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President Barrow meets International Civil Defence Organisation

President Adama Barrow received a delegation from the International Civil Defence Organisation – ICDO to discuss the country’s recruitment as a member of the Organisation on Wednesday, 25th January 2023.During discussions, President Barrow underscored the importance of membership to organisations that support their members with capacity and logistics. He added that capacity building in disaster management is crucial, recalling the challenges the country had to deal with during the unfortunate disasters due to windstorms and floods. He noted that in light of climate change, it is difficult to predict a disaster; thus, the necessity to develop capacity.    “When a disaster occurs, people look to the government for food, shelter, and protection. the importance of having the capacity and logistics to do so.”  As he looks forward to The Gambia becoming the 61st member of the International Civil Defence Organisation established after World War 1- (WWI), the President advised the relevant stakeholders to pursue legal advice and the possibility for The Gambia to become a member.Director Mariatou Yap, briefing the President, gave a history of the organisation and its focus to provide technical and humanitarian support to members, mainly in Africa, through training and capacity building. She stressed the importance of data collection and sharing at the regional level, hence working to increase its membership.  Madam Yap used the occasion to extend her sincere condolences on the demise of the Late Vice President.    Permanent Secretary Office of The Vice President, Dawda Ceesay, said the visit was timely as his office completed a National Strategy on Disaster Management and Resilience in June 2022 and would require support in its implementation through capacity building and provision of logistics.Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency – NDMA, Mr Sanna Dahaba, led the delegation to the State House.

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President Adama Barrow Confers on Late VP Joof Posthumous, Member of the Grand Commander of the Order of The Republic of The Gambia (G.C.R.G.)

President Barrow posthumously conferred the insignia of G.C.R.G of the Republic of The Gambia to the Late Vice President, H.E Alieu Badara Joof, at a State Funeral at the National Assembly in honour and appreciation for his patriotic service to the nation. It was a sombre moment as the late VP lay in State surrounded by a nation in mourning.  Eulogising the former VP, President Barrow described him as a friend and brother who touched uncountable lives and influenced various institutions he served through his multifaceted character and talent. ‘’As the whole nation mourns, it is with a great sense of loss and a very heavy heart that I deliver this tribute in remembrance and praise of a close colleague, friend, and brother, who sadly worked as my Vice President for less than a full year when he succumbed to a brief illness.’’ President Barrow saidSeveral people, including family, friends and colleagues, poured tributes on the late VP. For them, he would be remembered for his honesty, commitment, generosity and love for family. Following the ceremony, he was laid to rest at the Banjulnding cemetery next to his mother’s grave.

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Jaliba Kuyateh Bestowed an Honorary Fellowship

King of Kora Jaliba Kuyateh received an honorary fellowship from Goldsmiths, University of London at a graduation ceremony today. Jaliba Kuyateh’s award was in recognition of his work using music to improve perinatal mental health. He is the only Gambian appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for his charitable work with children in the Gambia.  Jaliba Kuyateh dedicated the honors to the people of the Gambia; especially the women whom he said ‘have supported his career from the very beginning’. He further thanked the Goldsmith University governing council and the entire faculties for the milestone gesture. Jaliba detailed his career in peacebuilding, climate change campaign, health and social welfare issues, child rights, and education among others. He thanked the Gambia High Commission for the support, through its representative to the event, Mr. Suntou Touray, Deputy Head of Mission and staff for gracing the occasion, and to Yaram Arts for the collaboration and support.Jaliba Kuyateh felt honored and appreciated by the recognition and wishes to continue his collaborative work with Professor Lauren Stewarts of Goldsmith University in the area of participatory music research.Gambia High Commission in UK

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President Adama Barrow declares seven days mourning in memory of the late Vice President

President Adama Barrow has declared a 7-day National Mourning effective from the 18th January, 2023 in memory of the late Vice President Alieu Badara Joof. All flags will fly at half Mast. The body of the late VP will be laid in State at the National Assembly for a State Funeral.  Arrangements related to the funeral will be announced later. Meanwhile, book of condolences will be opened at the Presidency on Thursday 19th January, 2023.

