tourism Culture Politics
Next on TV

Tonight 7:00pm

News Stories

News First slide

President Barrow swears in Five commissioners

The Government has a Huge Responsibility to Restore and Maintain Normality at All Levels- President BarrowPresident Adama Barrow, on Friday, the 24th of February, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of five Commissioners to inquire about the conduct of Local Councils following complaints and non-adherence to legal rulings on administrative matters.  The Commission members, Jainaba Bah Sambou, Samba Faal, Oreme E. Joiner, Sukai Secka Sanyang and Alhaji Sillah, took oaths of Office and Secrecy.Commending the members of the Commission for accepting to perform the task, the President reiterated his Government's commitment to addressing corrupt practices at all levels of public service delivery while urging the Commission to indulge judiciously and professionally in gathering facts on the conduct of the councils.  Recognising his Government's responsibility in establishing the rule of law, the President asserted his position stating, "Guided by Section 200 of the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, I deem it necessary to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the alleged irregularities."The Commission has three months to investigate and present its report to guide Government in adopting relevant policy and administrative options.The Chairperson, Jainaba Bah- Sambou, promised to carry out the exercise with the rest of the members and thanked the President for his trust.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow Appoints Vice President

In accordance with the provisions of Sections 70(1) and 70(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency President Adama Barrow has appointed Mr Muhammad B. S. Jallow as Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia with effect from 24th February 2023.Vice President Muhammad Jallow, an experienced Civil Servant, served in different capacities, from an unqualified teacher to Permanent Secretary in various Ministries. He rose to the position of Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service, a position he held until his statutory retirement in 2020. Mr Jallow also worked at the Senegalo -Gambia Secretariat as Deputy Executive Secretary representing The Gambia.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow visits scene of fire incident

President Adama Barrow Wednesday evening went to the scene of the fire that engulfed the Nasser Foam Factory near the Denton Bridge. While expressing empathy to the owner, the President praised the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services for controlling the incident. He urged business owners to consider safety precautions in their operations and promised an investigation into the incident.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Monday 20th February is a public holiday

President Barrow has declared Monday 20th February 2023 a public in observance of the 58th Independence anniversary.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Gambia Government entre into performance contracts with SOEs

President Adama Barrow has on Tuesday presided over the signing of performance contracts between the Executive and three State-Owned Enterprises—GPA, GNPC and SSHFC.Following the signing, President Barrow said the three SOEs are ‘extremely important’, and their operations significantly impact the lives of Gambians and the government's economic performance. “It is no secret that State-Owned Enterprises play a vital role in our national development endeavours. It is expected that, in providing essential social services for the public, they do so in a financially and operationally robust manner to ease the pressure on Central Government resources and contribute positively to economic growth.Our experience is that, despite the enormous investments made by Government in SOEs, many of these entities continue to post losses.This has made it necessary to devise a renewed strategy to change the narrative and strengthen their operations and performance.” He noted. The President said that the SOEs delivering on their mandate in an effective, efficient and transparent manner is critical in the country’s current development trajectory. “Moving forward, the Government will continue to work with all Public Enterprises and ensure that they not only deliver public services reliably and efficiently but also contribute to Government fiscal operations by disbursing dividends payable to their shareholders.”

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow laid foundation stone of Solar plant

President Adama Barrow Saturday  laid the foundation for the construction of a 23 Mega Watts Solar Plant and an eight (8) Mega Watt-Battery Energy Storage System, with three (3) years of operations and maintenance.In his keynote address, the President said, “The proposed Jambur solar plant is a component of The Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernisation Project, which is co-financed by the World Bank and the European Investment Bank at an estimated budget of US$27 million (twenty-seven million United States dollars).The ultimate goal of this project is to provide additional reliable, affordable, sustainable, and green energy generation capacity to meet the increasing energy needs of the Gambian people.  This Solar project is an integral part of our national Strategic Roadmap, 2021-2024, aimed at attaining universal energy access by 2025 and transforming The Gambia Electricity Sub-sector, as approved by Cabinet in November 2021.The roadmap outlines my government’s aspiration to achieve universal access to electricity by 2025 and, at the same time, transform the electricity sector so that Gambians can benefit from reliable and affordable electricity, leading to NAWEC becoming an efficient, financially sustainable power utility.The strategic roadmap serves as the development blueprint for the electricity sub-sector in the short and medium term. Renewable energy is highly placed on its order of priority.In the roadmap, Solar PV is considered as the cheapest form of renewable energy in The Gambia.This project will inject clean energy into the electricity grid, thus contributing to the achievement of The Gambia’s Climate Change Targets of Nationally Determined Contributions. It will also help us to diversify our electricity generation sources, reducing the country’s over-dependence on imported petroleum products.”

