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Gambia yet to meet 70% vaccination target

The Director of Health Promotion and Education said the Gambia is still far from achieving the WHO’s target for 70% of the population to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Modou Njai was on Tuesday speaking to GRTS at the Central Medical Stores in Kotu. He said the Gambia is still at 20.3%  due to low turnout. He expressed hope that in addition to the routine vaccinations that have been ongoing at the health facilities, and the Covid-19 vaccination campaign that started on Monday 19th September, the country could reach a better target number. Mr. Njai said the Ministry of Health will continue to engage local authorities, religious leaders, youth organizations, and traditional communicators on the safety of the Covid-19 vaccines. 

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President Barrow reaffirms commitment in promoting Technical and Vocational Education Training

President Adama Barrow has reaffirmed his government's commitment to promoting Technical and Vocational Education Training to enhance scientific research, and creativity in the Gambia. The President made the remark at the UN Transforming Education Summit on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. President Barrow outlined the Gambia's efforts and strategies in promoting and providing quality and cost-effective education for Gambian children and young people. He said the initiative is a result of his government's commitment and belief that investing in structural reforms, innovative curricula adjustments, and improved training programs has the potential to enhance learning, creativity, interpersonal skills, and critical thinking capabilities with a renewed focus on technical and vocational education. The UN Transforming Education Summit is one of the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting that seeks to address challenges in global education.

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NAM begin debate on SONA

National Assembly Members today debated on President Barrow’s State of the Nation address. Lawmakers called for increased focus on growth and citizen participation to advance national development.  Vice President Alieu Badara Joof represented the president at the Legislative Chambers. Parliamentarians highlighted a raft of concerns to the Vice President raising the need for ministers to respond to the assembly whenever they are called upon. Honourable Kebba K. Barrow member of Kombo South called on the government to come up with strategies to aid post-Covid-19 recovery and farmers’ needs. Salieu Jawo for Jokadu hailed the government for the infrastructural development. Bakary Kora of Upper Fulladou West stressed the need for concerted efforts to mechanize the Jahally-Pacharr Rice Fields and increase access to clean drinking water and electricity for rural communities. Legislators urged the government to look into the high crime rate in the country, which has seen a fresh spike. The debate continues. 

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The Gambia Government condemns the spate of homicides in the country.

President Adama Barrow has expressed shock and sadness over recent killings in the country. A press release, pictured above, from the government spokesperson Ebrima G Sankareh, says the President assures swift investigations and justice delivery. The statement follows five homicide cases around the country in a week.

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Ambassador-designate Lamin Dibba presents letters of credence to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guteres

The Gambian Ambassador-designate to the United Nations H.E Lamin Dibba on Friday formally presented his letters of credence to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at UN headquarters in New York. Speaking to GRTS after the ceremony, ambassador Dibba outlined his priorities during his tenure as The Gambia's Permanent Representative to the UN. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening The Gambia's role in the advancement of global peace and security, especially at a time when the World is faced with increased tension caused by conflicts and environmental issues. Until his appointment as UN ambassador,  Lamin Dibba was the Minister of Environment and climate change. He replaces Ambassador Lang Yarbou who is now a Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

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Charitable organisations donate to EFSTH

Two charitable organisations, Open Hands Gambia and Save Our world donated drugs, and sanitary and electrical equipment to Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital. At a presentation ceremony on Wednesday the vice chairperson of Open Hands Gambia Adele Sock said the gesture was meant to complement the government’s efforts in the health care service delivery to Gambians. The Chairman of Save Our World, Gambia Chapter Abdou Jallow assured his organisation’s continuous support to the welfare of Gambians. Officials at the EFSTH promised the donors that the material will be put to good use. 

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Livestock production facility to be erected in URR

The Small Ruminants Production Enhancement project has embarked on the construction of a livestock production facility in the Upper River Region.  The Project Director Mamud Njie said the facility would boost farmers’ capacity in livestock production, processing, and marketing. Director Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency Mamodou Darboe assured his office’s commitment to improving farmers’ capacity in livestock production. The deputy governor of URR Mamanding Ceesay said the project would create job opportunities for the youth in the area.

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Flood victims receive cash donations

Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in partnership with the Regional Disaster Management team in West Coast Region on Thursday distributed cash to 54 families affected by recent floods in the country. Each household received D5000.00 to enhance its recovery efforts. The Regional Disaster Management Coordinator, West Coast Region Binta Sey Jadama thanked ADRA for the intervention. Musa Jallow on behalf of the beneficiaries thanked the agency for the timely support.

