Police investigators of the Gambia Police Force are being trained on sexual and gender-based violence. The nine-day programme is expected to equip police investigators and operatives with the skill in delivering quality service in dealing with SGBV cases. The training is rolled by GIZ with support from Police Programme Africa.
Continue Reading >>The Mobile Traffic Unit has confiscated over 100 counterfeited motor-vehicle number plates. The police say the suspects unlawfully changed private number plates to commercial plates. The suspects on their own accord applied yellow paint on private number plates, without formally applying for a change of class of the vehicle registration. The assistant police Public Relations Officer Inspector Alieu Jamanka said the suspects have already been charged, and are awaiting trial.
Continue Reading >>The Attorney General and Minister of Justice Honourable Dawda Jallow has disclosed that Cabinet's conclusions on the Government’s stance on all the recommendations in the TRRC report will be released on Wednesday 25th May 2022. Mr. Jallow’s comments follow a cabinet review of the draft White Paper developed to look into the recommendations of the Truth Reconciliation and Reparations Commission's (TRRC) report.
Continue Reading >>The Gambia Football Federation on Thursday officially launched a broadcast agreement signed with the world football governing body FIFA a forthright ago. The agreement is to live stream first division male and female league matches through FIFA+ Project. Lamin Kaba Bajo the president of GFF claims that clubs will benefit from the contract which runs from 2022 to 2026. He said 20% of the revenue will be paid to GFF. It’s not clear how much will be paid to clubs and how the revenue paid to GFF will be distributed to clubs. GFF disclosed that EyeAfrica TV is the broadcast partner that will produce the matches and send signals to “Eleven Sports”, the Sports Channel that will live stream the games. This is set to start with a few selected games in this current season. The Federation said from next season, no broadcast entity in the Gambia or outside will be allowed to broadcast the games live on radio or TV. GFF believes the deal will help sell Gambian players to the international market and also boost the socio-economic advancement of the teams. FIFA launched FIFA+ in April to provide access to live football matches from all its members and is available on all web and mobile devices.
Continue Reading >>Rice Value Chain Transformation Project (RVCTP) is distributing and installing harmless gas powdered guns to rice farmers as part of its Safeguard Measures under the Environment and Social Management Plan. RVCTP on its social media page said the harmless guns are meant to scare away hippos from rice fields, a major challenge for rice farmers are faced with. The guns would intermittently produce loud blasts that can scare Hippos, monkeys, and other pests such as warthogs and birds. Killing wildlife such as Hippos and monkeys is prohibited by law hence the use of alternative methods of protecting rice fields.
Continue Reading >>Three men Yaya Gassama, Amadou Bailo Jallow, and Abba Demba on Thursday appeared before magistrate Peter Adoh Che at the Brikama Magistrate court accused of attempted murder and grievous bodily harm. The incident occurred on the 3rd of May at Mandinary where the men were said to have tortured Muhammed Dambelly and Lamin Kanyi before throwing them into an old well and setting them on fire. The accused men pleaded not guilty to count one and pleaded guilty to count two. All three men were refused bail and remanded in custody and the case resumes on the 19th of May 2022.
Continue Reading >>The Resilience of Organizations for Transformative Smallholder Agriculture (ROOTS) recently concluded a two-day training on food processing in Jenoi, Lower River Region. The training is aimed at strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers by improving their skills in processing, packaging, and labeling to enhance access to the market as well as reduce post-harvest loss. Ousman Baldeh The Roots Regional Coordinator for West Coast Region said the training will enhance the country’s food processing sector. The Regional Agricultural Director for LRR, Modou Lamin Darboe said the training will create income generation businesses for the participants to enhance their livelihoods. Participants, Musa Sowe of URR and Modou Sowe of NBR both said the skills learned will create employment opportunities for them. The Project Coordinator for LRR Elizabeth B. Mendy said the project is designed to increase agricultural productivity and market access to improve food security and Nutrition as well as build resilience of family farms and farmer organizations.