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Vice President Alieu Badara Joof dies

The death has been announced of the Vice President of the Gambia Alieu Badara Joof. Mr Joof died in in India where he was being treated. President Adama Barrow expressed profound shock and sadness, the death of his deputy. The late Vice President Until his appointment as VP on 4th May 2022, VP Joof had served in various capacities including Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MOHERST), Permanent Secretary in various ministries across the Government. He had also served as World Bank Director for West and Central Africa for over a decade, a position he would relinquish to take up cabinet appointment in the new political dispensation.Earlier in his career, Mr. Joof, 66, had trained as a qualified teacher and taught for years at Nusrat High School in Bundung, The Gambia College in Brikama and The Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI).A scholar of profound intellect, late VP Joof took a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Bristol, Master’s Degree in English from University of London and Master’s Degree in Developmental Economics from the University of Bath. He had earlier received a Diploma in Human Rights Studies from the University of Saint Edwards Island, Canada.He was married to Mrs. Fatou Sonko Joof and the family is blessed with several children. May Allah grant him Jannah.

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Solo Sandeng finally laid to rest.

Hundreds of mourners have gathered at the Memorial Arch to pay their last respects to the late Solo Sandeng. The former UDP youth leader is being laid to rest following his brutal killing in 2016 in the hands of security agents. At an official funeral ceremony the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda Jallow spoke on behalf of the President HE Adama Barrow. In his speech Mr Jallow paid tribute to Solo Sandeng and said he died fighting for freedom and justice. The Attorney General drew the attention of the gathering to fact that justice have been served as the perpetrators of the crime have been convicted and sentenced. Muhammed Sandeng, one of the sons of Solo, paid tribute to his late father. He said his death created a void in the family. He questioned if the cause that his father died fighting for is achieved. Muhammed said his father's absence left the family destitute and struggled to come to terms with it. The leader of the opposition UDP, ANM Ousainou Darboe spoke highly of the late Solo Sandeng in eulogy of the former political activist. Representatives of the Sandeng and the Sonko families also paid tribute to Solo Sandeng and prayed for him. The casket of the late Solo Sandeng was draped in the national flag and given a befitting funeral and burial, a stark contrast to how he was callously buried in a shallow grave. He was finally laid to rest at the Dippa kunda cometary 

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President Barrow Extols Gambia-Senegal Relations

 President Adama Barrow renewed his commitment to strengthening the bilateral ties between The Gambia and Senegal when he received a Ministerial delegation headed by the Minister for Culture and Historical Heritage, Professor Alioun Sow, at the State House on Friday morning. President Barrow embraced the friendly and brotherly relations with his colleague President Macky Sall, the government and the people of Senegal, reiterating the socio-cultural bond he described as 'natural'. "We should be proud of who we are and believe in ourselves," he added  The Gambian Leader urged the two authorities to work closely to unite the people through the policies they developed to strengthen the excellent neighbourliness between the two countries. He stressed the importance of the relations, saying, "Your immediate neighbour is your strongest partner, and we will succeed together," while praying for peace to continue to prevail in the region.Expressing his delight and reception in The Gambia, Professor Sow extended sincere felicitation from the Senegalese Leader to President Barrow, describing him as a 'Man of action without making noise."The Senegalese culture Minister emphasised the importance of having loyal officials to influence government policies and cited the partnership they enjoy with The Gambia Navy and the National Council for Arts and Culture in The Gambia.  He revealed the plans to host joint annual Cultural festivals in border communities between the two countries and celebrate the Senegambia heritage.    The Minister of Tourism and Culture, Honourable. Hamat Bah said the visit was historic and demonstrated President Barrow's desire to preserve, promote, and advance the Senegambia culture. He added culture could be a source of inspiration to promote national development.Honourable Sow is in The Gambia on the invitation of the Gambian Minister of Tourism and Culture, Hon. Hamat Bah and the Senegalese Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E Bachirou Sene, accompanied him to the State House by