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Actionaid International the Gambia encourage women to venture into agriculture

Actionaid International the Gambia recently embarked on Famer visits in the lower river region. The activity was aimed at inspiring women to venture into agricultural activities. The event was also part of the implementation of EU funded project, “empowering civil society organizations to mobilize citizen’s action towards the green economy and sustainable environment". Sarjo Camara of Actionaid said the outreach programme provided farmers the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn agricultural best practices to promote climate-smart agriculture. The president of the Treasure Women Warriors in Kwinela Kumba Daffeh encouraged women to venture into agriculture for economic development. The delegation also visited a five-hectare ‘Narika’ rice field in kundong Numu kunda in Kiang Central District. Moro Cham a rice farmer spoke on the importance of rice cultivation for food security and income generation.

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Government to reintroduce the draft constitution at the National Assembly

His Excellency President Adama Barrow says his government would reintroduce the draft constitution and the anti-corruption Bill before the national assembly for legislative action. The announcement was made in a lengthy speech on Thursday as he delivered the state of the nation address at the 3rd Ordinary Session of the 2022 legislative year. The policy statement read at the legislative house in Banjul covered finance and economic affairs, health, education, and the environment amongst others. President Barrow said the economic recovery faced setbacks due to the impact of the covid-19 pandemic and the global crisis. He reported that the country’s debt portfolio stands at D5.01 billion of which D1.2 billion is external debt. The President explained that the REPGam project, a research-based initiative under the Higher Education Ministry would provide a renewable source of energy to 26 beneficiary communities across the country. President Barrow recognised the diaspora investment of over D700million to the country’s economy through remittances.  

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Serrekunda Market area caught fire

Reports reaching GRTS online say a fire broke out at the Serrekunda market on Tuesday night destroying a number of stalls. Firefighters and several volunteers were said to have struggled to contain the blaze. The Kanifing Municipal Council however was quick to issue a statement denying reports that indicate the Serrekunda market was on fire. The KMC statement said the fire caught private properties around the market and caused significant damage.

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President Barrow signs book of condolence at the British High Commission

His Excellency President Adama Barrow, this morning signed the book of condolences at the Residence of the British High Commissioner in Bakau Cape Point, following the demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll, Speaking to the media after his audience with the High Commissioner, H.E Mr. David Belgrove, President Barrow once again expressed his condolences to the Royal Family and the People of the United Kingdom. He said it was important for him to pay his respects to the High Commissioner personally. Speaking on King Charles lll, President Barrow said he is confident that the new monarch will further solidify the strong ties between The Gambia and the United Kingdom. On his part, the High Commissioner Belgrove said President Barrow’s visit is ‘‘a symbol of close ties’’ between The Gambia and Great Britain. He said with the proclamation of the new King; it is time for the commonwealth to renew its shared values of democracy, freedom, and Human Rights.  

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Latest Updates

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PRESIDENT BARROW RECEIVES ATAF DELEGATION, HAILED AS MODEL FOR TAX REFORMS

President Adama Barrow on Thursday received officials attending the annual African Tax Administration Forum Masterclass at State House.The delegation was led by the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority, Yankuba Darboe, who briefed the President on the objectives and outcomes of the three-day meeting in Banjul. The Masterclass brought together tax administrators from across Africa to deliberate on tax administration, revenue collection, and the challenges and opportunities facing the continent.Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Commissioner General Darboe described the engagement as "very productive," noting that discussions centred on tax administration, revenue collection, and common challenges facing authorities in Africa.He commended President Barrow for the government’s support to GRA’s reforms, which he said have transformed revenue collection in The Gambia over the last 10 years.“As a result of these reforms, revenue collection has increased significantly. We have moved from collecting D3 billion in one year to now collecting D3 billion in one month,” Darboe said.The Executive Secretary of ATAF, Mary Baine, commended President Barrow for receiving the delegation. She said ATAF wants him to champion the call for stronger and more resilient tax administration systems across Africa, drawing on The Gambia’s model.The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of ATAF also praised The Gambia for its political will and commitment to financing development through domestic revenue. They described the approach as more sustainable, noting that Africa cannot continue to depend on external financing for its development needs.The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita, congratulated the GRA for hosting a successful ATAF Masterclass. He said the event is a vote of confidence in The Gambia’s tax administration system, which continues to serve as a model for others on the continent.The meeting was attended by senior tax administration officials and experts who are using the forum to strategise the way forward for tax administration and revenue mobilisation in Africa. 