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Calls for the Implementation of the Anti-Littering Law

In what many described as symbolic leadership, President Barrow earlier today led the re-introduction of the National Cleansing Exercise ‘Set Settal’, calling on the relevant authorities to implement the anti-littering law. President Barrow said that many people are in the habit of indiscriminate littering, which renders the environment dirty. ‘’We have the laws and should use them to stop littering. That is what democracy is about,’’ he stressed. The President, however, expressed delight at the turnout of the people to clean even though it was a voluntary exercise, saying, ‘’We cannot force people to come; we can only encourage them’’. He added that people must not wait for the exercise to clean their environment; they must do it daily to ensure clean and healthy surroundings. On him leading the exercise, President Barrow said leadership is a big responsibility and a position of trust, thus the participation to join the citizens. He thanked the lord Mayor of Kanifing Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the Cabinet members and all the people that came out to join him. President Barrow urged the journalists to lead the advocacy in the exercise.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow Applauds Islamic Development Bank Support to The Gambia

President Adama Barrow, Sunday, 29th January, commended the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for its support to his Government when he received the President of the Bank, Dr Muhammed Al Jasser, at the State House in Banjul. The President highlighted key projects supported by the Bank, including the Laminkoto-Passamas road, the agriculture sector and electricity, noting they significantly impact people's lives. He added that the country largely depends on agriculture and that it ensures food security, which is national security. Stressing the importance of roads, the President said it has made travelling easy and connecting businesses and services, positively impacting the economy. He assured the Bank of his Government's continuous partnership for the mutual benefit of the country and institution. Following his audience with the President, Dr Muhammad Al Jasser told the waiting press that the IsDB regarded The Gambia as a vital member and had financed up to a Billion Dollars in projects in the country over the years. He added they stand shoulder to shoulder with the Government and people of The Gambia in their journey to development. Dr Jasser further stated that he visited some of the projects like road and electricity they are financing, some of which have been completed and others steadily progressing, adding there are evident achievements. The IsDB head said they had signed a grant with the Government to enhance productivity in agriculture by providing suitable crop varieties. "Agriculture is a pivotal sector in every and any economy, especially in developing countries, and to have such a mapping of the land of any country will be very important to choose the right crop for the right place to have the quantities," he noted. The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Hon. Seedy Keita, who accompanied the delegation to the State House, thanked the IsDB for the trusted partnership over the years, saying the Bank is financing many projects that positively impact the lives and livelihoods of Gambians.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow meets International Civil Defence Organisation

President Adama Barrow received a delegation from the International Civil Defence Organisation – ICDO to discuss the country’s recruitment as a member of the Organisation on Wednesday, 25th January 2023.During discussions, President Barrow underscored the importance of membership to organisations that support their members with capacity and logistics. He added that capacity building in disaster management is crucial, recalling the challenges the country had to deal with during the unfortunate disasters due to windstorms and floods. He noted that in light of climate change, it is difficult to predict a disaster; thus, the necessity to develop capacity.    “When a disaster occurs, people look to the government for food, shelter, and protection. the importance of having the capacity and logistics to do so.”  As he looks forward to The Gambia becoming the 61st member of the International Civil Defence Organisation established after World War 1- (WWI), the President advised the relevant stakeholders to pursue legal advice and the possibility for The Gambia to become a member.Director Mariatou Yap, briefing the President, gave a history of the organisation and its focus to provide technical and humanitarian support to members, mainly in Africa, through training and capacity building. She stressed the importance of data collection and sharing at the regional level, hence working to increase its membership.  Madam Yap used the occasion to extend her sincere condolences on the demise of the Late Vice President.    Permanent Secretary Office of The Vice President, Dawda Ceesay, said the visit was timely as his office completed a National Strategy on Disaster Management and Resilience in June 2022 and would require support in its implementation through capacity building and provision of logistics.Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency – NDMA, Mr Sanna Dahaba, led the delegation to the State House.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Adama Barrow Confers on Late VP Joof Posthumous, Member of the Grand Commander of the Order of The Republic of The Gambia (G.C.R.G.)

