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New U.S Ambassador presents letters of credence to President Adama Barrow

The ambassador-designate of the United States of America H.E Sharon L. Cromer Friday presented her letters of credence to President Adama Barrow at State House. Ambassador Cromer replaces Richard Carl Paschall. The new ambassador pledged to further consolidate the excellent bilateral and multilateral relations between the United States and The Gambia, particularly in the areas of democracy and human rights. Ambassador Cromer has served in various capacities in a number of African countries including Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania. 

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NDLEA trains Dolphin football club coaches and players

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Thursday held a day-long training for the coaching staff and players of Dolphin Star Football Club at the NaNA conference hall in Bakau. The training was aimed at enhancing the knowledge of the coaches and players on the dangers of using illicit drugs. The Director of operations at NDLEA Alagie Ebrima Drammeh said in order for people to recover from Substance Use Disorder, there should be a willingness, commitment, and determination by the youths to stop the use of illicit drugs. He called on people to collaborate with the agency in the fight against drug abuse in local communities. The President of Dolphin Star Foot Club Momodou Mbenga said one of their core mandates is to engage youths in career development such as skills and professional courses to strengthen the capacity of their coaches and players. 

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IEC TRAINS 200 ASSISTANT RETURNING OFFICERS FOR THE ELECTION

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Friday trained two hundred assistant returning officers ahead of the April 9th National Assembly elections.IEC chairman, Alieu Momar Njai said elections cannot be held without well trained personnel conversant with electoral issues.For the training and communications director of IEC, assistant returning officers have a burden on their soldiers. Pa Makan Khan stated that this is because these officers are to train back around six thousand polling staff across the country.As outlined by IEC officials, participants are expected to be equipped with the necessary skills and tools to fully roll out a successful election for The Gambia's 53 constituencies.

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V.P Touray receives GAMCOTRAP members at her office

The Vice president of the Republic of the Gambia Dr Isatou Touray on Thursday received senior members of Gambia Committee on traditional harmful practices GAMCOTRAP in her office in Banjul. The delegation also comprises GAMCOTRAP's girls and boys for change ambassadors who were at Statehouse to pay gratitude to her excellency for her continued support to rights advocacy. The young advocates are the new crop of group enthusiast who are willing to challenge of breaking the societal and cultural barriers. In her statement Dr Isatou Touray commended the management of GAMCOTRAP for the new innovations joining the crusade to end harmful traditional practices against women and girls. She urged the young advocates to understand issues surrounding gender based violence and other harmful practices that affects fundamental freedoms and rights of women and girls. The Executive Director of GAMCOTRAP Princess A. Munahot said the young ambassadors initiative aims to serve as the next generation of advocates in the country. She explained the activities of the organisation in engaging grassroots education on women rights as well as the welfare of children in the country. The president of the young ambassadors Fatima John gave a biography of the Vice president in activism while commending her for support. The event was graced by presentation of certificates of appreciation to the Vice president and board members as well as staff of the organisation. Meanwhile, stakeholders in migration management comprising the ministries of foreign affairs and The interior, Gambia immigration department amongst others also met the Vice president behind closed door. The outcomes are expected to improve migration management in the country. 

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President Barrow lauds Red Cross’ Role in Fighting COVID. He pledges his government’s to back the Gambia Red Cross in its bid for the vice presidency of the International Red Cross Society.

Gambia Red Cross officials in the Sahel region on Wednesday paid a courtesy call to President Adama Barrow at State House. President Barrow during their discussions recognised the role the Red Cross played during the peak of the COVID 19 Pandemic. He pledged his government's continued partnership with the Red Cross in providing humanitarian assistance. The President of the Gambia RED Cross Society Jatto Silla to journalists that he briefed him about the activities of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the region. Mr Sillah said the President promised his government continued support to the Gambia Red Cross’ current chairmanship of the Sahel region and back its bid for the vice presidency of the International Red Cross Society.

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President Barrow lauds Red Cross’ Role in Fighting COVID. He pledges his government’s to back the Gambia Red Cross in its bid for the vice presidency of the International Red Cross Society.

Gambia Red Cross officials in the Sahel region on Wednesday paid a courtesy call to President Adama Barrow at State House. President Barrow during their discussions recognised the role the Red Cross played during the peak of the COVID 19 Pandemic. He pledged his government's continued partnership with the Red Cross in providing humanitarian assistance. The President of the Gambia RED Cross Society Jatto Silla to journalists that he briefed him about the activities of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the region. Mr Sillah said the President promised his government continued support to the Gambia Red Cross’ current chairmanship of the Sahel region and back its bid for the vice presidency of the International Red Cross Society.

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President pledges 5 Million Dalasi for the Internally displaced and refugees

Following the escalation of violence in the Cassamance region of Senegal, President Adama Barrow pledged 5million Dalasi (D5M) as a humanitarian response for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Foni. Residents of the border villages of Kappa, Karenoor, Sitanugu, and Ballen fled the area as a result of the heavy gunfire.The Vice President Dr Isatou Touray on Monday announced the pledge at a multi-sectoral meeting to look into the welfare of IDPs.The National Disaster Management Agency and The Gambia Red Cross Society have confirmed the arrival of Internally Displaced Persons and refugees from the affected border communities and are being registered. The World Food Programme (WFP) Deputy Country Director, Mr Malick Ndiaye, promised to support the relief effort. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) is embarking on food distributions as well beddings to the affected people in the region.

