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A Clarion Call for Forest Management to Combat Climate Change

March 21st, is globally set aside by the United Nations General Assembly as International Day of Forests. Observed to raise awareness concerning the importance of forests, the 2022 commemoration goes with the theme: "Forests and sustainable production and consumption".According to United Nations Programme on Reducing Emissions From Deforestation and Forest Degradation, an estimated 1.6 billion people use forests for their livelihoods. They include thousands of Gambians like Pap Jangha who makes a living from weaving baskets. Jangha who also makes bamboo items including chairs said he now struggles to get weaving materials because people are abusing the forest. He called for sustainable usage of the Gambia's rapidly declining forestWhile trees are pivotal in enhancing rainfall, experts including Bubacarr Zaidy Jallow of the Ministry of Environment reiterate the crucial role of forests in fighting climate change. He said this happens as trees absorb and store massive amounts of emitted carbon dioxide.As The Gambia is oftentimes challenged with flooding, experts' revelation that trees reduce the risk of flooding speaks volumes about handling such environmental issues. In this regard, Jallow urged communities to desist from the indiscriminate cutting of trees as this contributes to adverse climate challenges in The Gambia and beyond. While trees also prevent soil erosion and ameliorate droughts, there are renewed calls for sustainable forest management.

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President Barrow promised to provide an electricity project that would serve 700 communities

President Adama Barrow has disclosed that a two-year electricity project from the office of the President would provide 700 communities with power.  The President made the remarks as he continues his nationwide tour of the country. He held with meetings at Ngain Sanjal, Kaur, and Kerr Auldi in the central river region north. The Gambian leader used the meetings to thank the electorate for giving him another mandate during the last Presidential election in December. He stated that the new mandate allows him to continue on his national development strategy that would provide infrastructure and social services to Gambians. President Barrow also urged the electorate to vote for candidates of the NPP and allied political parties saying he needs a strong legislature that would support rather frustrate his development agenda. The Minister of Tourism and Culture Hamat NK Bah thanked the people for their loyalty and confidence in President Barrow and his government, calling for unity amongst Gambians irrespective of their political affiliations. Several local dignitaries including district, ward, and village party leaders, spoke at the three meetings. The President is expected to hold meetings in Nianija, Sami, and Niani before crossing over to the Upper River Region for similar engagements

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OIC Secretariat trains Tourism and Hospitality Trainers

The Gambia OIC Secretariat last week concluded a three-day virtual training course for thirty-five (35) participants drawn from the tourism and hospitality industry in The Gambia.The three-day training is expected to enhance the technical skills and competencies of tourism and hospitality training providers. It followed a similar training on business development and entrepreneurship and protocol services.The tourism and hospitality service training course was implemented in partnership with the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) – the scientific research agency of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of The Gambia OIC Secretariat, Mr Yankuba Dibba said the capacity building programme is an important cornerstone of the Secretariat’s capacity building programme as well as the National Development Plan.CEO Dibba touched on the importance of tourism to the GDP of the country, especially at a time when countries the world over are recovering from the effects of the COVID19 pandemic. He said the overall aim of the OIC Secretariat, is to leverage the Summit to build the necessary capacities to transform the Gambia to another level.The Director General of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), Hon. Nebil Dabur said OIC countries should develop new strategies towards upgrading the quality of their services. This he added would help them to compete with their counterparts at the global level  

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Two "Junglers" released after five years under detention without trial

The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF has released from detention two members of the former patrol team (Junglers).  WO 1 Jammeh Ismaila and WO 1 Jeng Alieu were released on Friday after a prolonged detention without trial following their arrest in early 2017. The two appeared before the truth, reconciliation, and reparations commission and were sent back to detention. The army says their release was under stringent bail conditions until when the Government white paper on TRRC recommendations is released. 

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GAF HANDS OVER CONFISCATED DRUGS TO NDLEAG

The Military Police wing of Gambia Armed Forces handed over 3 bags each containing 25 big bundles of Cannabis Sativa to narcotic officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency of Gambia (NDLEAG) at the Defense Headquarters in Banjul. The army also delivered a confiscated canoe, an outboard engine, and fuel that were impounded three months ago during one of their routine satellite patrol along the Halahin Bolong.  

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Two Independent Candidates withdraw from parliamentary elections

The independent electoral commission (IEC) has announced that two candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections have withdrawn their candidature. Pa Lamin Sawo from Jehwang constituency and Abdoulie Barry from Kiang East constituency have had their request to withdraw accepted by the IEC. Both are independent candidates.