President Barrow posthumously conferred the insignia of G.C.R.G of the Republic of The Gambia to the Late Vice President, H.E Alieu Badara Joof, at a State Funeral at the National Assembly in honour and appreciation for his patriotic service to the nation. It was a sombre moment as the late VP lay in State surrounded by a nation in mourning.  Eulogising the former VP, President Barrow described him as a friend and brother who touched uncountable lives and influenced various institutions he served through his multifaceted character and talent. ‘’As the whole nation mourns, it is with a great sense of loss and a very heavy heart that I deliver this tribute in remembrance and praise of a close colleague, friend, and brother, who sadly worked as my Vice President for less than a full year when he succumbed to a brief illness.’’ President Barrow saidSeveral people, including family, friends and colleagues, poured tributes on the late VP. For them, he would be remembered for his honesty, commitment, generosity and love for family. Following the ceremony, he was laid to rest at the Banjulnding cemetery next to his mother’s grave.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Jaliba Kuyateh Bestowed an Honorary Fellowship

King of Kora Jaliba Kuyateh received an honorary fellowship from Goldsmiths, University of London at a graduation ceremony today. Jaliba Kuyateh’s award was in recognition of his work using music to improve perinatal mental health. He is the only Gambian appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for his charitable work with children in the Gambia.  Jaliba Kuyateh dedicated the honors to the people of the Gambia; especially the women whom he said ‘have supported his career from the very beginning’. He further thanked the Goldsmith University governing council and the entire faculties for the milestone gesture. Jaliba detailed his career in peacebuilding, climate change campaign, health and social welfare issues, child rights, and education among others. He thanked the Gambia High Commission for the support, through its representative to the event, Mr. Suntou Touray, Deputy Head of Mission and staff for gracing the occasion, and to Yaram Arts for the collaboration and support.Jaliba Kuyateh felt honored and appreciated by the recognition and wishes to continue his collaborative work with Professor Lauren Stewarts of Goldsmith University in the area of participatory music research.Gambia High Commission in UK

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Adama Barrow declares seven days mourning in memory of the late Vice President

President Adama Barrow has declared a 7-day National Mourning effective from the 18th January, 2023 in memory of the late Vice President Alieu Badara Joof. All flags will fly at half Mast. The body of the late VP will be laid in State at the National Assembly for a State Funeral.  Arrangements related to the funeral will be announced later. Meanwhile, book of condolences will be opened at the Presidency on Thursday 19th January, 2023.

