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Tourism sector benefit from more COVID relief funds

The Gambia Red Cross Society in collaboration with the Spanish Red Cross disbursed over nineteen million dalasis to four hundred and fifteen individuals and eight selected associations of the tourism industry. The cash donation was part of a European Union covid-19 project. The Minister of Tourism and Culture Hamat N.K Bah thanked the EU and other partners for extending assistance to the informal tourism sector in the form of business training and cash grants.The president of the Gambia Red Cross Society, Jato Sillah, said the assistance is meant to improve the socio-economic situation of members of the tourism informal sector.The Project Manager, Spanish Red Cross, Carla Sala, referred to a study that revealed that most sectors of the economy showed some degree of recovery except the informal tourism sector which remained stagnant. She said recovery is crucial to provide sustainability and resilience in confronting any other unexpected event. The Secretary-General of the Gambia Red Cross Society, Alasan Senghore, said the GRCS is committed to delivering humanitarian assistance to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of people.The ITC Representative in the Gambia, Raimund Moser, said the project is relevant, to the tourism sector because it was heavily affected by covid-19.The EU Ambassador to The Gambia, Corrado Pampaloni, said the EU outlined this program of assistance to help the tourism sector rebuild its infrastructure, which is seriously affected by the slowdown in tourist arrivals and enable members to restart and diversify their activities. The President of the Craft Markets Federation Gibril Sanyang who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries assured the donors that the funds would be put to good use.

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Massive oil spillage clean up underway at Mandinary

A 1.7m-Dalasi exercise to clear oil spillage in the river near Mandinary is underway following heavy fuel oil spillage at the Gam Petroleum depot in Mandinaring. This was announced at a joint press conference hosted by regulatory agencies tasked to look into the incident that occurred while a vessel, MT ST Sturla, was discharging heavy fuel oil at the Gam Petroleum depot in Mandinari. The agencies confirmed that a significant amount of oil spilled into the river and washed up on the coast. The vessel is reported to have discharged 1,501 tonnes of Heavy Fuel Oil, 1,430 tonnes of which were received by Gam Petroleum. Inspectors from the Public Utility Authority, the National Environment Agency, and the Gambia Maritime Administration are involved in the assessment of the damage. 

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Police temporarily lift ban on Commercial Tricycles

The Gambia Police Force has issued a statement allowing Tricycles (TukTuk) as commercial vehicles back on the roads. The three-wheel vehicles are allowed to ply the roads until the end of the year when their commercial license will expire. The mostly yellow-coloured tricycles were impounded following what the police say was an operation to decongest the roads and minimise accidents. The police backtracked after realising that the tricycles were wrongly issued with a commercial license and have taken the decision not to issue commercial licenses to tricycles anymore. The lifting of the ban is on condition that no tricycle will be allowed to ply the Westfield - Tabokoto, Westfield - Tippa Garage, to Sukuta Jabang Traffic Lights Road from 0700am to 7 pm daily.

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President Barrow Reaffirms His Commitment to the Success of the Transitional Programme

President Adama Barrow, Friday, 10th June 2022, received the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Michael Gonzales at the State House in Banjul. The two held a long discussion about the Government’s reform programme and development priorities.President Barrow expressed commitment to support the transitional programmes for institutional and political reforms. The President assured Mr Gonzale that while his Government stands to ensure the implementation of the TRRC, CRC, and the institutional programmes, he called on partners to provide the necessary support. The President reiterated that together with all stakeholders, they would ensure justice, peace, reparation, and reconciliation prevail in the country. Mr Gonzales congratulated President Barrow on the country’s “free and fair” Presidential and National Assembly elections. He said the Gambian people had spoken clearly and now want the President to deliver on his promises. Gonzales pledged that The Gambia and the US would continue cooperating, highlighting developments between the two countries, particularly with the Millennium Challenge Corporation and USAID. He said his office would work with the US Embassy in Banjul to continue to support The Gambia’s development agenda.Gonzales was accompanied to the State House by the US Ambassador to Banjul, Sharon L. Cromer, and other embassy staff.  

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Gina Bass is African Champion

Gina Bass, Gambia's sensational sprinter wins the 100m race at the ongoing African Senior athletics competition in Mauritius. She clocks a national record of 11.6 secs. Meanwhile, the female relay team has qualified for The 4 x100 women's relay in the same competition with a winning time of 45:40 sec.