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President Barrow sets off for a nationwide tour

President Adama Barrow begins a two-week tour of the country to thank Gambians for giving him another five-year mandate. The Gambian leader left on Saturday afternoon accompanied by cabinet ministers, NPP party executive members, and supporters.   President Barrow was received on arrival at the North Bank region by Governor Lamin Saidykhan, senior regional government officials, traditional and religious leaders, and a cross-section of the community. The President is hoping that his meetings with local communities will galvanise support for his party's candidates, facing off against several other independents and the mainstream opposition political parties.  

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NaNA and UNICEF train law enforcement officers on the nutritional development of children

Law enforcement officers in the North Bank Region have benefitted from a training program on Iodine Deficiency Disorder. The training is aimed at boosting the 35 officers’ knowledge on the nutritional development of children. The program was orgainsed by the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) in partnership with UNICEF. The Program Manager at NaNA Alieu Kujabi said that the awareness campaign would increase the understanding of the officers on the significance of iodized salt. Senior Program Officer at NaNA Musa Dahaba said 80% of the salt consumed in the country comes from outside and urged health officials to properly screen imported salt for iodine. The Director, Essau Health Region Modou Lamin Fofana said building the capacity of security personnel on IDD would address iodine deficiencies. The security personnel assured their commitment to work with officials of the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Authority (FSQA), and Public Health Officers at the border points to ensure that imported salt is iodized.

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  • GRTS
  • March 20, 2022 07:55
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NEDI trains 400 migrant returnees. Participants will be exposed to diverse economic activities

An initiative to train 400 migrant returnees on entrepreneurship was launched on Friday. The five-month-long program which was organised by National Enterprise Development Initiative (NEDI) in partnership with the International Organization for Migration, was funded by the European Union. The permanent secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Saikou K. Sanyang said the training was in line with the government's reintegration program for the country’s youth. The General Manager NEDI, Abass Bah said the five months training would expose participants to diverse economic activities for self-employment opportunities. The Deputy Executive Director National Youth Council, Pa Malick Ceesay, and a representative of IOM Bala Musa Konateh both said that the training would economically empower migrant returnees for reintegration into society. 

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  • GRTS
  • March 20, 2022 07:42
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NHRC ORGANISES DIALOGUE ON ELECTIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently organised a Political Dialogue on Elections and Human Rights ahead of the April 9th parliamentary election.Centred on issues such as upholding human rights alongside genuine elections, the convergence attracted members of political parties, civil society and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).The chairperson of NHRC described the dialogue as crucial in the achievement of free and fair elections. Emanuel Joof also frowned on The Gambia's recent election challenges including hate speech. Notwithstanding, the NHRC presidential election findings and recommendations underlined successes including coverage of all 2021 presidential candidates by GRTS.  IEC chairman, Alieu Momar Njai, and the Interparty Committee's Dodou Jah deemed the dialogue instrumental. The session is expected to facilitate peaceful, free and fair elections.

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West Africa Competitive Program introduces new concept in onion production. The concept would enhance all year production of onions

The West Africa Competitive Program (WACOMP) is spearheading a new concept that would enhance an all-year production of onion. The initiative being implemented by United Purpose and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization has taken a new dimension by introducing an onion variety that thrives well in the rainy season. The project would increase competitiveness through enhanced quality and compliance along the onion value chain by providing market linkage between onion growers and potential buyers. Speaking to GRTS, the Horticulture Technical Expert for UNIDO, Malamin Drammeh said the project will also create cold storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses in the onion value chain. Ngansa Touray, Project Manager of United Purpose was optimistic that the introduction of onion varieties for the rainy season will create options for farmers during the production planning process. Maimuna Jabang of Pirang Mansa Garden advised women to make the best use of the new technology to diversify agricultural production.

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  • GRTS
  • March 18, 2022 09:52
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President Barrow receive advisory paper from Prominent Gambians. The group was set up by the government to advise on planning processes

14 prominent Gambians Friday presented an advisory paper on the institutional framework for the coordination of planning and implementation of development plans in The Gambia to President Adama Barrow. The Group was formally launched by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs late last year to provide information and guidance to the government on the planning and implementation of new development strategies. The group which comprises people with extensive experience in public service and international organizations was set up by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Mambury Njai. The group’s chairman Alieu Momodou Ngum said it was tasked to look at planning processes in the Gambia and make recommendations for reforms to the government in order to maximally utilize resources. The recommendations are expected to help Government in its planning processes, especially at a time when it’s looking beyond the NDP.

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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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