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PRESIDENT BARROW CALLS FOR STRONGER ECOWAS UNITY TO TACKLE SECURITY AND CLIMATE CHALLENGES

The President, Adama Barrow, has called for stronger regional solidarity to confront terrorism, violent extremism, climate change, and other pressing challenges facing West Africa.President Barrow made the call on Saturday at the opening of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Leaders at the summit pledged to accelerate efforts toward a fully integrated West Africa.The meeting is being described as a historic moment for ECOWAS as the bloc refocuses on democracy, good governance, security, trade, and infrastructure.ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray said the summit provides a historic opportunity for leaders to deliver on their pledge to integrate the sub-region into a single bloc capable of addressing shared challenges.He described ECOWAS as a critical platform for dialogue, regional cooperation, and democratic consolidation.Dr. Touray also expressed gratitude to President Barrow for supporting his candidature four years ago, which led to his appointment as President of the Commission.Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, said the summit calls for reflection on the past and future of the organization.He noted that the world is undergoing profound changes and increased competition for resources, and urged ECOWAS to adapt to remain relevant and competitive."West Africa carries greater weight when it speaks with one voice," President Bio said.President Barrow reiterated the need for concerted sub-regional action on terrorism, violent extremism, and climate change, warning that these threats require urgent attention.On The Gambia, President Barrow thanked ECOWAS for its support during the country’s transition. He reassured the bloc that his government will conduct a free, fair, and credible election in December.He also reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to regional integration and to ECOWAS institutions.At the close of the summit, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye succeeded President Bio as Chairman of ECOWAS. He will lead the bloc for the next two years.Dr. Touray also concluded his four-year term as President of the ECOWAS Commission. He thanked leaders for their support during what he described as a "very tough and challenging" period.

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THE GAMBIA CHAIRS 121ST OACPS COUNCIL OF MINISTERS IN BRUSSELS

The Gambia Chaired the 121st Council of Ministers of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), 15-16 July 2026, Brussels.The Council of Ministers, being the decision-making body of the 79 Member States of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), held its 121st Session in Brussels from 15th -16th July 2026. Over 200 delegates, including 25 Ministers of Finance, Trade and Economic Development, were in attendance, with Honourable Seedy K.M. Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Republic of The Gambia, chairing in his capacity as President of Council. In his opening statement, Hon. Minister Keita underscored that the strength of the OACPS lies in the common identity and shared cultural values that unite its Member States across three continents. He reaffirmed the Organisation’s collective vision of improving the lives of its peoples through economic transformation, increased trade and investment, a stronger private sector, and improved opportunities for youths and women.Hon. Seedy K.M Keita also called on Member States to maintain the momentum generated by the Malabo Summit by providing the political leadership and ownership necessary to implement the decisions of the Heads of State and Government. He further emphasised the importance of strengthening the Organisation’s governance system, financial sustainability and institutional effectiveness.Key achievements during The Gambia’s Presidency include the successful convening of the 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government in Malabo, the adoption of the Malabo Declaration and its Implementation Matrix and the progress made in advancing the OACPS Transformation Agenda.Honourable Justice Veronic Wright, The Gambia’s candidate for election as a Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), had the singular opportunity to present her candidature to the Council of Ministers for their support.

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VP JALLOW OPENS ATAF MASTER CLASS IN BANJUL, URGES STRONGER DOMESTIC RESOURCE MOBILISATION 

The Vice President, Mohammed B.S. Jallow, on Wednesday officially opened the African Tax Administration Forum in Banjul on behalf of President Adama Barrow.Tax administrators from across the continent gathered for the 7th Heads of Tax Administrations Master Class to discuss ways to strengthen revenue collection in Africa.Delegates came from different countries with diverse legal systems and institutional backgrounds, but share a common goal: to strengthen Africa’s capacity to mobilise domestic resources to improve lives.Delivering the President’s statement, Vice President Jallow said domestic resource mobilisation has been a central pillar of The Gambia’s national development agenda.“Since the inception of my administration in 2017, domestic resource mobilisation has featured prominently on The Gambia’s national development agenda,” he said. “This strategic focus is informed by the growing realisation that African governments cannot achieve sustainable prosperity, economic resilience, and true sovereignty by relying indefinitely on external loans, grants, and development assistance.”The Vice President noted that African economies have faced devastating calamities, global supply chain disruptions, and uncertainties arising from conflicts around the world. He said that these challenges have forced many countries to undertake major reforms to modernise their revenue administration, and that The Gambia has been a beneficiary of those reforms.“Today, The Gambia is reaping the benefits of these reforms through improved efficiency, enhanced transparency, stronger revenue performance, and increased domestic resources to support our national development aspirations,” he said.Vice President Jallow also commended the leadership of the Gambia Revenue Authority, saying it reflects the theme of the Master Class.“The Commissioner General’s leadership stature stands as a practical example of the theme of this Master Class, that great institutions are built by leaders who have the courage to embrace change and the determination to see it through,” he said.For his part, the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority, Yankuba Darboe, said the Master Class has been a source of inspiration for his leadership.“When I say this Master Class has had a profound impact on my own leadership journey. Since the launch of this initiative, I have had the privilege of participating in several editions, often accompanied by my Deputy Commissioner General,” Darboe said. “Every year, we return home with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and practical lessons from fellow Commissioners General who have faced challenges similar to those confronting us in The Gambia.”After the deliberations in Banjul, the tax administrators are expected to leave with renewed strategies to combat base erosion, profit shifting, and illicit financial flows that deprive Africa of much-needed development resources.Participants of the 2026 ATAF Master Class are also expected to adopt a communique outlining key recommendations for tax administration across the continent.