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The Gambia recieves food Aid from The People's Republic of China

President Adama Barrow has received over 40,000 bags of rice from The People’s Republic of China for onward distribution to vulnerable households, the differently able, recent disaster victims and Boarding Schools, including Madrassas. During the presentation held today at  Statehouse in Banjul, President Barrow commended China for the valuable partnership with his government since 2017, citing the landmark infrastructure projects as a testimony of the relationship. He assured of his government’s commitment to working and standing by China for the benefit of both countries. The Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E Liu Jin, expressed similar sentiments, stating that China attaches great importance to the relationship with The Gambia and is ready to work and accelerate it to new heights. In addition to the rice donation, the Ambassador disclosed that the Chinese government would send a new agriculture expert team to The Gambia to share knowledge and experience with Gambian farmers and students to boost the government’s food self-sufficiency drive.  

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A Police officer and two other men remanded in custody over foiled coup plot

Three men have been remanded in custody following their appearance before the Banjul Magistrates’ court accused of taking part in a coup plot. A government statement says investigators have linked the men, Mr. Mustapha Jabbi, a resident of Brikama, Mr. Saikuba Jabbi, resident of Brusubi, and a Police Officer, Sub Inspector Fakebba Jawara of The Gambia Police Force assigned to Abuko Police Station, to the foiled scheme. They were charged with concealment of treason and conspiracy to commit a felony.

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Gambia government reduces fuel pump price

The Ministry of Information through consultatin with the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy wishes to inform the general public that the pump price of the following products for the month of January 2023 is as followsPetrol  = D75.00 per litre ( which indicates a reduction of D2.89 per litre from the  December 2022 pump price).                             Diesel  = D72.50 per litre (similarly representing a reduction of D1.04 per litre  from the December 2022 pump price).                              It may be appreciated that the reductions are clear indication of government's responsiveness to changes in the market and the usual understanding and cooperation of the public is kindly solicited.

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Veteran Musician Abdul Kabir Lie Ngum Passes away

The death has been announced of Abdul Kabir Lie Ngum, a veteran musician and founder of the former Gelewar band. The late Lie Ngum began his musical career in his twenties and went on to release big hits locally and internationally. The mother land dearest hit singer mentored and produced the late Musa Ngum in his early music career. Lie Ngum was also one of the lead singer of the Sotoko Band that toured Europe. The veteran musician was recently presented with a live time award at a local music award ceremony. 

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Samateh meets ambassador Liu as Beijing adjusts covid-19 policy

Chinese Ambassador H.E Liu Jin and the Gambian Minister of Health Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh have met and discussed medical and health cooperation following China’s recent adjustment of the COVID-19 policy.At the meeting held at the Ambassador's residence on December 29, 2022, the top Chinese diplomat in The Gambia introduced China’s latest COVID-19 policy adjustment, which is sticking to the policy of always putting the people and their lives first. He firmly believes that, with the advantages of social system, complete medical system and strong capability in pharmaceutical science and technology production, China will definitely overcome difficulties and challenges. Minister Samateh expressed understanding and appreciation to China’s efforts on the prevention and control of COVID-19 and its support to African countries in fighting the deadly virus.  Minister Samateh firmly considers COVID-19 a global challenge that needs the full cooperation of the whole world. He fully believed that China will eventually overcome the pandemic.The two sides also exchanged views on further strengthening the medical and health cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Liu reviewed the cooperation between China and The Gambia in the field of medical and health, especially the achievements in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic and improving the level of clinical medicine. Ambassador Liu assured, on the basis of mutual respect and trust, China is willing to work jointly with The Gambia to deepen cooperation in fighting against the COVID-19, clinical medical care and so on, aiming to help The Gambia improve the level of medical care and enhance the welfare of the Gambian people.The Gambian health minister said The Gambia is grateful to China for showing respect to Gambian values and cultural traditions and for never imposing its own development mode on others. "The Chinese government has always adhered to the people-centered development concept, which is also in line with the Gambian government policy," he argued.Minister Samateh hopes the two countries will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields including health care, and promote bilateral relations to a new level.Mr Tong Zhan, Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in The Gambia was also present at the meeting.

