The Military Police wing of Gambia Armed Forces handed over 3 bags each containing 25 big bundles of Cannabis Sativa to narcotic officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency of Gambia (NDLEAG) at the Defense Headquarters in Banjul. The army also delivered a confiscated canoe, an outboard engine, and fuel that were impounded three months ago during one of their routine satellite patrol along the Halahin Bolong.
Continue Reading >>The independent electoral commission (IEC) has announced that two candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections have withdrawn their candidature. Pa Lamin Sawo from Jehwang constituency and Abdoulie Barry from Kiang East constituency have had their request to withdraw accepted by the IEC. Both are independent candidates.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow begins a two-week tour of the country to thank Gambians for giving him another five-year mandate. The Gambian leader left on Saturday afternoon accompanied by cabinet ministers, NPP party executive members, and supporters. President Barrow was received on arrival at the North Bank region by Governor Lamin Saidykhan, senior regional government officials, traditional and religious leaders, and a cross-section of the community. The President is hoping that his meetings with local communities will galvanise support for his party's candidates, facing off against several other independents and the mainstream opposition political parties.
Continue Reading >>Law enforcement officers in the North Bank Region have benefitted from a training program on Iodine Deficiency Disorder. The training is aimed at boosting the 35 officersβ knowledge on the nutritional development of children. The program was orgainsed by the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) in partnership with UNICEF. The Program Manager at NaNA Alieu Kujabi said that the awareness campaign would increase the understanding of the officers on the significance of iodized salt. Senior Program Officer at NaNA Musa Dahaba said 80% of the salt consumed in the country comes from outside and urged health officials to properly screen imported salt for iodine. The Director, Essau Health Region Modou Lamin Fofana said building the capacity of security personnel on IDD would address iodine deficiencies. The security personnel assured their commitment to work with officials of the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Authority (FSQA), and Public Health Officers at the border points to ensure that imported salt is iodized.
Continue Reading >>An initiative to train 400 migrant returnees on entrepreneurship was launched on Friday. The five-month-long program which was organised by National Enterprise Development Initiative (NEDI) in partnership with the International Organization for Migration, was funded by the European Union. The permanent secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Saikou K. Sanyang said the training was in line with the government's reintegration program for the countryβs youth. The General Manager NEDI, Abass Bah said the five months training would expose participants to diverse economic activities for self-employment opportunities. The Deputy Executive Director National Youth Council, Pa Malick Ceesay, and a representative of IOM Bala Musa Konateh both said that the training would economically empower migrant returnees for reintegration into society.
Continue Reading >>The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently organised a Political Dialogue on Elections and Human Rights ahead of the April 9th parliamentary election.Centred on issues such as upholding human rights alongside genuine elections, the convergence attracted members of political parties, civil society and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).The chairperson of NHRC described the dialogue as crucial in the achievement of free and fair elections. Emanuel Joof also frowned on The Gambia's recent election challenges including hate speech. Notwithstanding, the NHRC presidential election findings and recommendations underlined successes including coverage of all 2021 presidential candidates by GRTS. IEC chairman, Alieu Momar Njai, and the Interparty Committee's Dodou Jah deemed the dialogue instrumental. The session is expected to facilitate peaceful, free and fair elections.
Continue Reading >>The West Africa Competitive Program (WACOMP) is spearheading a new concept that would enhance an all-year production of onion. The initiative being implemented by United Purpose and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization has taken a new dimension by introducing an onion variety that thrives well in the rainy season. The project would increase competitiveness through enhanced quality and compliance along the onion value chain by providing market linkage between onion growers and potential buyers. Speaking to GRTS, the Horticulture Technical Expert for UNIDO, Malamin Drammeh said the project will also create cold storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses in the onion value chain. Ngansa Touray, Project Manager of United Purpose was optimistic that the introduction of onion varieties for the rainy season will create options for farmers during the production planning process. Maimuna Jabang of Pirang Mansa Garden advised women to make the best use of the new technology to diversify agricultural production.
