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Over a hundred youths complete Youth Service Scheme

134 youth were on Tuesday sworn in as Corp members of the National Youth Service Scheme two-year skills acquisition training program. This is the 14th  badge of the scheme since it's establishment in 1996 and it comprises of young men and women including hard of hearing. The Swearing in ceremony led by Justice idrissa F Mbai is part of the fundamental activities of the scheme for the youth to take an oath of service to Nation. Speaking at the event Gibril ngorr Secka said the scheme is a government founded program aimed at enhancing the skills of young people for employment and economic growth. Mr Ismaila Ceesay the CEO of insight Training Center spoke of the importance of a skillful youth population in national development.The Board Chairperson of NYSS Alhagie Kebbeh assured of NYSS and government’s commitment to an all inclusive youth empowerment  program.The Executive Director of NYSS Emmanuel Mendy discussed the components of the orientation program.Several other speakers including one Corp member Ida Njie thanked government and the NYSS for the initiative saying it will enable them to get employment and contribute meaningfully to National development Participants are now set to undergo a two-year skills training program in different professional areas.

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Gambia Narrowly go through to AFCON 2023 Qualifiers

Assan Ceesay scores a brace as the the Gambia stumbled to is to the final round of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.  The Gambia won 3-2 on aggregate over Chad after two legs. Chad nearly ended The Gambia's dream as they led the game to the dying minutes before Assan Ceesay equalising through a penalty. Despite a 2-2 draw at their temporary home in Agadir, Morocco, the Scorpions 1-0 win in the first leg in Cameroon decided  the tie. 

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President Barrow Promises electricity and water supply to Kerr Layen

Continuing his tour in the Central River Region South, President Adama Barrow held meetings in Kerr Layen, Dalaba, and Sinchu Alaji all in the Niaminas. At the meetings, the President renewed his commitment to the socio-economic development of the CRR with emphasis on road infrastructure, education, healthcare, electricity and water for rural communities. The president also galvanised support for NPP candidates and called on people to vote for them. President Barrow finally thanked the people of Kerr Layen for the turnout and promised to provide them with electricity and water. The President and entourage proceeded to Dalaba in Niamina West where he also thanked the people for their continued support for the NPP. Other speakers during the rallies were Tourism Minister Hamat Bah, NPP candidates from the various constituencies, and a host of other politicians.

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Three more candidates pull out of the race to the national Assembly

Three more candidates have withdrawn from the upcoming national assembly elections barely a fortnight before the polls. The Independent Electoral Commission on Monday announced that Mustapha S Cham, the PDOIS candidate for Lower Saloum, Selou Bah, the Independent candidate for Upper Saloum, and Malick Jassey, the Independent candidate for Lower Saloum have all withdrawn. The IEC has since accepted their withdrawals.The IEC also announced that by-elections will be held in four wards in the Kanifing and Brikama administrative areas.  On Saturday 14th May by-elections will be held in Bundung Six Junction, London Corner, Sanyang, and Marakissa. Nomination of candidates for the by-elections will be conducted from 25th to 29 April between 8 am and 4 pm at the respective IEC Regional Offices in Brikama and Kanifing.

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The Gambia government dismisses claims of a delay in the new pay and grading scale

The government of the Gambia has refuted claims on social media that the new pay and grading has been rescheduled. The government was reacting to a purported memo trending on social media. A statement from the government spokesperson indicated that the Gambia government is committed to implementing the new pay and grading scale. “The government of the Gambia remains resolute in improving the welfare of all citizens and ever since coming into power that has been the priority of President Adama Barrow and government.” The statement urges the general public to ignore the memo.

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Gambia wins Africa games beach volleyball championship

The Gambia beach volleyball team of Sainey Jawo and Mbye Babou Jarra have defeated South Africa 2 - 0 in the finals of the 2022 Commonwealth beach volleyball games qualifiers in Ghana.The Africa Games champion first trashed South Africa 21-08 in the first set before recording a 21-18 win in the second set to scoop the honour and qualified for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. This triumph over South Africa means revenge for The Gambia as they lost to South Africa in the group stages. South Africa might miss the goal medal, but they will also be in Birmingham alongside the Gambia as representatives of the Commonwealth nations from the African continent.