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Latest Updates

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DR. FATOU BENSOUDA NAMED GNOC GOODWILL SPORTS AMBASSADOR

The Gambia National Olympic Committee has appointed Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bom Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, as its Goodwill Sports Ambassador.The appointment was announced during the Gambia Day Celebration in Glasgow, Scotland, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Gambian sport, international diplomacy, and the promotion of Olympic values.A former national volleyball player and ex-Female Vice President of the GNOC, Dr Bensouda was praised for her leadership in promoting women in sport and advancing athlete welfare, integrity, and sports development.In her new role, she will help raise The Gambia's profile on the international sporting stage, strengthen partnerships with global sports organisations, and promote sports diplomacy to support national development.The GNOC states that the appointment reflects Dr Bensouda’s distinguished service to sport and her ongoing commitment to inspiring future generations of Gambian athletes and sports leaders.  

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TEAM GAMBIA RECEIVES WARM WELCOME FROM DIASPORA AHEAD OF COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Team Gambia has received a warm welcome from the Gambian community in Scotland ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.The Gambian Association in Scotland, in collaboration with the Gambia High Commission in the UK and the Commonwealth Sports Association, hosted a special reception dubbed “Gambia Day” in Glasgow. The event brought together athletes, officials, members of the diaspora, government representatives, and sports administrators in a celebration of national unity and support for Team Gambia.It was the first time a Gambian sports delegation competing at an international event formally met members of the diaspora. The gathering provided athletes, coaches, and officials the opportunity to interact directly with Gambians living in Scotland, share experiences, and strengthen the bond between the national team and the diaspora.Attending the event were Minister of Youth and Sports Bakary Y. Badjie; The Gambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Dr Fatou Bensouda; Chief of Mission Bakary Jammeh; and senior officials of the Gambia National Olympic Committee.Chief of Mission Bakary Jammeh, who chaired the ceremony, expressed appreciation to the Gambian community in Scotland for their hospitality.He described the occasion as a reflection of the power of sport to unite people. “Sports transcends boundaries and brings communities together through a shared passion and common purpose,” he said.Minister Bakary Y. Badjie commended the Gambian Association in Scotland for the historic initiative. He reminded the athletes that they carry the hopes and aspirations of the nation. “Build on previous Commonwealth Games successes and strive for greater achievements,” he challenged the team.High Commissioner Dr Fatou Bensouda described Gambia Day as a celebration of national identity, unity, and excellence. “Sport continues to serve as a powerful tool for bringing Gambians together, both at home and abroad,” she said. Dr Bensouda encouraged the diaspora to keep supporting young people through sport, calling it “a pathway to leadership, education, and national development.”GNOC President Bai Dodou Jallow thanked the community for its support, saying such engagement inspires athletes and reminds them they represent a nation united behind them. He called on Gambian parents and communities abroad to continue encouraging youth participation in sports, describing investment in youth as an investment in the country’s future.President of the Gambian Association in Glasgow, Lamin Sanneh, assured Team Gambia of the diaspora’s continued support throughout the Games and urged athletes to compete with confidence and pride.