Continue Reading >>Officials of the Rice Value Chain transformation project embark on a tour of Rice fields in the Upper River Region. The Rice Value Chain transformation project provides two rice varieties to farmer field schools in a bid to boost production. The Regional Coordinator, URR Ansumana Ceesay commended farmers for their resolve to boost production. Modou Lamin Sanneh the Chairman, of Dampha Kunda Rice Growers Association said the Dampha Kunda Rice field is one of the main intervention sites under the Rice Value Chain transformation project. Rice Value Chain transformation project, URR regional coordinator, Ansuma O Ceesay explained that farmers are cultivating over 7 hectares of rice under the project to increase production to meet industrial needs. The team also visited the Sutukoba rice field to get first-hand information on the progress of works at the 7 hectares rice farm. A rice farmer at Wuli Sutukoba Marang Sanneh expressed optimism about a bumper harvest. The Secretary-General of Sutukoba Rice Growers Association Ba Arfang Jabbi said the field visit has availed them the opportunity to outline challenges they faced in the dry season.
Continue Reading >>A security delegation from the Republic of Turkey is visiting the Gambia on a security assessment mission for the OIC summit to be hosted in The Gambia. The team comprising senior Turkish police officers was received by the OIC Gambia Secretariat on Tuesday. The aim of the visit is to help the Gambia strengthen its security ahead of the OIC summit scheduled for later this year. In its effort to support the Gambia for a successful hosting of the summit the Turkish team will evaluate security needs assessments and submit a report to the government of Turkey. Essa Bokarr Sy, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of The Gambia OIC Secretariat said Turkey is at the forefront of building the Gambia’s capacity in its preparation for the summit. The Head of the Turkish delegation Turgay OLGUN, assured his country’s support in knowledge transfer and sharing experience. Nfally Fadera, Head of Brand and Communication at Gambia O.I.C. Secretariat thanked the government of Turkey for its continued support in Security and Protocol Training. In its assessment, the Turkish delegation will visit OIC project sites, including the Conference Centre, Airport, and Hotels, and will meet with OIC Gambia officials, the minister of the interior, and senior security officials.
Continue Reading >>Police have charged three men for attempted murder following an incident in which two boys were held hostage and brutally tortured. The suspects Yaya Gassama, Abba Demba, and Amadou Bailo Jallow are said to belong to a gang called “entourage” in the Mandinary area. Inspector Alieu Jamanka, the assistant police spokesperson told journalists at the crime scene that the men were arrested following a tip-off. The two young boys were reportedly stripped naked, tied up, dumped in an old well, and set ablaze. The victims sustained serious burns but managed to escape from the well. Inspector Jamanka said the suspects also attempted to drown their victims in a nearby river but were rescued by the police. The suspects are in custody and awaiting trial.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow told his new cabinet that he would not tolerate corruption, and said strict measures will be taken to implement the anti-corruption law. President Barrow was speaking at the swearing-in of cabinet ministers at statehouse. He warned ministers that the challenges that lie ahead would be complicated at a time when Gambians want the Government to be held accountable in an era of more informed citizens and more politically active. He acknowledged that Gambians have uncensored freedom of expression, association, and participation in national issues, and are determined to fight corruption. Reform programmes and efforts to unite the people for justice and reconciliation were slowed down, he added. President Barrow cited individual interests and political party loyalty as reasons for poor performance and progress in public service. He said that the state of affairs must change and stressed that competence, timely delivery of service, and output must prevail over everything else in all Government institutions. Earlier Vice President Alieu badara Joof thanked President Barrow for the appointments and urged the cabinet to work as a team to achieve the country’s development aspirations of the country. He singled out the high cost of living and security concerns as areas that need urgent attention. Mr. Joof stressed that this new cabinet cannot afford to fail under any circumstance.
Continue Reading >>The new cabinet take oaths of office and allegiance before President Adama Barrow.