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Steve Nets As Gambia Beat Chad In 2023 AFCON Preliminary

Babucarr Steve Trawallly silenced his critics as he scored the much-needed goal that helped The Gambia to a 1 - 0 win over Chad in the first leg of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations preliminary qualifiers. The tricky winger fall out with the Gambia's coach Tom Saintfeit during the AFCON in Cameroon and abandoned the camp, but was given a chance and he proved why he should have been used by the coach with a late goal.The Gambia was the better side by far, but all they needed was a solitary lone goal at the Ahamadou Ahidjo stadium in Cameroon.The Gambia now hold a pole position ahead of the second game which will take place in Morocco on the 29th of March 2022. The overall winner of the double legged tie will be pitted in the group stage of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.

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V.P Touray address World Water Forum

The Vice President Dr. Isatou Touray addressed the 9th World Water Forum in Dakar, Senegal. The Forum which is the first of its first kind in the African continent will last from 21 to 26 March 2022. The theme of the forum “water security for peace and Development” brought together world leaders and experts to pave a way for a world free from water shortage and insecurity. VP Touray said President Adama Barrow’s government has plans in place to ensure access to quality water and sanitation for all and noted that water is a human rights issue and his excellency is committed to providing all communities with water which is essential for everyone.

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Twelve suspects arraigned for obstructing Narcotic officers

The Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) said 12 persons have been arraigned at the Basse Magistrates’ Court. They were charged with obstructing Narcotic officers in the execution of their duties.A statement from the DLEAG indicated that the men are standing trial for their conduct that led to the wilful damage of a vehicle and injured a suspect who was in custody. Eleven (11) of the accused persons were remanded in custody. One of the accused age could not be determined and as such, the court ordered for an age determination test to be conducted. This will determine whether he should be tried as an adult or an Alleged Child Offender.The suspects will also be charged with joint possession of prohibited drugs after weighing and analysis of the suspected cannabis found on them.   

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Gambia participates in OIC Foreign Ministers Summit in Pakistan

The Chief Executive Officer of The Gambia OIC Secretariat, Mr. Yankuba Dibba is taking part in the 48th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Islamabad, Pakistan.CEO Dibba is part of a high-level Gambian government delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Mamadou Tangara. Other members of the delegation include the Minister of Justice, Hon. Dawda Jallow, the Gambia Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the OIC Mission, H.E. Omar G. Sallah, and other senior officials from the foreign affairs ministry and The Gambia OIC Secretariat. The two-day summit officially commenced on Tuesday 22nd March 2022 with the inaugural session chaired by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Imran Khan. The theme of the high-level discussion is ‘’Partnering for Unity, Justice, and Development’’ and addressed current global issues such as the plights of the Palestinian and Kashmiri people, the conflict in Ukraine, Islamophobia, COVID19, among other pressing peace and security issues affecting the Muslim Ummah. Following the opening session, The Gambia, represented by the Minister of Justice, Hon. Dawda A. Jallow chaired the Meeting of the Ad hoc Ministerial Committee on Accountability for the Human Rights Violations against the Rohingya.A state banquet was held in honour of the delegation by the President of Pakistan.  

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MINISTRY OF FINANCE HOLDS PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP VALIDATION EXERCISE

The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Mumburay Njie pointed out the Government’s recognition of the private sector in socio-economic development as prioritised in its National Development Plan.Speaking at Kololi, Mambury Njie said the move which among a host of things is geared towards enhancing development through cooperation.The director of Public-Private Partnership, Lamin Fatty, delved on several matters surrounding such partnerships. These include value for money and development engagements that serve the public interest.Describing the private sector as the economy's engine for growth, Malick Mboob of Guaranty Trust Bank underlined their resolve to encourage private sector partnership. Going by all indications, officials maintained that public-private partnerships can verily put developing countries like The Gambia on their development track.

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GERMAN FOUNDATION (DSIK) SIGNS MOU WITH NACCUG AND 2 OTHER UNIONS

German Foundation for International Cooperation (DSIK) sings a memorandum of understanding with the National Association of Cooperative Credit Unions of The Gambia (NACCUG), Gambia Police Force Cooperative Credit Union, and Medical and Health Credit Union.As per the memorandum, the two credit unions will benefit from a project grant of 2.7 million Dalasi. Aside from providing NACCUG with technical assistance, its general manager, Foday Sanyang said the idea is to enhance small and medium enterprises of credit union members.DSIK country representative pictured the project as special. Gabriele Freigrau v. dem Bussce talked of the project's specialty in the sense that it does not focus on collateral as a benchmark for loans. The board vice-chairman of Medical and Health Credit Union Abdul Aziz Ceesay said it is important that they are a chosen pilot to propagate entrepreneurship amongst credit unionists. Pa Signhateh equally portrayed the grant as a financial facility that will benefit members since it will scale up their business. The financial enhancement is expected to last for a year with a possible extension in time and beneficiaries.

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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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