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TEAM GAMBIA’S SWIMMING CAMPAIGN BEGINS AT 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Team Gambia’s swimming campaign got underway at the 2026 Commonwealth Games on Saturday, with Ousman Jobe and Pap D. Jonga representing the nation in Heat 3 at Tollcross International Swimming Centre.While both swimmers fell short of advancing, the race marked another step forward for Gambian aquatics on the international stage.The duo competed in a fast men’s sprint heat. Tonga’s Alan Uhiafi touched first in 24.42 seconds, followed by Vanuatu’s John Lebot in 25.83.For The Gambia, Olympian Ousman Jobe placed 7th in Lane 6 with a time of 27.52 seconds. Pap D. Jonga finished 8th in Lane 2 in 28.30 seconds. Both were just off their seed times.Anticipation was high in the Gambian camp ahead of the race. Jobe came into Glasgow fresh off an intensive two-month training camp in Paris.“There’s been some major championships here before, in the 2014 Commonwealth Games as well. I’ve prepared so well,” Jobe said.“Plus, two months ago, I was in Paris preparing for this. So I think I’m fully ready.”While both missed out on personal bests, Jonga reflected on Glasgow’s world-class facilities and what it will take to develop talent in The Gambia.“If in The Gambia a supportive system can be created in terms of creating a swimming pool, swimming has a long way to go,” Jonga said.“Having at least a standard 25-meter pool will enable young kids who are trying to involve themselves in swimming to have big potential for tomorrow.”Though Heat 3 marks the end of this event, the Games are far from over for Team Gambia. Jonga said the race was a chance to review and improve.“The performance was great, but it could have been much better. I will use this moment to progress on the few events coming up... to do a review of what went wrong and enable me to have better timing in the races coming up,” he said.Jobe and Jonga return to the pool on Monday and Tuesday for the 100-meter freestyle and 50-meter butterfly, taking vital lessons from Glasgow’s 50-meter pool into their remaining races. 

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GINA BASS ADVANCES TO 100M SEMIS AS OUSMAN JOBE SETS NATIONAL RECORD AT COMMONWEALTH GAMES

It was a day of mixed fortunes for Team Gambia at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, as sprint star Gina Mariam Bass Bittaye booked her place in the women’s 100 metres semi-finals, while swimmer Ousman Jobe set a new Gambian national record.Africa’s sprint queen produced a confident performance to finish 2nd in her 100m heat in 11.22 seconds, comfortably securing a spot in the last 16.Speaking after the race, Bass said she was pleased with the result despite the cold weather.“Qualification was the priority in the opening round, not speed,” the Gambian star said.She remains quietly confident ahead of the semi-finals.The competition ended in the heats for the rest of Team Gambia’s sprinters.Commonwealth Games debutant Isatou Sey clocked 11.73 seconds, short of her personal best of 11.61. She blamed the weather but called the experience valuable.“Competing at the Games has been a great learning experience,” Sey said.Nyimansata Jawneh also bowed out after recording 11.68 seconds, leaving Bass as The Gambia’s sole representative in the women’s sprint semi-finals.In the men’s 100m, Alieu Joof ran 10.52 seconds while veteran Ebrima Camara clocked a season’s best of 10.29 seconds. Both narrowly missed out on qualification.Camara, competing at his third consecutive Commonwealth Games, reflected on a tough season.“I’m not really satisfied with it, but I thank God because I’ve had a very tough season with injuries,” Camara said.“Since recovering, every race I’ve been getting better. This is my third Commonwealth Games. Not everybody gets the opportunity to represent their country three times over twelve years. So I really thank God for that.”In the swimming pool, Pap D. Jonga and Ousman Jobe were unable to advance from the men’s 100m freestyle.However, Jobe made history by stopping the clock at 1:01.34, setting a new Gambian national record in the event. While the time was not enough to progress, it marked a major personal achievement and another step forward for competitive swimming in The Gambia.With athletics and swimming competitions now underway, all eyes turn to Gina Mariam Bass as she carries The Gambia’s hopes into the women’s 100m semi-finals, aiming to secure a place in the final and challenge for Commonwealth honours.

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PRESIDENT BARROW URGES YOUTH TO PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE AT 2026 INNOVATION SUMMIT