Continue Reading >>The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, on Monday presided over the inauguration and swearing-in of members of the newly established Lands Commission and the Local Government Service Commission at a ceremony at State House. The two Commissions, comprising veteran civil servants, have the onerous task of strengthening land governance and management in the country as well as resolving disputes related to land. The Lands Commission is headed by Raymond Sock as Chairperson, Kebba Njie, Babucarr Mbye, Abdoulie Manneh and Juldeh Ceesay all as members. One after the other, they all took the two oaths of office and secrecy, conducted by the Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Momodou Dibba.They later signed the oath registry officially confirming their appointments. Four other officials were also sworn in to the newly established Local Government Service Commission. Former Police chief and Interior Minister Yankuba Sonko heads this Commission which also has Abdoulie Sallah, Saffie Lowe and Bahyda Hydara as members.They also took the prescribed oaths of office and secrecy, before signing the oath book.Speaking on behalf of the two Commissions, Raymond Sock expressed gratitude to the President for the trust and confidence reposed in them, and pledged to live up to expectations. The President described these vital institutions as “integral components of the governance process” that will “reinforce and add value to the nation's land and local government structures.”He disclosed that the commission has a wide mandate which includes “modernising land records, resolving disputes, promoting equitable access to land and aligning land management practices” with broader national development goals.On the creation of the local government service commission, President Barrow said this Commission will “strengthen democracy and decentralisation” as it will operate at the level closest to the ordinary people.The President congratulated the Commissioners and thanked them for accepting this responsibility. As veteran civil servants who have served the government at the highest levels, President Barrow said the Commissioners have the “experience, integrity and professionalism to deliver up to expectations.”He reassured that his government will give them all the support and encouragement to succeed, and urged all stakeholders to work with the two Commissions to ensure “fair, impartial and equitable management of land.”
Continue Reading >>His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, the Vice President, presided over the launch of the Food Safety and Quality Authority's (FSQA) Strategic Plan for 2026-2030 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo. This strategic plan outlines the Authority's vision, strategic priorities, and key interventions aimed at strengthening food safety and quality systems, enhancing regulatory effectiveness, and safeguarding public health in The Gambia over the medium term.The landmark event gathered key stakeholders from the government, development partners, and the private sector, highlighting the government's commitment to ensuring that citizens have broad access to quality and safe food.Momodou Bah, the Director General of FSQA, explained that this initiative aims to meet the required standards while the FSQA continues to develop national regulations. “We have an Act from 2011, regulations started in 2021, a policy was established in 2024, and now we have developed a strategic plan in 2025. This progression sharpens our focus to ensure we are fulfilling the mandates of the government,” Bah stated.This marks the beginning of a transformative journey, as food safety regulations become increasingly important in ensuring the well-being of every individual.Dr Amadou Sowe, the FSQA Board Chair, emphasised that the successful implementation of the plan will require strong government support. “This ambition will demand sustained investment, strong political will, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders. Strategic plans don’t implement themselves; they require leadership, discipline, resources, and collective ownership,” Dr Sowe remarked.Immaculada Roca i Cortés, the European Union Ambassador to The Gambia, reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting FSQA. She expressed satisfaction in contributing to a stronger regulatory framework, a more effective inspection and control system, and enhancing technical capabilities.Reports indicate that foodborne illnesses cause an estimated 137,000 deaths annually in Africa, with productivity losses exceeding $20 billion.Public Service Minister Baboucarr Bouy assured FSQA of their support as policymakers while urging all stakeholders to back this initiative. “I urge all stakeholders to rally behind FSQA and support the effective implementation of this Strategic Plan. By doing so, we will not only protect the health of our people but also unlock opportunities for Gambian products to thrive in competitive markets,” Minister Bouy said.In his launch statement, Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow described the FSQA Strategic Plan as the result of rigorous analysis, broad consultation, and honest self-reflection. “It is a plan that is both nationally rooted and internationally aligned,” he remarked.Vice President Jallow characterised the moment as one of “genuine national significance,” stating, “The food we eat is not merely a matter of personal choice; it is a matter of public health, economic security, and national dignity.”An estimated GMD 188.1 million is required for the implementation of the strategic plan over the next five years. H.E. Mohammed B.S. Jallow called on the Ministry of Finance, development partners, and the private sector to recognise food safety as “not a cost, but an investment in public health, economic competitiveness, and The Gambia's reputation as a reliable source of safe, high-quality products in regional and international markets.”The new strategic plan commits to strengthening FSQA's institutional and operational systems, prioritising financial sustainability and resource mobilisation, risk assessment, inspection, surveillance, and enforcement.Additionally, it aims to modernise laboratory services and digital infrastructure, while deepening stakeholder engagement and public awareness.Strategic plans are not just documents; they serve as critical guides for institutions. Their clarity and effectiveness dictate how well these institutions strive to fulfil their purpose.Now that the plan has been launched, the focus will shift to its implementation, which is anticipated to enhance The Gambia’s international recognition in global food markets.