Continue Reading >>14 prominent Gambians Friday presented an advisory paper on the institutional framework for the coordination of planning and implementation of development plans in The Gambia to President Adama Barrow. The Group was formally launched by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs late last year to provide information and guidance to the government on the planning and implementation of new development strategies. The group which comprises people with extensive experience in public service and international organizations was set up by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Mambury Njai. The groupβs chairman Alieu Momodou Ngum said it was tasked to look at planning processes in the Gambia and make recommendations for reforms to the government in order to maximally utilize resources. The recommendations are expected to help Government in its planning processes, especially at a time when itβs looking beyond the NDP.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>ππππππ, πππ‘ πππ©πππ¦πππ« ππππ: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad expresses its deep sadness following reports of a boat incident involving migrants and extends its sincere condolences to the families and loved ones affected. The Ministry conveys its solidarity with all those awaiting information regarding the whereabouts and well-being of their relatives.At this stage, the identities and nationalities of the persons reportedly on board have not been officially verified. While preliminary information suggests that the vessel may have departed from The Gambia, the Ministry is engaging with the Spanish authorities and other relevant stakeholders to establish the circumstances of the incident and verify the information currently available.The Ministry is also liaising with the relevant Spanish authorities and, through its National Focal Point under the Rabat Process, maintaining contact with relevant counterparts and partners, including IOM and ICRC, as appropriate, to facilitate information-sharing and contribute to efforts to clarify the situation.The Ministry is mindful of the distress and uncertainty being experienced by families whose relatives may be missing. The Ministry therefore urges the public and all concerned to exercise caution regarding information that has not been officially verified, as inaccurate reports may cause further distress to affected families. Further information will be communicated, as appropriate, once the relevant facts have been established and verified.The Ministry remains concerned about the continued risks associated with dangerous and irregular migration journeys. It underscores the importance of continued cooperation among relevant authorities and stakeholders to promote safe and regular migration and protect vulnerable migrants from exploitation.The Ministry extends its deepest sympathies to all families and communities affected by this incident and appreciates the public's understanding, patience, and cooperation as efforts to establish the facts continue.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow on Friday inaugurated a new mosque in Gunjur, a project funded by the Presidency. The ceremony drew cabinet ministers, senior government officials, religious leaders, elders, and residents of Gunjur and neighbouring settlements.On arrival, President Barrow was received by West Coast Region Governor Ousman Bojang and the Minister of Regional Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, Hamat N.K. Bah, along with other dignitaries.(Minister of Regional Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, Hamat N.K. Bah welcoming President Barrow as he arrived in Gunjur.)By noon, the mosque and its compound were filled, with many others seated outside for the historic opening.Imam Alhagie Muhammed Lamin Touray led the prayer service. In his sermon, he preached peace, unity, and stability, and urged Muslims to fulfil their religious obligations with dedication.(Imam Alhagie Muhammed Lamin Touray, who was a former President of The Gambia's Supreme Islamic Council, delivering the sermon.)The Imam then led the two-rakat prayer marking the official inauguration of the mosque.Speaking after prayers, Imam Touray expressed profound gratitude to President Barrow for sponsoring the construction. He recalled past challenges the community faced in raising funds for a mosque, and said the President had fulfilled their long-held dream."This singular act will enhance the spiritual development of the community," Imam Touray said. He also thanked women, youth, and religious leaders for their support during the project.(President Barrow flanked by Chief Falalo Touray and Alkalo Dembo Darboe of Gunjur.)Chief Falalo Touray and Alkalo Dembo Darboe of Gunjur also commended the President. They noted that the mosque, together with ongoing road and infrastructure projects, will promote the religious and social development of Gunjur. They urged residents to support the President to enable him to continue his development agenda.Minister Hamat N.K. Bah described the mosque as one of the most modern in the country, built to meet contemporary architectural standards.He disclosed that President Barrow has funded several mosque projects nationwide, reflecting his commitment to Islam and the spiritual development of Muslims.The Minister echoed calls for Gambians to support the Presidentβs re-election bid in December. He also thanked elders and religious leaders for preaching peace and tolerance, and urged them to continue guiding to preserve national tranquillity.In his inaugural statement, President Barrow thanked the Gunjur community for the honour, noting he had long pledged to support the project.(President Barrow addressing worshippers after the prayer.)He described Gunjur as a historic Islamic settlement that produced renowned scholars including Omar Bun Jeng and Hatab Bojang. He said mosques play a vital role in the spiritual and moral development of society.The President thanked anonymous donors who supported the construction and urged the community to pray for them. He called the mosque a progressive project that has changed the infrastructural landscape of Gunjur.President Barrow challenged residents to take good care of the mosque and its facilities, and pledged government support for its upkeep and maintenance.On the upcoming December elections, the President urged Gambians to pray for peace. He reassured the nation of the governmentβs commitment to a smooth and credible process."There are no losers in elections," President Barrow said. "A peaceful and credible process promotes The Gambiaβs image as a democratic country."The President departed Gunjur to a large farewell crowd.
