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The ministry of petroleum and energy concludes forum on energy Charter

The ministry of petroleum and energy in collaboration with the energy charter secretariat in Brussels on Tuesday wrapped-up a two-day forum on energy charter.  The workshop was meant to raise awareness on the energy charter treaty as well as present the status of the Gambia’s accession to the energy charter treaty.The forum availed participants better understanding of the energy charter process and presented with the energy investment risk assessment 2021 extended profile of the country.During her deliberation at the forum, the energy charter secretariat-investment coordinator Ms. Ishita Pant explained the benefit and contribution to the energy landscape of Gambia and ECOWAS.In his closing remarks, Lamin Camara the permanent Secretary at the ministry of Petroleum and energy said the two-day gatherings would propel the Gambia energy sector higher.  

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PURA sensitises operators on online information system for Tanker Trucks

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority PURA Thursday held a day sensitisation forum for stakeholders in the petroleum products road transport business sector. The synergy is anticipated to enlighten business operators on the newly introduced PURA online information system for Tanker Trucks. The event will also deal with crucial licensing requirements on the petroleum road transport business as well as PURA guidelines on the existing testing regime on road tankers and vehicles transporting petroleum in the Gambia. 

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NDMA validates multi-hazard profile of the Gambia 2022-2024

The National Disaster Management Agency with support from the UNDP Thursday convened a day long validation meeting on the national multi-hazard profile of the Gambia 2022-2024. The forum held in Kanifing will allow the stakeholders to formulate a robust document helping the country's response to disaster preparedness and risks reduction. The draft national multi hazard profile of the Gambia identified 6 major reoccurring hazards such as flood, disease outbreak, drought, fire outbreak, windstorm and pest invasion.  When validated the document  is expected to serve as a tool to enhance effectiveness of disaster preparedness and risk reduction in identifying hazards within the country.

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Former Jungler Bai Lowe Charged in Germany

The Authorities in Germany have arrested and charged former soldier Bai Lowe with murder and attempted murder over crimes committed in The Gambia. Lowe is also accused of the 2004 killing of Deyda Hydara, editor of The Point newspaper. Bai Lowe was a driver of the patrol team known as junglers between December 2003 and December 2006. Testimonies by some members of the junglers revealed that the team carried out several targeted killings, torture and enforced disappearances ordered by former President Yahya Jammeh. The case is being brought on the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows a foreign country to prosecute crimes against humanity, including war crimes and genocide, regardless of where they were committed. Bai Lowe was arrested in Hanover in March 2021 and being held in pre-trial detention since.

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IEC chairman suggests Paper ballot for Elections in the Gambia

The Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Alieu Momarr Njai said the Gambia should abandon the marbles and drums system and migrate to paper ballots. Mr Njai revealed that the IEC spent over two million dalasis on each candidate’s ballot drums in the 2021 Presidential elections. He also hinted that the upcoming National Assembly Elections would incur a similar cost. The IEC chairman said ballot papers are more accurate, cheaper and easy to use. He made the remarks on Wednesday at the start of a training session organised by the commission for civil society actors and the media.

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President Barrow returns from a two day working visit to DRC

The President His Excellency Adam Barrow return's from Kinshasa the Democratic Republic of Congo, after a two working visit. President Barrow was received on arrival by the Ministers of Defense, the Interior and Service chief's. The Gambian Leader told GRTS at the Banjul International airport  that his visit the Democratic Republic of Congo was aimed at enhancing diplomatic and trade connection between the two countries. President Barrow underscored the need to strengthen and enhance diplomatic and trade ties with the Democratic Republic of Congo, noting the presence of a large number of Gambians in that country. Commenting on the steep rise in prices of basic commodities President Barrow said his government will continue to work closely with stakeholders in the sector to stabilize the situation. He used the opportunity to appeal to Gambian's to invest in Agriculture. He said his government has requisite policies and programs to transform the Agricultural sector thereby making it responsive to the food needs of the country. President Barrow also renewed commitments to expand and consolidate bilateral ties between Africa countries to advance trade, peace and development in the continent.Given the Gambia's geographic location, the President indicated that the countries could explore collaboration in aviation transport to make the country a hub in the aviation industry.  

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Thirty two Gambians successfully evacuated from conflict-stricken Ukraine.

Thirty two Gambians have been successfully evacuated from conflict-stricken Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad announced that the group were sent to four different countries. Out of the 32, twenty-two (22) are in Poland, Eight (8) in Slovakia, 1 in Romania with his Ukrainian wife and child and 1 in Budapest, Hungary. In a statement, MOFA also said the government of the Gambia through its mission in Brussels arranged lodging and means of subsistence for the evacuated Gambians in the four countries. Most of them accepted the offer while a few chose to make private arrangements. The Ministry said the offer remains and can be requested for at anytime. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further stated that Government will facilitate the return of the evacuated Gambians if and when they choose to come home.  