Continue Reading >>A flurry of activity took place as several associations paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, the Vice President of The Republic of The Gambia, to introduce their groups and explore potential areas for cooperation.The first to arrive were members of the 'I Am Gambian Association,' a movement dedicated to fostering unity and national pride in the pursuit of sustainable national development.Famara Manka, the President of the association, explained the focus of their visit after a closed-door discussion with Vice President Jallow. He stated that the association, founded last year, is committed to expanding its reach across the country to achieve its goals. "I Am Gambian Association is dedicated to bringing Gambians together. We aim to overlook our tribal, religious, and cultural differences and embrace the belief of 'I am a Gambian,'" he added.(Members of the 'I Am Gambian Association. PC: OVP)Shortly after noon, the Vice President welcomed members of the Gambia Autism Support and Advocacy Network, who visited to highlight their work and seek stronger collaboration with the government.Following some preliminary formalities, the group engaged in closed-door talks with Vice President Jallow and his top officials. They discussed issues ranging from raising awareness to inclusion and support for individuals with autism and their families.Abdou-Majid Jallow, the National Coordinator of the Gambia Autism Support and Advocacy Network, described the purpose of their visit. "We aim to involve the Vice President in raising awareness and advocating for people living with autism in this country, as there is still a significant amount of stigma and misconception surrounding it," he said.(Members of the Gambia Autism Support and Advocacy Network. PC: OVP)The day's courtesy calls concluded with a meeting of the Gambia Student Nurses Association.After engaging with Vice President Jallow and his senior officials, Maha Sowe, the president of the Gambia Student Nurses Association, outlined their discussions, noting the Vice President's strong support for their cause."The Vice President is considerate and genuinely wants to help Gambian students, especially student nurses. He assured us that his office would see what assistance they could provide."(Members of the Gambia Student Nurses Association. PC: OVP)These organisations are hopeful that they can rely on the Office of the Vice President for stronger government support moving forward.