Continue Reading >>Dr Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, has received the prestigious Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture Award for her outstanding contribution to the promotion of the rule of law, justice, and human rights globally.Dr Bensouda delivered the 19th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in 2021. In recognition of that address and her longstanding commitment to justice and accountability, the Nelson Mandela Foundation honoured her with a commemorative award bust.During Dr Bensoudaβs visit to South Africa in November 2025, the Foundation proposed to present the award in person. Due to time constraints, it was received on her behalf by Her Excellency Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay, High Commissioner of The Gambia to South Africa, in Pretoria.Madam Jahumpa Ceesay later brought the award to London, where she formally presented it to Dr Bensouda in a brief ceremony at the Gambian High Commission.The recognition places Dr Bensouda among a distinguished group of global leaders associated with the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture. Past lecturers and honourees include former U.S. President Barack Obama, United Nations Secretary-General AntΓ³nio Guterres, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former South African President Thabo Mbeki, Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai, and philanthropist Bill Gates.The Annual Lecture is one of the Foundationβs flagship programmes and celebrates individuals who advance the values of human dignity, justice, and equality championed by Nelson Mandela.The award is a fitting acknowledgement of Dr Bensoudaβs distinguished career in international law. As former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, she played a key role in advancing accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity.The High Commission said the honour reflects not only Dr Bensoudaβs personal legacy, but also The Gambiaβs continued commitment to justice, the rule of law, and human rights on the global stage.
Continue Reading >>ππππππ, πππ‘ πππ©πππ¦πππ« ππππ: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad expresses its deep sadness following reports of a boat incident involving migrants and extends its sincere condolences to the families and loved ones affected. The Ministry conveys its solidarity with all those awaiting information regarding the whereabouts and well-being of their relatives.At this stage, the identities and nationalities of the persons reportedly on board have not been officially verified. While preliminary information suggests that the vessel may have departed from The Gambia, the Ministry is engaging with the Spanish authorities and other relevant stakeholders to establish the circumstances of the incident and verify the information currently available.The Ministry is also liaising with the relevant Spanish authorities and, through its National Focal Point under the Rabat Process, maintaining contact with relevant counterparts and partners, including IOM and ICRC, as appropriate, to facilitate information-sharing and contribute to efforts to clarify the situation.The Ministry is mindful of the distress and uncertainty being experienced by families whose relatives may be missing. The Ministry therefore urges the public and all concerned to exercise caution regarding information that has not been officially verified, as inaccurate reports may cause further distress to affected families. Further information will be communicated, as appropriate, once the relevant facts have been established and verified.The Ministry remains concerned about the continued risks associated with dangerous and irregular migration journeys and underscores the importance of continued cooperation among relevant authorities and stakeholders to promote safe and regular migration and protect vulnerable migrants from exploitation.The Ministry extends its deepest sympathies to all families and communities affected by this incident and appreciates the understanding, patience and cooperation of the public as efforts to establish the facts continue.