Continue Reading >>

Latest Updates

News First slide

WAREF Endorses President Barrow Ahead of December 5 Election

The Alliance for Reorientation and Economic Force (WAREF), led by Momodou Al Amin Bah, has endorsed President Adama Barrow ahead of the December 5 presidential election.WAREF, a political movement that describes itself as a revolutionary party, stormed the State House on Tuesday evening to formalise its alliance with the NPP-led Grand Alliance. The party is the latest to join the NPP as political realignment continues with barely a month to the polls.Mr Bah arrived at the State House accompanied by hundreds of supporters to formalise the alliance. He becomes the latest high-profile political figure to join the NPP-led Grand Alliance, handing President Barrow a major boost ahead of the election.According to the NPP Deputy Public Relations Officer, Hon. Seedy S.K. Njie, Mr Bah was engaged in intense negotiations with GDC leader Hon. Mama Kandeh and the Minister of Gender, Fatou Kinteh, who both convinced him to endorse President Barrow.WAREF's West Coast Chairman, Wuyeh Ceesay, confirmed the claim, saying their vision aligns with that of the NPP, which motivated them to endorse the President to ensure continuity and development. Mr Ceesay said that, as patriots, they put The Gambia's interest above personal interests and pledged to work with other stakeholders to ensure President Barrow's victory.Modou Jain, an executive member of WAREF, said his party believes in alliances that align with its interests, vision and mission. He said after carefully reviewing their options, they were convinced without doubt that the NPP was the best option. He defended their choice of partnership and reassured that WAREF will work tirelessly to achieve victory for President Barrow.Addressing the gathering, WAREF leader Momodou Al Amin Bah said his party is coming with ideas and projects that will deliver real impact for Gambians. He described WAREF as a revolutionary movement where leadership is built on trust and responsibility. He, however, argued that WAREF will not abandon its vision but has chosen a different path to achieve it.Mr Bah praised President Barrow for his charismatic leadership, dedication to service, and commitment to the Gambian people, reassuring that WAREF will mobilise its entire support base to empower President Barrow. He also commended Hon. Mama Kandeh and Minister Fatou Kinteh for convincing him to endorse the NPP.Minister Kinteh said WAREF, under the leadership of Mr Bah, has made the right decision because President Barrow is the only candidate with a proven track record of development over the last nine years. She described WAREF's decision as a patriotic move that underscores the party's commitment to development, progress and prosperity. She therefore challenged WAREF and its supporters to work with other stakeholders to attain victory.GDC leader Hon. Mama Kandeh also commended WAREF and its leadership for deciding to endorse the NPP-led Grand Alliance, which he said is poised to win the presidential election. Hon. Kandeh praised President Barrow as a tolerant, development-oriented and good leader whose development track record has touched the lives of every Gambian. He also called on supporters to maintain peace, remain tolerant and exercise restraint, adding that President Barrow will win by a landslide.The event also witnessed the defection of several people believed to be members of the opposition in Sanyang. They were welcomed by the Gender Minister and other officials, who hailed the move as a great victory for the NPP.In his remarks, President Barrow welcomed Momodou Al Amin Bah and WAREF into the Grand Alliance, reassuring him that every member of the coalition is equal. He commended Hon. Mama Kandeh and Fatou Kinteh for the work that led to the endorsement. He called on all stakeholders to work together in the best interest of the alliance, adding that his doors are open to all politicians who wish to join the NPP-led Grand Alliance. The President disclosed that the Grand Alliance is composed of diverse members united by a common desire to ensure continuity of development.President Barrow also challenged women across the country to join him on his nomination day on November 10 to send a clear message to his opponents. He again described the election as a vote for continuity and progress, arguing that he represents the future of the country. He finally called on all Gambians to vote for the NPP Grand Alliance on December 5.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

NAWEC, SOLARIS AFRICA SIGN $169M DEAL FOR 148.4MW SOLAR POWER PLANT IN JARRA SOMA

The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has signed a Power Purchase and Implementation Agreement with Solaris Africa Limited for the construction of a 148.4-megawatt solar power plant in Jarra Soma.The plant will be equipped with a 200MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with 50MW capacity to supply electricity during peak hours.The signing ceremony was held at State House and presided over by His Excellency President Adama Barrow.The agreement was signed by the Managing Director of NAWEC, Mr Gallo Saidy, and the Vice President of Solaris Africa Limited, Mr Muctar Sey.The $169 million project forms part of the Government's ambitious plan to expand, diversify and modernise The Gambia's electricity sector to meet growing consumer demand.Historic and Game-ChangingSpeaking after the ceremony, the Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Hon. Nani Juwara, described the agreement as historic and a game-changer."This is the largest solar project ever implemented in The Gambia and probably one of the biggest Battery Energy Storage Systems in West Africa," Minister Juwara said. He added that the project will double the country's current installed generation capacity.The Minister noted that the project underscores the Government's commitment to addressing the long-term energy needs of the country through clean, cheaper and more sustainable solutions.The Managing Director of NAWEC, Gallo Saidy, said the project represents a landmark development for NAWEC, as it will expand generation capacity, improve the flexibility of the electricity system and strengthen NAWEC's financial sustainability.This flexibility, he explained, will allow energy generated from the sun during the day to be stored and used at night to provide uninterrupted power supply to consumers, while also lowering NAWEC's average generation cost.Resilient and Sustainable PowerThe Vice President of Solaris Africa, Muctar Sey, said the project goes beyond increasing generation capacity."It will build the foundation for a more resilient, reliable and sustainable power system by ensuring that the grid is stable and dependable," Mr Sey said.He disclosed that the long-term aim is to transform The Gambia's energy landscape and accelerate its transition to renewable energy, with emphasis on reliability, affordability and sustainability.Phase 2 of the Soma Solar Power Plant is expected to be completed within 12 to 40 months.