Continue Reading >>President H.E. Adama Barrow presided over the 18th convocation ceremony of the University of The Gambia at the Faraba Banta campus. The event celebrated the graduation of 1,633 students, making it the largest graduation in the university's history. The ceremony was attended by special guests, government officials, and students. This year's convocation was historic, featuring high-profile attendees such as Dr Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank, and Prof. Dauda Ngom, Senegal's Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation. The Vice Chancellors of three universities from Senegal, Ghana, and Nigeria were also present at the ceremony.Professor Momodou Mustafa Fanneh, Chairman of the Governing Council of the University, described the convocation as a defining moment in the university's life, emphasising the preparation of these young men and women for a future beyond the classroom. He challenged the graduates to utilise their knowledge and experience to contribute positively to the development of society and the nation.Vice Chancellor Prof. Herbert Robinson stated that this convocation is a testament to the growth and resilience of the University of The Gambia, which now features a modern campus equipped with state-of-the-art facilities conducive to teaching and learning. He attributed the record graduation rate to the expansion of university infrastructure and programs.Prof. Robinson congratulated the graduates for their hard work, resilience, and dedication, assuring them that the university would continue its path of reform, expansion, and innovation to meaningfully contribute to the development of the country.Prof. Dauda Ngom, Senegal's Minister of Higher Education, spoke about the longstanding partnership between their institutions, urging Gambians to take advantage of scholarship opportunities to study in Senegal.Dr Akinwumi Adesina, one of the two special guests, expressed his pleasure in being associated with the university, praising the developments that have transformed the country in recent years. As a lifetime partner of The Gambia, he felt honoured to have a school named after him, the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, recognising his contributions to Africa's development.He pledged to establish an initial endowment of $250,000 to support education, scholarships, and faculty and staff, while also promising to make the university a global centre of excellence. His message to the graduates emphasised the importance of being prepared to face the challenges of the future.In his convocation speech, President and Chancellor H.E. Adama Barrow congratulated the graduates, their families, and the university on this milestone. He noted that hosting such an event in Faraba Banta has become a national symbol of aspiration, strategic investment, and educational transformation.The President added that the convocation's theme, "Higher Education as a Strategic Bridge for Policy, Innovation, and Job Creation," aligns with The Gambia's development priorities. He challenged the graduates to use their knowledge to positively impact the country's development, emphasising that the nation looks to them for solutions to its challenges.President Barrow reassured attendees that his government will continue to invest in education, particularly in the higher education sector, to equip young people with the necessary knowledge and skills to realise their potential.At the conclusion of the ceremony, distinguished students were recognised for their performance, with Ebrima Sumareh emerging as the overall best graduating student for the cohort. Sumareh expressed his deep humility and gratitude for the award, urging his peers to serve the nation with purpose and determination.
Continue Reading >>In a series of meetings at the State House, President H.E. Adama Barrow hosted Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayokor Botchwey and members of the Gambia Women's Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.Secretary-General Botchwey was accompanied by Serign Modou Njie, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. After they met with the President, Botchwey stated that her visit was part of her tour of Commonwealth member states aimed at "strengthening cooperation" in areas of mutual interest.H.E President Adama Barrow with the Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayokor Botchwey. [PC: State House]She assured that the Commonwealth will continue to engage with The Gambia to support development, capacity building, and democracy. Additionally, she formally invited the President to the Commonwealth Heads of State and Government summit in Antigua later in November.In a separate meeting, the members of the Gambia Women's Chamber of Commerce updated the President on their activities and the challenges they face. Naffie Barry, the Managing Director of the Gambia Women's Chamber of Commerce, described the meeting as very productive, noting that they received strong reassurances of support from the Gambian leader.Photo session of members of the Gambia Women's Chamber of Commerce with H.E Adama Barrow [PC: State House]She expressed gratitude to the President for the audience and conveyed hope that the meeting would lead to positive outcomes for Gambian women.
Continue Reading >>Officials from the University of The Gambia paid a courtesy call on the President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, at State House on Tuesday. The delegation was led by the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology and comprised the Vice Chancellor Professor Herbert Robinson, the Chairman of the Governing Council Prof Momodou Mustapha Fanneh and the Registrar Bobo Baldeh. They were at the State House to update the President, who is also the Chancellor of the University on the upcoming convocation ceremony at the Faraba Banta campus, where over 1,600 students are expected to graduate after fulfilling all requirements in their different fields of study. Speaking to reporters after they met with President Barrow, Professor Herbert Robinson, the Vice Chancellor, disclosed that discussions were good and productive as they had agreed on all the details of the much-anticipated convocation ceremony later this weekend.Professor Herbert Robinson, the Vice Chancellor of the University of The Gambia (pic: State House)“Over 1,600 students will graduate this year from the 9 schools of the University, among them the first Doctoral graduates and graduates from the new school of Dentistry,” Professor Robinson added.The Vice Chancellor further expressed gratitude to the president and the Higher Education Minister for the support to the University, noting that the UTG has “seen massive investment and modernisation in infrastructure over the years” attributing this to President Barrow's “personal commitment” to the higher education sector.
Continue Reading >>
