The government of the Gambia has reached an agreement with oil marketing companies to resume the sale of fuel with immediate effect at the same price. This announcement is contained in a press release issued by office of the president.
Continue Reading >>The government of the Gambia on Thursday hosted a major press conference on the theme “Spotlighting the Banjul rehabilitation project” Chaired by the government spokesperson and adviser to the president on Diaspora affairs Ebrima G Sankareh the briefing was aimed at shedding light on public doubts about the Banjul rehabilitation project. The project came under fire following last month's powerful floods that hit the capital city and beyond. The Minister of information Lamin Queen Jammeh said the press conference was sanctioned by president Adama Barrow to provide clarity on controversies that followed the unexpected floods.The questions from the press touched on how the contract was awarded to Gai construction company and whether the company had fulfilled its tax obligation as required under such contracts. The minister of Works, Construction and Infrastructure Ebrima Sillah said there was another addendum on the contract that removed the tax exemption. He also explained that the government does provide a certain tax exemption on projects funded by the state or donor organisations. The Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority Yankuba Darboe said the contractor met all tax obligations and submitted audited accounts on time. Officials say powerful pumping machines have now been installed in the city. The machines they say would be able to efficiently empty flood water from the city.
Continue Reading >>Eight Gambian female musicians will perform at a live band concert dub Unite festival in September. The festival is being organised by Music in Africa Foundation (MIAF) under the auspices of the Music In Africa Live project 2022 (MIALive). The eight female musicians were drawn from the National Female Artists Association (NAFAA). Women's Unite Festival - The Gambia project is being implemented by NAFAA in the Gambia from 11th July 2022 to 18th September 2022.The event which will be held on Saturday, 17th September 2022 at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, Jama Hall will feature Sambou Susso, Cess Ngum, Lena B, Mariama Cham, Awa Gambia, Awa Bling, Sophia Bass, and Miss Jobizz. The recorded performances will be broadcast on the 24th of September 2022 at 8 pm GMT on the Official NAFAA Facebook page, Gambian Talents TV, and Block Entertainment platforms.The performing artists expressed delight at the opportunity to take part in the project which is being held for the first time in the Gambia. Sambou Susso calls it a fantastic opportunity to unleash their talents and skills musically during these times. She said COVID-19 impacted the music sector and this is a way to get them back on their feet. The Program Director of NAFAA Kalilu Banja said that audiences can expect a highly professional acoustic live performance that will be historic and beneficial to artists and musicians.The Women’s Unite Festival - The Gambia is a program of Music In Africa Live, a project of The Music In Africa Foundation supported by the German Federal Foreign Office, Siemens Stiftung, and Goethe Institute.
Continue Reading >>The Gambia police force says Sergeant Momodou Sarjo who was arrested and charged for rape will be interdicted and taken to court. A press release from the office of the IGP stated that the police officer was arrested on the seafront near the monkey park where he was said to have attacked a group of young people at a party. Officer Sarjo is alleged to have attacked the group and raped a twenty-two-year-old girl he captured while she tried to escape. The officer was arrested by the Police Intervention Unit and detained at the Senegambia police station where he was charged.
Continue Reading >>The Ministry of Foreign affairs and Gambians abroad says it is working with Dubai authorities in securing the release of Gambian detainees there. A statement from the ministry said that thirty four Gambians were being held at an immigration detention camp in the United Arab Emirates.
Continue Reading >>His Excellency President has urged TICAD member states and partners to work together to transform Africa’s challenges into opportunities to drive its development priorities. The President was speaking on 27th August 2022 at the TICAD8 Conference in Tunisia. President Barrow emphasised the urgent need to support Africa’s youthful and diverse population to explore green businesses and other development opportunities. He said Africa is a burgeoning continent, but it must redouble efforts to explore its development objectives. ‘‘Africa presents unique opportunities for closer cooperation with the world, but we must build enough capacity to finance and drive our development sustainably.” He noted. Speaking on the Japanese Government’s support to the continent amidst the ongoing global economic crisis, President Barrow commended the Japanese Prime Minister, His Excellency Fumio Kishida, and the Government and people of Japan ‘‘for assuming greater prominence in the collective endeavour to build resilient economies, communities, and environmental systems’’. President Barrow further expressed that while the continent needs to manage its biodiversity and ecosystem services effectively, it is equally vital to share best practices with the globe to overcome its development challenges. TICAD is a process involving not only African countries but also international organisations, the private sector, and civil society working for Africa’s development and promoting high-level political dialogue between African leaders and their partners on issues related to economic growth, trade and investment, sustainable development, human security, and governance.