Continue Reading >>
Press Release First slide

GAMBIA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO ICC AT FREETOWN REGIONAL SEMINAR

The Gambia’s Justice Minister Dawda Jallow, accompanied by Ambassador Pa Musa Jobarteh, the Brussels ambassador accredited to the ICC, attended an ICC High-Level Regional Seminar in Sierra Leone aimed at strengthening cooperation and complementarity with the Africa Region under the theme: A partnership in fighting impunity for the gravest crimes under international law.The two-day event, held on 22-23 October 2026, began with a high-level delegation courtesy visit to His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, led by the court’s Second Vice President, Her Excellency Judge Reine Alapini-Gansou of Benin. Given the challenges the ICC has faced with new sanctions imposed on the court, the delegation was reassured by President Bio’s strong support for the court. The event was well attended by ministers and ambassadors from the sub-region, with representatives from The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Benin, Ivory Coast, and Tunisia. H.E. Dr Michael Imran Kanu, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the UN, co-facilitated the event with opening statements by the Court officials and ministers from Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Mauritania.   In her opening remarks, H.E. Justice Alapini-Ganou, who herself is under sanctions, stressed that Africans must remain true to our commitment and secure our values. She said Africa currently has 4 out of the18 ICC judges and remains the largest group with 33 member states. She expressed pride that the court is still attracting candidates despite enhanced sanctions and challenges, one of them being the Gambia’s candidate in the person of Justice Veronic Wright, who was accepted as a guest attendee. In sharing the Gambia’s experience, Minister Jallow stated that complementarity is not a line that separates the Court from national systems. It is a shared responsibility that works only when States build the capacity to try the gravest crimes at home and cooperate fully with the Court where national action falls short. He went on to remind member states that the Court has no police, no prisons and no territory, and that every witness and suspect brought before the Court is the primary responsibility of States, because the Court acts only when States are unwilling or unable to genuinely investigate or prosecute. He emphasised that cooperation is therefore a legal obligation, not a courtesy between the Court and its constituting Member States. A takeaway quote by Minister Jallow is that “Cooperation that is selective, slow or conditional is, in practice, nothing but impunity by another name.” He shared Gambia’s commitment by illustrating how in October 2016, under the previous government withdrew its membership to the ICC, but immediately rejoined in February 2017, under the new democratic government. ICC. He cautioned that states should remain members of the court by conviction, not by habit. To update on The Gambia’s transitional justice process, Minister Jallow said Gambia has now passed laws establishing a Special Accountability Mechanism and a Special Prosecutor's Office, and that the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government approved the establishment of a hybrid Special Tribunal for The Gambia, culminating in the appointment of its first Special Prosecutor in April 2026.He echoed that these initiatives are merely foundations, not a finished building, because the Special Tribunal still needs sustainable funding while victims are still waiting for almost a decade. One of four priorities he noted to resolve some of Africa’s justice problems is the need for structured and honest dialogue between African States and the Court. According to Minister Jallow, many Africans have voiced the concern that international justice has been applied unevenly, and that those concerns deserve an answer, not dismissal. Justice, he said, cannot be selective; it must be seen to be consistently applied to the powerful and the weak alike, without regard to nationality or official position. “Let Freetown be remembered not for what we said about cooperation, but for what we resolved to do”.The seminar had several panellist who contributed case studies to demonstrate their views and aspirations in strengthening international justice cooperation. The seminar ended with a renewed, stronger commitment by member states to improve cooperation and partnerships in fighting impunity for the gravest crimes under international law.

