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Gam-Petroleum duo found not guilty

The high court in Banjul has acquitted and discharged Saihou Drammeh, former managing director, and Lamin Gassama, former operations manager of Gam-Petroleum. The two men were on trial for corruption after they were accused of causing over $20 million loss to the economy of The Gambia. Justice Haddy C. Roche acquitted the duo on all the eight charges of economic crime and stealing ‘due to a lack of evidence from the state prosecution to warrant them enter their defense.

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Flash floods left many homeless

Communities in the Greater Banjul area and the west coast region experienced devastating floods on Saturday and Sunday. A large number of houses and businesses have been submerged in flood waters following a near 24-hour rainfall, the heaviest the country experienced in many years.  Roads and bridges were heavily affected cutting off some communities. Electricity and water supplies were disrupted. The National Water and Electricity Company, Nawec says it experienced major disruptions as its facilities were affected by the floods. Vice President Badara Joof accompanied by several ministers toured some of the worst affected areas. The Vice President told journalists that the state would come up with measures to help victims affected by the deluge. President Adama Barrow is said to be aware of the disaster and would chair a cabinet meeting and a meeting with donor agencies on Monday to discuss and strategise a response to the disaster.

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Vice President presents key to the President

The Vice President, Badara A. Joof, on Friday, presented President Adama Barrow with the ‘Key’ bestowed on him by the Integral University of Lucknow, in Uttarpradesh State, India, for restoring and maintaining democracy in The Gambia. The University also awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Human Letters – Honoris Causa to the President. President Barrow thanked the Integral University for recognising his efforts in strengthening democracy in The Gambia and respect for the rule of Law. He said the award encourages him to redouble his efforts in these and other facets of Governance.  

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President Adama Barrow visits Liberia

President Adama Barrow arrived in Monrovia Tuesday morning to attend Celebrations marking Liberia’s 175th independence anniversary. He was received by the vice president of The republic of Liberia Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor, the Gambia’s high commissioner to Sierra Leone who is also accredited to the Liberia Alieu k Jammeh and other Liberian Government officials. President Barrow had a brief discussion with the vice president of The republic of Liberia at the airport presidential Lounge. He is among three other west African leaders that attended the formal ceremony in central Monrovia as special guests of Liberian President George Manneh Weah. They include President Muhammadu Buhari of the federal republic of Nigeria and Umaru Cissokho Emballo of The republic of Guinea Bissau. 

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The Gambia to have a Four hundred-room Radisson Blu Hotel

President Adama Barrow on Saturday laid the foundation stone for what would become the biggest hotel in the country. The $100million Radisson Blu five-star hotel will be built in Bijilo and in part of the infrastructure for the Banjul OIC summit, and it’s jointly owned by The Gambia and Immoland Sarl, an international real estate investment outfit. The hotel will have 60 presidential and royal suites and 400 high-end rooms, conference and meeting venues, a ballroom, fitness and business centres, and specialty restaurants among other features.  President Barrow said the investment is the largest of its kind in the tourism sector. He said his government mobilised some 300 million dollars towards projects in connection with the OIC hosting.  Mr. Barrow said the projects are designed to last longer and their benefits and impact will far outlive the summit itself.

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President Barrow Bids Farewell to Gambia Commonwealth Games Team

President Adama Barrow on Friday 22nd July bade farewell to the Gambian Athletics Team bound for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. The President presented the Battle Flag to the Team at a ceremony at State House in Banjul. He applauded the progress of Gambian sports and encouraged the athletes to do their best in the games. President Barrow praised the Gambia volleyball team that won the African Championship and said his government’s will to support sport is very high. The Athletes were accompanied to State House by the Minister of Youths and Sports Bakary Badjie and other officials.

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PRESIDENT BARROW LAUNCHES A $2.7 MILLION BUS FLEET

President Adama Barrow has launched and commissioned 38 new buses in the Urban Transport Initiative to augment the challenges commuters faced in the urban settlements. The buses will be under the care of the Gambia Transport Service Company. The buses will ply twenty-five routes from Kartong and other parts of the west coast region to Banjul.Besides an expensive cost of living and skyrocketing commodity prices, one problem that concerns all Gambians is the challenge of commuting within the urban metropolis.The inadequacy of transport facilities has seeped into every facet of public life affecting everyone from women to business, students, and the civic force who labour daily on the country’s roads.It’s a problem the Gambia’s government has recommitted to resolving with road infrastructure projects and this massive fleet launch for the Gambia Transport Services aimed at mitigating existing challenges.The President said an effective transport system with viable and interconnecting roads easing movement is a major part of his national development plan.The new buses are equipped with modern transport facilities for optimum delivery of services to Gambians in the urban metropolis where 60% of the country’s population now resides. Commuters say this is a massive sigh of relief. “This is like when you take care of the daily meals of the poor. We will now have peace of mind when traveling” Tida Saho, a commuter said.

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GFF Presidential debate

The Commission on Political Debates is set to organize its first GFF Presidential Debate, scheduled for the 13th of August, 2022.The debate aims to promote issue-based political dialogues and transparency and accord the voting delegates of the GFF and the Gambian public, at large, the opportunity to assess better the candidates running for office. We are proud to partner with the following media houses to bring you the most anticipated Debate. - Paradise TV- GRTS- Block TV- Eye Africa TV- Star TV- The Fatu Network SPONSORS ARE  INVITED

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Ebrima Camara qualifies to the next stage at the world championship

Ebrima Camara comfortably sailed through the next stage of the men's 100m. He clocked 10:37 in the preliminaries, to qualify for the heats. Camara is competing at the World Athletics Championship Oregon USA.

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OIC Summit on Track Despite Delays- President Barrow

President Adama Barrow today set out on a monitoring visit to the OIC infrastructure project sites to evaluate the status of the ongoing construction works.His first stop was the Presidential VVIP lounge at the Banjul International Airport, scheduled to be completed in November. The President, accompanied by top government officials, was taken on a guided tour of the facility by the Minister of Works and Infrastructure, Honourable Ebrima Sillah, the CEO of the OIC Secretariat, and the project consultants, AREZKI.Following the completion of the tour, President Barrow expressed his satisfaction with the pace of the work and intimated that it would be completed earlier than scheduled. The President then proceeded to inspect the Bertil Harding Highway, where work is progressing steadily. In response to questions regarding the project's overall status and hosting of the summit, President Barrow stated that while the Bertil Harding and VVIP lounge are proceeding as planned for the summit, there are particular concerns with the 54-kilometre urban roads that require an immediate response. He called for an emergency meeting at the Statehouse tomorrow with all the stakeholders concerned to assess the delay and find solutions as soon as possible.

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President Barrow visits OIC project sites

President Barrow is currently on a monitoring visit of OIC infrastructure project sites. His first stop was at the construction site of the VVIP lounge of the Banjul International Airport. He will also visit some Public Private Partnership ventures as part of his government’s policy of supporting PPPs.

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Gambia's top sprinters off to the world championship

Gambia's sprint sensation and Africa's fastest woman Gina Bass, and Ebrima Camara left for  Eugene, Oregon, USA to compete in the IAAF world athletic championship. The pair will compete in the 100m and 200m events at the world championship. This is Ebrima Camara's second world championship appearance. His first was in 2019.

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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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