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Gambia lost to Congo Brazzaville

The scorpions of the Gambia suffered a one-nil defeat in Brazzaville in their second game of the 2023 Africa cup of nations qualifiers. The Scorpions who were on the back of a one-nil victory against South Sudan in their first game were hoping for a second win against Congo who lost four zero to Mali in their first game. Antoine Makoumbou scored a 74th-minute screamer from outside the box to earn Congo the three points. The Scorpions will now wait until September when they will travel to Mali for the third game before hosting Mali again in the fourth round in the same month.  

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The Gambia participates in world volleyball championship

The Gambia men's beach volleyball team will leave on Wednesday for Rome for the global championship. The Gambia is in Pool A where they play against host Italy, Argentina, and world champions in Brazil.

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Unidentified corpses at EFTH mortuary to be buried in mass grave

Mass burial is to be held for fifty unidentified bodies at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital mortuary in Banjul. The principal public relations officer of the Hospital, Kebba Sanneh, said some of the bodies have been kept for many years. He said the hospital is already in talks with the police and the Banjul City Council, for a mass burial of the bodies kept at the hospital’s mortuary. Mr. Sanneh said the public would be informed once a date for the burial is finalised. The PRO indicated that the corps pose no health or environmental hazard to patients or staff at the hospital. He however admitted that the increase in the number of corpses over a long period is becoming a challenge to the hospital.

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World Bank Group launch second Economic Update report for the Gambia

The World Bank Country Director Nathan M. Belete, has said that the Gambia’s economy recovered in 2020 after it was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic 2020. Mr. Belete was addressing government officials, researchers, and World Bank officials at a gathering that discussed the country’s economic outlook, the structural reforms needed, and the development challenges. In its report published on Monday, the world bank says the Gambia performed better initially than in previous years after the global travel ban of 2020. It says lockdown measures initially caused job losses and food insecurity, but poverty levels are estimated to have fallen in 2021 as a result of pandemic-related support. The report on the Economic update indicates inflation is expected to stay high in the medium term, eroding household incomes, as global supply disruptions and high commodity prices continue. The services sector is projected to grow by 7.2 percent in 2022. Agriculture should grow by 2.0 percent in 2022, assuming favourable weather, and industrial output by 4.9 percent in 2022. On the demand side, remittances are expected to continue supporting private consumption and investment in construction and improve the external position. GDP growth is expected to rise to 6.2 percent in 2023 (3.3 percent per capita) and to 6.5 percent in 2024 (3.6 percent per capita). The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy M. Keita, explained measures that the government took to improve the country’s tax administration and streamline tax expenditure.  He said a tax policy unit within the directorate of Economic policy and research was established, under which a comprehensive tax policy for the country will be developed. 

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New batch of Peace Corps volunteers arrive in The Gambia

The Gambia receives a new batch of four Peace Corps volunteers from the US after a two-year-long break caused by the covid-19 pandemic. The volunteers arrived in The Gambia on Monday and were received by the US Ambassador to the Gambia.The US Ambassador to the Gambia, Sharon L. Cromer in welcoming the volunteers reminded them of their role to further strengthen the US-Gambia relations while advancing the Peace Corps’ goals. She was accompanied by Kelleah Young, the Country Director of Peace Corps in the Gambia.More Peace Corps volunteers are expected to arrive in the Gambia this week and in October this year. The new Peace Corps volunteers will undergo language and culture training in the Lower River Region before being posted to rural communities for a two-year-long voluntary service. Most Peace Corps volunteers in the Gambia are part of the education group, as teacher trainers who will be working in rural schools, teaching pupils, and building the capacity of teachers. The Gambia is one of the more than 141 countries to which the United States sends Peace Corps volunteers.The first peace volunteers arrived in The Gambia in September 1967 at the invitation of the Gambia government. Since then, nearly two thousand Peace Corps volunteers served in The Gambia.  

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Veteran actor Dodou Njie passes away.

Veteran actor Dodou Njie of the Nfansung Jamano drama troupe has died today Sunday. Njie a talented actor and comedian is one of the pioneers of radio drama at the then radio Gambia. 

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Gambia beats South Sudan

The Gambia begins it's campaign for a second AFCON appearance with a one nil win over South Sudan. The match that was played at stade latdior in Thies saw Abdoulie Jallow convert from Musa Barrow assist. The scorpions now head to Congo for its next group game which also include Mali.

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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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