Continue Reading >>
Press Release First slide

Russia’s Honorary Consul in The Gambia Awarded Pushkin Medal by President Putin at Kremlin

BANJUL, The Gambia, 4 November 2026 — Momodou Lamin Manga, Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation in The Gambia, has been awarded the prestigious Pushkin Medal by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a state awards ceremony held at the Kremlin to mark Russia’s National Unity Day.According to an announcement by the Russian Embassy in The Gambia, Manga received the medal for his contributions to culture, the preservation of historical heritage, and his efforts to strengthen relations between peoples and promote Russian culture internationally.The Pushkin Medal is a Russian state decoration awarded to individuals for achievements in culture, arts, education, literature, and contributions to the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of international cultural cooperation.The ceremony, held on 4 November, brought together distinguished individuals from Russia and other countries who were recognised for their contributions to strengthening national unity and advancing international cooperation. Alongside Manga, several foreign public figures, scientists, and entrepreneurs received Pushkin Medals and Orders of Friendship.Manga’s recognition represents a significant milestone in the cultural and diplomatic relations between The Gambia and the Russian Federation.A former Director General of the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), Manga was appointed Honorary Consul of Russia in The Gambia in 2015. Since his appointment, he has played a role in facilitating bilateral engagements, particularly in cultural diplomacy and people-to-people relations.Among the notable initiatives associated with his tenure was the establishment of the Russian Consulate’s presence in Banjul in 2016 and efforts to create opportunities for Gambian artists to access the Russian music market through a bilateral cultural agreement signed that same year.More recently, Manga has continued to participate in diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries. In October 2026, Russian Ambassador Sergei Kruykov visited Banjul, underscoring renewed efforts to deepen diplomatic and bilateral relations.During the visit, Ambassador Kruykov described Manga as an “extraordinary diplomat” and expressed confidence in his ability to facilitate further progress in relations between Russia and The Gambia. Since then, the Russian Federation has sent a full ambassador to The Gambia, who has already presented his credentials The award of the Pushkin Medal places Manga among foreign nationals recognised by the Russian Federation for their contributions to cultural exchange, heritage preservation, and international cooperation.For The Gambia, the recognition also highlights the role of cultural diplomacy and the contributions of individuals working to build stronger international partnerships beyond traditional political and economic engagement. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

GOV'T SIGNS LANDMARK INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT PROJECT WITH GHANAIAN FIRM JOSPONG

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources has signed a landmark Integrated Waste Management Project with Ghanaian firm Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) to collect, transform and manage waste in the Greater Banjul Area and West Coast Region.The signing ceremony was held at State House and presided over by President Adama Barrow. The project is expected to fundamentally address challenges related to waste collection, management and transformation, while creating jobs for thousands of Gambians.The agreement was signed by the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Hon. Rohey John Manjang, and the Executive Chairman of Jospong Group of Companies, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, as President Barrow looked on.Transforming Waste ManagementWaste remains a major challenge, particularly within the Greater Banjul Area and West Coast Region, where local councils spend millions of Dalasis annually on collection, management and disposal.Under the terms of the agreement, Jospong Group — which specialises in waste collection, management and transformation and operates in 29 African countries — will develop waste collection and treatment facilities in Kanifing Municipality, Banjul and the West Coast Region.According to Chairman Agyepong, the company will build a complete waste management ecosystem, including treatment plants, waste trucks, tricycles and dustbins, while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Gambians.Mr Agyepong praised the Government's rapid infrastructural transformation and commended President Barrow for his leadership.A Milestone for The GambiaThe Minister of Environment, Hon. Rohey John Manjang, welcomed the partnership, noting that it will revolutionise waste collection, management and treatment in The Gambia. She expressed confidence that Jospong will deliver as stipulated in the contract.The Executive Director of the National Environment Agency (NEA), Dr Dawda Badgie, described the agreement as the culmination of years of work to develop an integrated waste management roadmap to comprehensively address challenges in the sector. He hailed it as a great milestone that underscores the Government's full commitment to solving the waste problem.Decommissioning of Bakoteh DumpsiteA key component of the partnership is the decommissioning of the Bakoteh landfill, which has been at the heart of waste collection and disposal in Kanifing Municipality for decades.The government plans to build a modern market on the site once decommissioned, to promote socio-economic development. The move will bring major relief to residents of Kanifing Municipality, particularly communities in Bakoteh and Manjai Kunda who have long endured the environmental and health hazards associated with the dumpsite. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