Continue Reading >>His Excellency President Adama Barrow and his delegation have arrived in the Tunisian capital, Tunis, for the Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8). The President was received at the Airport by the Tunisian Prime Minister, Her Excellency Najla Bouden. The conference will bring together African leaders and their partners to discuss development objectives geared toward integrating Africa into the emerging global chain of research, innovation, technology and science.
Continue Reading >>The department of physical planning has embarked on a demolition exercise in the Jabang area. The structures being demolished are said to be built on waterways blocking the flowing of water. In a letter dated 20th August 2022, sent to homeowners in Jabang, the department of physical planning and housing stated that the buildings were erected without a development permit and without prior approval of the Banjul planning authority. The letter ordered homeowners to remove or demolish the structures before the 22nd of August 2022. Distressed homeowners expressed anger at the action of the planning authorities, claiming they legally acquired the properties from the Social security and housing finance cooperation. They complained that the demolition notice came under forty-eight hours before the structures went under the hammer.
Continue Reading >>The Small Ruminant Production Enhancement Project (SRPEP) through the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) recently signed six (6) contracts for the construction of the project’s major infrastructure facilities. The Ministry of agricumture announced on its social media handle that the contracts were awarded to Gambian contractors. The statement indicated that the facilities include community pastures, rehabilitation of DLS LAB Abuko, a veterinary drug outlets, a fattening and breeding schemes, mini dairy, milk collection centres, slaughterhouses, meat stalls, and farmer demonstration in YBK. Mamud Njie, SRPEP project director said the facilities will help the project fulfill its objective of improving the livelihood of livestock farmers and strengthen the production and productivity and resilience of rural communities. He added that it will stimulate business entrepreneurship in the livestock sector.
Continue Reading >>An eleven (11) member team deployed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has arrived in Banjul. They were received by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Banjul. A statement from the UN Banjul office says the team was deployed following consultations between The Gambia Government and the UN Resident Coordinator’s office due to the recent flooding, support was requested for UNDAC deployment. The team will support the emergency response to the recent flood that claimed the lives of eleven people, rendered over five thousand others homeless, and severely affected over 40,000 people. Several communities remain submerged following the 31st July deluge causing a high risk of disease outbreaks due to contaminated waters. The team of experts will support the country in various areas such as:– Disaster and emergency assessment, analysis and coordination processes assessment & analysis, mapping, situational analysis, and coordination. – Strengthening information management systems.– Humanitarian resource mobilization through OCHA funding tools and other options through key humanitarian donors. – Assessment, reporting, and coordinating response to environmental impacts arising from the flood impacts. – Public health assessment and coordination of response to public health impacts arising from the floods.