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PRESIDENT BARROW JOINS ECOWAS LEADERS TO INAUGURATE JULIUS MAADA BIO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE IN SIERRA LEONE

On the eve of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Sierra Leone inaugurated a state-of-the-art International Convention Centre named after President Julius Maada Bio on Saturday.The inauguration ceremony in Lungi was attended by several sub-regional leaders, with His Excellency Adama Barrow attending as Special Guest of Honour.The new facility is being hailed as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s modernisation drive.President Barrow arrived at Lungi International Airport Saturday morning to join other West African leaders for the ECOWAS Summit.  He was received by Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who escorted him through airport formalities reserved for visiting Heads of State.The two leaders held a brief tête-à-tête in the VIP lounge before President Barrow was driven to the nearby convention centre.Located a few metres from the International Airport, the Julius Maada Bio International Convention Centre is one of several infrastructure projects undertaken by the Bio administration to position Sierra Leone as a hub for sub-regional, continental, and global diplomacy.The ceremony was attended by Heads of State, ECOWAS officials, and other dignitaries.In his remarks, President Barrow praised President Bio for the ambitious initiative, describing it as a testament to visionary leadership.“One can safely and boldly conclude that it is a testament to the visionary leadership and statesmanship of President Bio. No wonder the centre proudly bears his name,” President Barrow said.  “This edifice vividly symbolises what is attainable when leaders dedicate their lives to their nations and toil not only for the present, but also for generations to come.”President Barrow noted the special significance of the occasion for The Gambia.“For The Gambia, the occasion carries unique significance. Sierra Leone and The Gambia are bound not merely by geography and membership of ECOWAS, but equally by a shared history marked by resilience, resourcefulness, and an unwavering commitment to democracy, peace, and regional integration,” he said.He added that the new convention centre will create opportunities for Sierra Leone and position the country as a hub for diplomacy, dialogue, and investment.“A convention centre of such magnificence is more than a physical structure. It is a public space to generate and share ideas, knowledge, and expertise. It is an avenue for constructive diplomacy, a venue for commerce, and a platform from which Africans can present their viewpoints to the world with dignity,” President Barrow stated.“I am confident that the centre will host insightful dialogues to influence our region’s future, moderate negotiations for our shared prosperity, and hold many celebrations of success.”The President reassured Sierra Leone of The Gambia’s pride in the achievement and urged both countries to continue working together to transform their nations.President Barrow later joined his host and fellow leaders from Senegal, Ghana, Mauritania, Cabo Verde, and Liberia to cut the ribbon and officially open the Julius Maada Bio International Convention Centre.For President Bio, the inauguration marked a proud moment as Sierra Leone welcomed ECOWAS leaders for the 69th Ordinary Session.

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THE GAMBIA GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS BORDER FENCE DEMOLITION  AT BULOCK 

Re: The Gambia Government Statement On The Bulock Military Camp Border IncidentBanjul, The Gambia - The Gambia Government expresses its deep concern over the unfortunate incident that occurred on Thursday afternoon, 16th July, 2026, at the Bulock Military Border.Post, West Coast Region, involving members of the Senegalese Armed Forces. The Government confirms that a section of the perimeter fence of a Gambia Armed Forces military installation was demolished without prior consultation through the established bilateral military and diplomatic mechanisms that have long guided cooperation between our two sister countries.While The Gambia considers this action profoundly provocative and totally unacceptable, the Government remains fully committed to resolving the matter peacefully through dialogue and the existing Joint Military Committee and other bilateral channels. A formal diplomatic engagement with the Government of Senegal is already underway.The Government wishes to reassure the Gambian public, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps and residents of The Gambia, that there is no need for panic as the security situation remains calm and fully under control. Throughout the incident, Personnel of The Gambia Armed Forces acted with exemplary professionalism and restraint, preventing any potential escalation.Significantly, the Governments of The Gambia and Senegal have enjoyed decades of close fraternal cooperation, friendship and shared responsibility for regional peace and stability. Only recently, both Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in Defence, Security, Trade, Border Management and Economic Development. It is in that same spirit that this unfortunate incident will be addressed.Accordingly, The Gambia Government calls on the Senegalese Armed Forces to exercise maximum restraint and to ensure that any future concerns relating to the common border are addressed exclusively through the established bilateral mechanisms and in full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both States.The Government is confident that through mutual respect, constructive dialogue and the longstanding friendship between our two nations, this matter will be resolved swiftly and amicably.The Government further urges all Gambians to remain calm, refrain from speculation, and allow the ongoing diplomatic process to reach a peaceful conclusion.Signed,Ebrima G. Sankareh The Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser 

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