PRESIDENT BARROW INAUGURATES DEMBA KUNDA - BASSE ROAD, LAYS FOUNDATION FOR FOOTBALL FIELD

President Adama Barrow on Saturday inaugurated the Demba Kunda–Numuyel–Manneh Kunda–Basse road at a grand ceremony in Demba Kunda attended by thousands of people from Jimara and Basse.The 14-kilometre road provides a vital corridor for beneficiary communities, enhancing access to markets, health facilities, schools and other social services. The project underscores President Barrow's commitment to road infrastructure as a foundation for sustainable socio-economic development.After nearly two years of construction, the road linking Basse to Manneh Kunda, Demba Kunda and Numuyel was officially opened. The President, flanked by the Minister of Works, officials of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and community leaders, cut the ribbon to mark the inauguration.The road is fully funded by the Government under the Rural Roads Infrastructure Project, which seeks to decentralise development to communities across the country.Wild CelebrationsAfter the ribbon-cutting, President Barrow drove through the new road to Demba Kunda. Crowds lined both sides of the road, cheering and thanking the President for fulfilling one of the most pressing needs of Jimara and Basse.As he approached Demba Kunda, thousands of people welcomed him with great fanfare and excitement, escorting him to the meeting grounds where elders lined up to greet him.The Alkalo of Demba Kunda, 94-year-old Alhaji Degumeh Ceesay Camara, went down memory lane, recalling when travelling from Demba Kunda to Numuyel and Basse was a nightmare."In the past, it took a whole day to travel from Demba Kunda to Basse, but now it takes minutes," the Alkalo said with pride, as he expressed profound gratitude to President Barrow for his commitment to the welfare of the people.He challenged the people of Demba Kunda, Numuyel, Manneh Kunda and Basse to vote for President Barrow, describing it as a duty and responsibility to enable him to continue his development agenda.Similar calls were made by the representative of the Chief of Jimara, Alhaji Julaba Ceesay, youth representative Swaibou Jagana, and women's representative Fatumata Kanteh. The speakers said all 87 villages in the area are united in their desire to keep President Barrow in power, describing the upcoming December 5 election as a foregone conclusion.They hailed the road as a major milestone that will open up Demba Kunda and Numuyel to the rest of the country.Veteran politician and NPP Regional Chairman, Alhaji Bubu Drammeh, praised President Barrow for the landmark development, noting the dramatic reduction in travel time."It used to take 25 minutes to travel just 3 kilometres to Basse. Now it takes only 3 minutes to reach the regional capital," Bubu said to loud applause. He predicted a landslide victory for President Barrow, saying his development track record is unmatched in Gambian history.The National Assembly Member for Jimara, Hon. Essa Conteh, and the Governor of URR, Samba Bah, also commended the President for transforming the Upper River Region through roads, schools, health facilities and electricity, and both predicted a landslide victory in December.Built to Last 20 YearsThe Managing Director of the National Roads Authority, Sulayman Sumareh, said the 14km road is built to the highest quality standards and can last 20 years. Given its strategic location, he said the road is fitted with proper drainage to address perennial flooding in Numuyel and Demba Kunda, and will also be fitted with solar streetlights. He advised motorists to use the road with care.In his inaugural address, President Barrow said the road is more than a physical link."It brings better access, greater economic opportunity, easier movement, and a stronger connection between rural communities and the national road network," the President said.He noted that the people of Demba Kunda and Numuyel have long grappled with a poor road network that hampered development, but expressed confidence that the new road will enable them to realise their full potential.President Barrow reaffirmed infrastructure as a key priority of his government, with emphasis on decentralisation to reach every community. He, however, admonished road users and motorists to use the road responsibly and respect safety regulations.He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and promised to expand the road network in Jimara and the wider URR, disclosing that 380km of roads are earmarked for construction if given another mandate.He appealed to the people of Jimara to vote for him and called on all Gambians to exercise their franchise in December, saying the stakes are very high and the outcome will determine the future of the country.The President later proceeded to lay the foundation stone for the construction of the Demba Kunda football field.

Continue Reading >>