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President Barrow embarks on nationwide tour

The Secretary General and Party Leader of the National People’s party His Excellency Adama Barrow will embark on Nationwide tour from 19 to 31 March, 2022. The tour will give the President the opportunity to thank constituents for the trust and confidence in him by voting him in office massively in the December 4th Presidential election as well as to ask electorate throughout the country to finish the Jobe by voting in his NPP and Partner Parties candidates countrywide for the April 9 National Assembly Election. Seedy SK Njie

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Bansang Hospital gets new water supply plant

 A water plant that can serve over 400 people was inaugurated at the Bansang hospital. The water supply facility was funded by SWAMI Gambia to provide clean water for staff and patients at the hospital. The water plant was inaugurated by the regional governor of CRR at a colourful ceremony attended by hospital management and staff.

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IEC nominates 252 for the legislative elections

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says a total of 259 nominations were received from 5th to 13th March. Director of Communications at the IEC Pa Makan Khan told GRTS radio that 252 candidates were confirmed to contest in the April 9th elections while 7 other candidates were rejected. He said the nomination process provided an opportunity for more people to come forward and be nominated adding that the two extra days provided an avenue for candidates to complete their nomination bids.  The nominations saw an unprecedented number of Independent candidates with eighty five having their nominations accepted. The number of women aspirants also increased significantly making it the highest in the history of Gambian elections. With some constituencies  having a large number of candidates, these elections will pose an enormous logistical challenge to election officials.

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President Barrow says Gambia will not be used as launch pad in the ongoing Cassamance conflict

Ebrima G Sankareh The Gambia Government SpokespersonBanjul, The GambiaIt has come to the awareness of The Gambia Government that Senegal launched a ‘Military Operation’ against MFDC separatists in its southern region of Cassamance on Sunday 13th March, 2022.Given its proximity to The Gambia, several communities and villages particularly in Foni Bondali, Foni Kansala and Foni Bintang Karanai Districts have been affected by sounds of heavy gunfire amid reports of shells landing in these Gambian border villages. The Gambia Government can confirm that as of last night, several Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees from the border areas began arriving and are being registered in the villages of Foni Bintang, Foni Kansala and Foni Bintang Karanai.In the wake of this military operation and its attendant refugee situation, His Excellency, President Adama Barrow directed that the Vice President working with the relevant Ministries, Government Departments and Agencies (MDAs), urgently respond to the pressing needs of the IDPs and refugees. Equally, President Barrow has directed for the exercise of more vigilance, robust border patrols, and intensified security activities on The Gambian border for the safety of citizens as well as safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country against any potential foreign threat.President Barrow also wishes to reassure citizens, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps that The Gambia will neither be used as a launching pad nor allow anyone to enter the country with arms and ammunition.The Gambia continues its peaceful advocacy for a resolution of the Cassamance Conflict and envisages lasting peace, security and stability in our region. Meanwhile, The Gambia Government strongly urges citizens to desist from spreading false news and recycling of old videos and audios of similar past events to create confusion and fear in the minds of innocent, peace loving citizens affected by this conflict.  

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Bakoteh wins Secondary School Athletics Championship

Bakoteh Upper and the Senior Secondary School has won Gambia Secondary Schools Sports Association’s National Inter-Schools Athletics Championship. This is Bakoteh’s first ever triumph in the Senior Secondary Schools Athletics Championship.  They scored 365point leading their closest rivals by 181 points. They received a trophy and a hundred thousand dalasi cash prize.Charles Jow in second place got Fifty thousand Dalasi and St Michael in 3rd received Twenty Five thousand Dalasi.  Essau Senior finished 4th, Brikama Upper and Senior Secondary 5th while Muslim High finished 6th position. This year’s athletic championship was marred by controversy when over a dozen schools were expelled from the competition.  Among them was the defending champions Bottrop Senior secondary school, who were aiming for a sixth consecutive title.  

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2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES OPEN IN GLASGOW AS TEAM GAMBIA JOINS PARADE OF NATIONS 

The 2026 Commonwealth Games officially got underway in Glasgow, with Team Gambia joining athletes from 74 nations and territories at a spectacular opening ceremony at the Hydro.His Majesty King Charles III formally declared the Games open, alongside Queen Camilla, in front of thousands of spectators.In a surprise entrance, King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived from the iconic TARDIS to cheers from the crowd inside the Hydro.The ceremony celebrated Scotland’s culture with music, dance, and stunning visual displays. Glasgow’s heritage was honoured through performances by Scottish artists, while the Scottish Baton made its final journey before being presented to the King.Athletes from all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories took part in the Parade of Nations.Among them was Team Gambia, proudly marching alongside more than 3,000 athletes set to compete in 10 sports and six Para sports over the next 10 days.For The Gambia, the ceremony marks the start of another opportunity for its athletes to compete on the international stage and inspire supporters back home.Officially declaring the Games open, King Charles welcomed the Commonwealth family to Glasgow and praised the city for hosting the event for the fourth time.Competition now begins as athletes chase medals and national pride in what promises to be 10 days of sport across Glasgow. 

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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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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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