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Physical Planning demolishes structures in Jabang

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.  

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SRPEP Signs 6 Contracts for the Construction of Major Infrastructure of Project Intended Facilities

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.

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UN experts arrive to support emergency response to flood victims

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. 

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West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2022 Results.

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.

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Gold again for Gina at the Islamic solidarity games

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.  

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Four security personnel die in a convoy accident

The Office of the President regrets to inform the public that an unfortunate fatal accident involving five State Guard personnel occurred today at Ndemban while escorting reserve vehicles of the convoy to Mankamang Kunda.Four security personnel, Lance Corporal Kebba Sanneh, Corporal Ansumana Danso, Lance Corporal Saikou Touray, and Lance Corporal Ousman Jobe, were pronounced dead at Bwiam General Hospital.First Class Ndedeh Bahoum is currently being managed at Bwiam General Hospital, and his condition is reported Non Critical and Clinically Stable. All clinical assessments and initial investigations are considered normal and will be subsequently referred to Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital- Ndemban Center for further specialist assessment and evaluation. President Barrow profoundly regrets this unfortunate accident and prays Allah Subhana wa ta'allah to grant them the highest of Jannah. The President extends his deepest sorrow to their families and wishes Ndedeh Bahoum a speedy recovery.  

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EFSTH announces outbreak of rare illness in Children

The Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital has announced the emergence of a rare condition currently under observation in the Paediatric Outpatient. A statement from the hospital said the condition is severe and already causing mortality in children. It says samples were collected from affected children and awaiting results from the lab. They present with diarrhea, vomiting, and reduced urination output. Doctors are said to be working hard to establish the cause of the condition. Meanwhile, the public is urged to be vigilant and report to the nearest health facility if their child has the above symptoms mentioned earlier.

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President Barrow visit flood affected areas in banjul

President Adama Barrow on Monday took time from his holiday and toured flood-affected areas in Banjul to assess the extent of the damage. This is the second time the president went round meeting victims of the floods in Banjul and other parts of the greater Banjul area. “Despite being on holiday, if my people are in such situations I must be part of it. The safety and security of the people of Banjul and all Gambians is my responsibility. We will work until the problem is solved''. President Barrow said.  

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African central bank governors meet in Banjul

The 44th ordinary session of the assembly of African central bank governors opened at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara conference centre. The objectives of the Association of African Central Bank Governors are to promote cooperation on monetary, banking, and financial matters in Africa. They conform to the principles of the African Union Free Trade Area established to integrate African economies. The meeting brings together central Bank governors from across Africa for deliberations on the economic and financial situation on the continent with a particular focus on digital innovation and the future of the financial sector, opportunities, and challenges for central bank digital Currencies. The theme for the conference is digital innovations and the future of the financial sector: Opportunities and challenges for central bank digital currencies. The meeting comes at a time of great uncertainty for the global economy, particularly in Africa caused by rising food and energy prices driven by, climate change, outbreaks of Pandemics, and the conflict in Eastern Europe. President Adama Barrow said the meeting marks another important step toward the adoption of a single currency and a common central Bank in Africa.  He said digital innovations have the potential to transform the global financial landscape. President Barrow also tasked the central bank governors to come up with practical suggestions that could help countries overcome the current food and energy challenges that threaten socio-political and economic stability. The governor of the central bank of the Gambia Buah Saidy expressed hope that the meeting will chart a new course for Africa. Governor Saidy said the continent can build strong and resilient economies.The IMF country representative Mamadou Juldeh Barry acknowledges the important role of digital currencies in the modern financial system, as more people in both the formal and informal sectors embrace the technologies. He warned against any wholesale unplanned adoption of such systems as they can be riskyThe central Bank governors will continue discussing the agenda items to come up with a harmonized approach to the issues confronting the continent

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Government to launch $80 million and $43 million projects

The Gambia government is set to launch an $80 million drainage project in the Greater Banjul Area to prevent floods in the future. This was disclosed by President Barrow while touring flood-affected areas. He also said a $43 million project to stem flooding problems in the country would be launched.

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Ministry of health lifts suspension on striking public and environment health officers

The Ministry of Health has lifted the suspension of public health officers. In a letter addressed to the Director of health promotion and education, the ministry called on all concerned public and environment health officers affected by the suspension to return to work from the 1st August 2022. Three hundred and seventy-one public and environment health officers were suspended without salary following a dispute over unpaid allowances. The public and environment health officers went on a prolonged sit-down strike crippling services at several health facilities.

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Barrows tours flood affected areas

President Adama Barrow is touring the flood-affected areas to assess the damages caused by the deluge. He visited flood-prone Ebo town in the Kanifing Municipality and met victims. The President accompanied by government ministers and the mayor of KMC will also visit other areas such as the Jabang Estate, Brikama Jambara Sanneh, Nema, and other affected areas in the KMC.

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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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