President Adama Barrow on Saturday urged young people to prepare for the future, telling hundreds of youth at the 2026 Youth Innovation Summit that “the future belongs to those who prepare for it.”The President was speaking at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, where several hundred young people from organisations across the country gathered for the annual summit.The Youth Innovation Summit brings young people together to discuss relevant issues, share ideas, and challenge the realities shaping youth affairs and the future of The Gambia.It serves as a platform for youth empowerment and fosters collaboration between young people and government.Key sponsor Comium said it believes youth are The Gambia’s greatest resource. “The country’s future depends on how we prepare young people to thrive in a digital-driven world,” said Isatou Ceesay, Comium’s Director of Marketing and Communications.A highlight of the summit was the story of Ebrima Jallow, a young man who once embarked on the perilous journey to Europe. Now a successful entrepreneur, Jallow was given the podium to inspire participants.He stands as living proof that Gambians can succeed at home.In his address, President Barrow recounted his own journey to Europe as a young man, with the belief that it was the only way to live a better life. He later realised that success could also be found at home.He used the lesson to encourage young people that with the right mindset, they can make it in The Gambia.The President assured youth that their development remains central to his government’s agenda, citing the construction of schools and TVET centres across the country to empower them.“It is government’s responsibility to ensure hope for our youth,” Barrow said. “That is why we are investing in agriculture and other sectors.”He urged young people to reject drugs, embrace innovation, and maintain peace, reiterating: “The future belongs to those who prepare for it.”Critical conversations at the summit centred on: Irregular migration and reintegration. Civic education, participation, and national cohesion. Youth empowerment, skills development, and entrepreneurship.Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the Organising Committee, Maimuna Platt described the day as “an unforgettable day of learning among youths” and said it marks the beginning of more innovation and collaboration for nation building.

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PRESIDENT BARROW PRESENTS VEHICLES TO NPP-LED GRAND COALITION PARTNERS AHEAD OF DECEMBER POLL

President Adama Barrow on Saturday presented a fleet of vehicles to partner parties of the NPP-led Grand Coalition during a ceremony held at State House. The presentation was attended by leaders of the Alliance parties and senior members of the National People’s Party executive.Representatives of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), ANRD, NRP, NCP, Democratic Party, Citizens Alliance, GPDP, and GMC received keys to the new vehicles. The vehicles are expected to enhance grassroots mobilisation ahead of the December 5th Presidential election.The leaders of the 8 parties expressed appreciation to the President and leader of the Grand Coalition, saying the gesture will strengthen the Alliance. They predicted a landslide victory for President Barrow, describing him as development-oriented and committed to national progress.Isatou Jifanga Jarju of the APRC assured that the vehicles will be used for their intended purpose.Mai Ahmad Fatty of the Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) said the Grand Coalition is strong and well-positioned to win the election, citing what he called the President’s “life-changing development projects” across the country.Dr Ismaila Ceesay of the Citizens Alliance urged beneficiaries to intensify grassroots mobilisation to strengthen the Grand Coalition. He said President Barrow will win with an overwhelming majority based on his track record over the last 9 years.GPDP leader Henry Gomez described the presentation as unprecedented in Gambian politics. “President Barrow respects his coalition partners and always supports them when necessary,” Gomez said. “Therefore, let us work together and speak with one voice to strengthen the Alliance.” He also called on Gambians to support the President and vote for him massively in December to ensure continuity of development.Leaders of the NCP, ANRD, and DP echoed similar sentiments, calling on all partner parties to vigorously campaign and mobilise support for the NPP-led Alliance.NRP leader Hamat N.K. Bah cautioned all beneficiary parties against misusing the vehicles, stressing that they are strictly for campaign purposes. He urged Alliance members to reach out to voters across the country.Bah also praised President Barrow’s development record, which he said has touched the lives of citizens nationwide. He challenged young people to support the President and avoid politicians who mislead them for selfish political goals.“There will be no shortcut to the Presidency,” Bah warned. “Government will not allow any individual or group to undermine the electoral process. A level playing field has already been ensured for all.”First Deputy National President of the NPP, Demba Sabally, said the presentation signifies President Barrow’s recognition of the important role of Alliance parties in strengthening the Grand Coalition. He urged them to redouble efforts and maintain unity to ensure victory for the Alliance.In his remarks, President Barrow described the event as a historic milestone in the country’s political evolution, noting it is the first time members of a coalition are receiving such support from the leading party.He called on all recipients to use the vehicles solely for political purposes to mobilise voters at the grassroots for the Grand Coalition. 

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