The Gambia government is set to launch an $80 million drainage project in the Greater Banjul Area to prevent floods in the future. This was disclosed by President Barrow while touring flood-affected areas. He also said a $43 million project to stem flooding problems in the country would be launched.
Continue Reading >>The Ministry of Health has lifted the suspension of public health officers. In a letter addressed to the Director of health promotion and education, the ministry called on all concerned public and environment health officers affected by the suspension to return to work from the 1st August 2022. Three hundred and seventy-one public and environment health officers were suspended without salary following a dispute over unpaid allowances. The public and environment health officers went on a prolonged sit-down strike crippling services at several health facilities.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow is touring the flood-affected areas to assess the damages caused by the deluge. He visited flood-prone Ebo town in the Kanifing Municipality and met victims. The President accompanied by government ministers and the mayor of KMC will also visit other areas such as the Jabang Estate, Brikama Jambara Sanneh, Nema, and other affected areas in the KMC.
Continue Reading >>The high court in Banjul has acquitted and discharged Saihou Drammeh, former managing director, and Lamin Gassama, former operations manager of Gam-Petroleum. The two men were on trial for corruption after they were accused of causing over $20 million loss to the economy of The Gambia. Justice Haddy C. Roche acquitted the duo on all the eight charges of economic crime and stealing ‘due to a lack of evidence from the state prosecution to warrant them enter their defense.
Continue Reading >>Communities in the Greater Banjul area and the west coast region experienced devastating floods on Saturday and Sunday. A large number of houses and businesses have been submerged in flood waters following a near 24-hour rainfall, the heaviest the country experienced in many years. Roads and bridges were heavily affected cutting off some communities. Electricity and water supplies were disrupted. The National Water and Electricity Company, Nawec says it experienced major disruptions as its facilities were affected by the floods. Vice President Badara Joof accompanied by several ministers toured some of the worst affected areas. The Vice President told journalists that the state would come up with measures to help victims affected by the deluge. President Adama Barrow is said to be aware of the disaster and would chair a cabinet meeting and a meeting with donor agencies on Monday to discuss and strategise a response to the disaster.
Continue Reading >>The Vice President, Badara A. Joof, on Friday, presented President Adama Barrow with the ‘Key’ bestowed on him by the Integral University of Lucknow, in Uttarpradesh State, India, for restoring and maintaining democracy in The Gambia. The University also awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Human Letters – Honoris Causa to the President. President Barrow thanked the Integral University for recognising his efforts in strengthening democracy in The Gambia and respect for the rule of Law. He said the award encourages him to redouble his efforts in these and other facets of Governance.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow arrived in Monrovia Tuesday morning to attend Celebrations marking Liberia’s 175th independence anniversary. He was received by the vice president of The republic of Liberia Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor, the Gambia’s high commissioner to Sierra Leone who is also accredited to the Liberia Alieu k Jammeh and other Liberian Government officials. President Barrow had a brief discussion with the vice president of The republic of Liberia at the airport presidential Lounge. He is among three other west African leaders that attended the formal ceremony in central Monrovia as special guests of Liberian President George Manneh Weah. They include President Muhammadu Buhari of the federal republic of Nigeria and Umaru Cissokho Emballo of The republic of Guinea Bissau.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow on Saturday laid the foundation stone for what would become the biggest hotel in the country. The $100million Radisson Blu five-star hotel will be built in Bijilo and in part of the infrastructure for the Banjul OIC summit, and it’s jointly owned by The Gambia and Immoland Sarl, an international real estate investment outfit. The hotel will have 60 presidential and royal suites and 400 high-end rooms, conference and meeting venues, a ballroom, fitness and business centres, and specialty restaurants among other features. President Barrow said the investment is the largest of its kind in the tourism sector. He said his government mobilised some 300 million dollars towards projects in connection with the OIC hosting. Mr. Barrow said the projects are designed to last longer and their benefits and impact will far outlive the summit itself.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow on Friday 22nd July bade farewell to the Gambian Athletics Team bound for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. The President presented the Battle Flag to the Team at a ceremony at State House in Banjul. He applauded the progress of Gambian sports and encouraged the athletes to do their best in the games. President Barrow praised the Gambia volleyball team that won the African Championship and said his government’s will to support sport is very high. The Athletes were accompanied to State House by the Minister of Youths and Sports Bakary Badjie and other officials.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow has launched and commissioned 38 new buses in the Urban Transport Initiative to augment the challenges commuters faced in the urban settlements. The buses will be under the care of the Gambia Transport Service Company. The buses will ply twenty-five routes from Kartong and other parts of the west coast region to Banjul.Besides an expensive cost of living and skyrocketing commodity prices, one problem that concerns all Gambians is the challenge of commuting within the urban metropolis.The inadequacy of transport facilities has seeped into every facet of public life affecting everyone from women to business, students, and the civic force who labour daily on the country’s roads.It’s a problem the Gambia’s government has recommitted to resolving with road infrastructure projects and this massive fleet launch for the Gambia Transport Services aimed at mitigating existing challenges.The President said an effective transport system with viable and interconnecting roads easing movement is a major part of his national development plan.The new buses are equipped with modern transport facilities for optimum delivery of services to Gambians in the urban metropolis where 60% of the country’s population now resides. Commuters say this is a massive sigh of relief. “This is like when you take care of the daily meals of the poor. We will now have peace of mind when traveling” Tida Saho, a commuter said.
Continue Reading >>The Commission on Political Debates is set to organize its first GFF Presidential Debate, scheduled for the 13th of August, 2022.The debate aims to promote issue-based political dialogues and transparency and accord the voting delegates of the GFF and the Gambian public, at large, the opportunity to assess better the candidates running for office. We are proud to partner with the following media houses to bring you the most anticipated Debate. - Paradise TV- GRTS- Block TV- Eye Africa TV- Star TV- The Fatu Network SPONSORS ARE INVITED
Continue Reading >>Ebrima Camara comfortably sailed through the next stage of the men's 100m. He clocked 10:37 in the preliminaries, to qualify for the heats. Camara is competing at the World Athletics Championship Oregon USA.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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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