Continue Reading >>On the sidelines of his visit to the Republic of Gabon, President Adama Barrow on Monday toured landmark projects in the capital, Libreville, and met with members of the Gambian community.The President, accompanied by First Lady Fatou Bah Barrow, began with a visit to a major hotel constructed by a Turkish conglomerate that has helped transform Gabonβs hospitality industry.The Chief Executive Officer conducted President Barrow and the First Lady on a guided tour of the hotel located on the shores of the coastal city.President Barrow was then driven to the site of one of Gabon and Central Africaβs most ambitious projects β a twisting tower that, when completed, will be the tallest building in the sub-region.Gabonese and Turkish contractors briefed the President on the progress of the tower and related infrastructure. The project is expected to be ready for inauguration next year and will permanently transform the skyline of the Central African nation. The gesture mirrored the tour accorded to President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema during his recent visit to The Gambia.Following the site visit, President Barrow and the First Lady proceeded to the Radisson Blu Hotel for a meeting with Gambians living in Gabon.Consul General Saikou Dukureh welcomed the President and thanked him for the engagement. He described Gambians in Gabon as hardworking, united, and law-abiding, and commended the government for supporting their welfare.Jakarta Dampha, a community representative, said there has been marked improvement in the well-being of Gambians in Gabon since President Barrow took office. He noted that the Presidentβs leadership has ensured that Gambians in the diaspora are not discriminated against and that their concerns are addressed promptly.Hawa Dukureh, speaking on behalf of the youth, commended the President for dispatching a team of immigration officials to issue national documents. She said nearly 200 people were processed, but appealed for support to ensure the passports are delivered.In his remarks, President Barrow expressed gratitude for the warm reception at the airport, which he said even impressed his host, President Oligui Nguema.He said dialogue is key to national unity and described it as a great honour to serve as Chief Guest of Honour at Gabonβs Independence Anniversary.On diaspora support, the President reaffirmed his governmentβs commitment to assisting Gambians abroad. He said the decision to send immigration officials to Gabon was to ensure citizens have access to documents. He pledged to prioritise the delivery of all processed passports upon his return to Banjul.The President also updated the community on developments at home. He said the government has laid the foundation stone for 1,500 km of roads across the country and highlighted progress in electricity, health, transport, and education.With the December presidential election approaching, President Barrow encouraged those with voter cards to exercise their right, and urged those without to encourage family and friends to vote for continuity.He concluded by urging the community to maintain unity, peace, and respect for lawful authority. He also advised Gambians seeking repatriation to apply through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a smooth process.
Continue Reading >>The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, joined the people of Gabon on Monday to celebrate the countryβs 66th Independence Anniversary with a grand military parade in the capital, Libreville.The national day celebrations were held at the Palais de lβIndΓ©pendance in central Libreville. President Barrow, accompanied by First Lady Fatou Bah Barrow, served as Chief Guest of Honour.The ceremony was attended by several African leaders, including FΓ©lix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Carlos Vila Nova, President of the Democratic Republic of SΓ£o TomΓ© and PrΓncipe, and General Horta Nta, Interim President of Guinea-Bissau.Gabonese President Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, presided over the official celebrations.Ahead of the parade, President Oligui Nguema inaugurated La Concorde, a memorial dedicated to Georges Damas Aleka, composer of Gabonβs national anthem. A representative of Alekaβs family received a posthumous award in honour of his contribution as one of the architects of modern Gabon.The main highlight was a parade by the armed and security services. Detachments from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Special Operations Forces, and Commandos marched past the Commander-in-Chief.Units of the Police also participated, including General Services, the Special Intervention Group, Riot Control, and the K-9 Unit. The Fire Service, Ambulance Service, and Medical Corps also took part.The second phase featured a display of military hardware. Dozens of armoured personnel carriers, rocket launchers, artillery, and anti-aircraft guns rolled through the boulevard, while military aircraft and helicopters conducted a flypast overhead.Service vehicles operated by the Armed Forces, Police, Paramilitary, and Engineering Corps were also displayed, marking the end of the parade.Following the ceremony, President Barrow and First Lady Fatou Bah Barrow were driven to the Presidential Palace for a reception hosted by President Oligui Nguema and First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema.
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