Continue Reading >>The West African Examinations Council, Banjul office is pleased to announce the release of the results of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates, 2022. A total of 15, 360 candidates from 136 Seniors Secondary Schools registered for the examination. This represents a decrease in the candidature of 5.38% over the previous year's entry figure of 16, 234 candidates.Out of the 15, 360 candidates that registered for the examination this year 6, 319 (41.14%) were male, while 9, 041 (58.86%) were female.In the 2022 WASSCE for school candidates, The Gambian candidates registered in 32 subjects which included English Language, Mathematics, and a host of Science, Arts, Commerce, Technical and Vocational subjects.Six hundred and five (605) candidates (3.94%) obtained credit passes in five subjects and above including English language and Mathematics. On a gender basis, 316 (5.00%) male candidates had five credit passes and above in which English Language and Mathematics are included, while 289 (3.20%) female candidates had five credit passes and above in which English Language and Mathematics are included.A summary of the performance in WASSCE for school candidates, 2022 in terms of the number of credit passes obtained and the percentage of candidates that obtained such (a) number of credit passes is given below. Credit Passes In Numbers of Candidates % of Candidates 9 subjects 201 1.31 8 subjects 336 2.19 7 subjects 426 2.77 6 subjects 547 3.56 5 subjects 679 4.42 4 subjects 932 6.07 3 subjects 1,262 8.22 2 subjects 2,049 13.34 1 subjects 3,667 23.87 On behalf of the Chairman and Registrar to the Council, the Head of National Office wishes to register the Council’s profound appreciation of the immense support rendered by The Gambia Government through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE). In a similar vein, the Council also recognises and appreciates the fruitful efforts of other stakeholders, including its esteemed Examiners, Principals of Senior Secondary Schools as well as the Conference of Principals of Senior Secondary Schools (GAMCOP) who immensely contributed to the successful conduct of the examination.
Continue Reading >>Gina Bass has successfully defended her title in the women’s 200m race at the Islamic games in Konya, Turkey. Bass finished the dash in 22.63 seconds, an unprecedented feat ever achieved by a Gambian track and field athlete. Gina is now the most decorated Gambian track and field athlete. Wurrie Njadoe, a promising young Gambian athlete finished fourth in the finals.
Continue Reading >>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 >>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 >>President Adama Barrow on Tuesday presided over the award of more than D83 million to 25 Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions under the Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund at a ceremony held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.The SIE Fund is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and the World Bank, implemented under the Resilience, Inclusive Skills and Employment Project.The awards are aimed at strengthening TVET institutions, improving the quality of training, expanding access, and boosting the employability of young people, women, and persons with disabilities.The Fund focuses on key sectors including Agriculture, Engineering, Tourism, ICT, Business, and Creative and Performing Arts.Speaking at the ceremony, World Bank Country Representative Dr Franklin Mutahakana said this was the second award under the World Bank-funded project.“This is evidence of The Gambia’s growing commitment to investing in young people, who constitute 63% of the population,” Dr Mutahakana said. “Youth have tremendous potential and are eager to learn and work. This initiative will create pathways for them to acquire skills and enhance their productivity.”President Barrow said the awards will have far-reaching consequences for TVET institutions and the thousands of young people who will benefit directly.“Beyond strengthening and modernising these institutions, the awards will expand opportunities for our youth, particularly women and persons with disabilities,” the President said.He commended the RISE project for its impact on national development and for transforming the lives and livelihoods of young people. He urged beneficiaries to seize the opportunity to contribute to nation building.The President described TVET as a critical pillar for employment creation, enterprise development, industrial growth, and social inclusion.Under Window 1, 25 TVET institutions received over D33 million in grants for institutional improvement. The funding will support infrastructure, equipment, governance systems, program quality, and overall institutional performance.Under Window 2, 18 institutions received more than D49 million to train young people and women in labour market-relevant TVET programs.Student beneficiary Mathew Badjie, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed gratitude to the government and the World Bank for the support.“This intervention has had a direct impact on young people,” Badjie said. “We are determined to honour this investment through hard work and service to the nation.”The award ceremony marks another major milestone in the government’s commitment to building a skilled, productive, and resilient young population to drive sustainable development.
Continue Reading >>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 >>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 >>The Gambia National Olympic Committee has appointed Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bom Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, as its Goodwill Sports Ambassador.The appointment was announced during the Gambia Day Celebration in Glasgow, Scotland, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Gambian sport, international diplomacy, and the promotion of Olympic values.A former national volleyball player and ex-Female Vice President of the GNOC, Dr Bensouda was praised for her leadership in promoting women in sport and advancing athlete welfare, integrity, and sports development.In her new role, she will help raise The Gambia's profile on the international sporting stage, strengthen partnerships with global sports organisations, and promote sports diplomacy to support national development.The GNOC states that the appointment reflects Dr Bensouda’s distinguished service to sport and her ongoing commitment to inspiring future generations of Gambian athletes and sports leaders.
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