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The Gambia and DRC seek new Frontiers in Bilateral Cooperation

President Adama Barrow says The Gambia wants to enhance diplomatic and trade connections with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). President Barrow was responding to questions at a joint press briefing during his two day working visit to DRC. With the presence of  a large number of Gambians in the DRC, The Gambian leader noted that the two countriesneed new Frontiers in Bilateral Cooperation. President Barrow also indicated that the two countries could explore collaboration in aviation transport to make the Gambia an air hub for both West and Central Africa. President Félix-Antoine TSHISEKEDI TSHILOMBO congratulated President Barrow on his election victory and expressed hope that the visit will pave new ground for bilateral collaboration.Earlier, the two leaders held a closed door discussion at  the Palais de la Nation. President  TSHISEKEDI revealed that they talked about tourism, trade, energy, and transport as areas of possible cooperation. Both leaders emphasized commitment to developing and consolidating bilateral ties.

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Speaker bids farewell to Deputies as they prepare for campaign for re election

The Speaker of the National Assembly , Mariam Jack Denton revealed that the national assembly enacted fifty-three Bills from 2017 to February 2022, including the annual Appropriation Acts. Among them were the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2017, Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission Act, 2017, and Constitutional Review Commission Act, 2017. The Speaker was delivering her farewell address at the last plenary Ordinary Session of the National Assembly as deputies embark on campaign for re elections to the Sixth Legislature. Mrs Denton said the fifth legislature made progress on critical issues but was also faced with several challenges. Among the achievements she highlighted was the overhaul of the standing orders bringing them in line with international parliamentary standards and practice. She described the fifth legislature as a pluralised Assembly that transitioned from virtually the dominance of one-political party. The Speaker applauded the performance of the legislative's oversight and accountability functions of the assembly, describing it as exceptional and encouraging in a fledgling democracy. Parliamentary Questions to Hon. Ministers for Oral Answers increased fifteen times compared to the entire period of the fourth Legislature.While the tabling of the Constitution (Promulgation) Bill, 2020 that stalled in parliament was seen as a setback, the speaker was optimistic that government may take the document back to parliament to continue the process of promulgating a new Constitution for our Republic. She also spoke on the unprecedented tabling of three member’s bill two of which were enacted. Only one Member’s Bill was ever introduced and passed in the National Assembly.  

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President Barrow meets Gambians in D.R Congo

The President H.E Adama Barrow has urged The Gambian community in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be united and be worthy ambassadors of their country. President Barrow met with the Gambian community in Kinshasha during his two day working visit. President Barrow thanked the community for the warm welcome accorded to him and urged them to be united and not forget their country of origin. Responding concerns over the difficulty in renewing Gambian documents, The Gambian leader disclosed that government will dispatch immigration officials to various embassies across the world to enable Gambians access Biometric passports.President Barrow informed them that The Gambia has made tremendous progress in the last five years particularly in the areas of infrastructure and energy. He said The Gambia is on course to meeting universal electricity access by 2025, five years ahead of the global target of 2030. He finally informed them that his visit to Congo will impact positively on relations between the two countries, and would benefit Gambians there. He also commended his host President Felix-Antoine Tshsikedi TSHILOMBO for warm hospitality, urging Gambians to be law-abiding and peaceful.The President of the Association of Gambians in the DRC Bouna Batchilly told  President Barrow that the Gambian community is engaged in diverse activities across the two Congos expressing delight in receiving him in Kinshasa. He thanked the President for opening his doors to the community. The Vice President of the association Lamin Barrow said the Gambian community has seen a marked improvement in their fortunes due to what he called the improved security situation in the Congo. The Secretary General of the Association Mustafa Jallow, appeal to government to simplify the process of renewing their passports. The President of the Women's Wing Siandi Bassi also appealed to the President to support the honorary Consul who she said was very helpful to the Gambian community despite the challenges. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Gambians abroad praised the Gambians in Congo for turning up under short notice to welcome the Gambian delegation. He assured government support to the honorary Consul who has been tireless in his responsibilities solely on voluntary basis.  

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President Adama Barrow on a two day working visit to The Democratic Republic of Congo for

President Adama Barrow arrived in Kinshasa at the start of a two-day working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The visit is intended to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. The Gambian community in Kinshasa gathered early afternoon at the residence of the Honorary Counsel to prepare for the arrival of the President Barrow for his first working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Adama Barrow, proceeded to Ndjili International airport where he was received by the Congolese Minister of Regional Integration Didier Manzengu, the Gambia's High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria also accredited to the Congo Mustapha Njie, and the Consul General in Kinsha Ansumana Tunkara. This is the first visit by a Gambian President to the Democratic Republic of Congo and it is expected to significantly strengthen bilateral relations between Kinshasa and Banjul. President Barrow will meet President Etienne Tshsikedi at the Presidential Palace in Kinshasa where the two sides are expected to sign a number of bilateral agreements. The President will also meet the Gambian community in the evening as part of his engagements in the DRC.

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2022 GABECE and WASSCE for the grades 9 and 12 students to go ahead

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) says the 2022 GABECE and WASSCE for the grades 9 and 12 students will be conducted as planned. The Ministry said in a statement that the decision follows a virtual meeting with stakeholders which includes the Ministry of Finance and The West African Examination council. The meeting was said to have amicably resolved the issue of arrears. 

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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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