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Vice President presents key to the President

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.  

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President Adama Barrow visits Liberia

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. 

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The Gambia to have a Four hundred-room Radisson Blu Hotel

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.

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President Barrow Bids Farewell to Gambia Commonwealth Games Team

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.

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PRESIDENT BARROW LAUNCHES A $2.7 MILLION BUS FLEET

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.

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GFF Presidential debate

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

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Ebrima Camara qualifies to the next stage at the world championship

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.

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OIC Summit on Track Despite Delays- President Barrow

President Adama Barrow today set out on a monitoring visit to the OIC infrastructure project sites to evaluate the status of the ongoing construction works.His first stop was the Presidential VVIP lounge at the Banjul International Airport, scheduled to be completed in November. The President, accompanied by top government officials, was taken on a guided tour of the facility by the Minister of Works and Infrastructure, Honourable Ebrima Sillah, the CEO of the OIC Secretariat, and the project consultants, AREZKI.Following the completion of the tour, President Barrow expressed his satisfaction with the pace of the work and intimated that it would be completed earlier than scheduled. The President then proceeded to inspect the Bertil Harding Highway, where work is progressing steadily. In response to questions regarding the project's overall status and hosting of the summit, President Barrow stated that while the Bertil Harding and VVIP lounge are proceeding as planned for the summit, there are particular concerns with the 54-kilometre urban roads that require an immediate response. He called for an emergency meeting at the Statehouse tomorrow with all the stakeholders concerned to assess the delay and find solutions as soon as possible.

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President Barrow visits OIC project sites

President Barrow is currently on a monitoring visit of OIC infrastructure project sites. His first stop was at the construction site of the VVIP lounge of the Banjul International Airport. He will also visit some Public Private Partnership ventures as part of his government’s policy of supporting PPPs.

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Gambia's top sprinters off to the world championship

Gambia's sprint sensation and Africa's fastest woman Gina Bass, and Ebrima Camara left for  Eugene, Oregon, USA to compete in the IAAF world athletic championship. The pair will compete in the 100m and 200m events at the world championship. This is Ebrima Camara's second world championship appearance. His first was in 2019.

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Three teams book semi final places in the FF cup

Gunjur United were the first to book a place in the semifinals of the FF cup after inflicting a shocking two-goal beating on a more experienced Gamtel FC. Two other sides Brikama United and Red Hawks also sailed through to the final four. While the satayba boys saw off Immigration in a comfortable two-nil win, Red Hawks brushed aside kanifing East on post-match penalties following a full-time goalless draw. Wallidan takes on Elite United on Tuesday 18th July in a continuation of their abandoned game to decide the fourth spot in the semis.

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Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan arrives in The Gambia

The former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan says his visit to The Gambia is to help build the capacity of national assembly members of the Gambia. Mr Jonathan arrived in Banjul on Wednesday and was received by the deputy speaker of the national assembly Hon Seedy SK Njie. Speaking to journalists on arrival, the former Nigerian leader said his foundation in collaboration with the ECOWAS parliament organised a capacity-building workshop in an effort to consolidate democracy in the subregion.

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Latest Updates

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PRESIDENT BARROW SWEARS IN MARTIN HACKETT AS SPECIAL PROSECUTOR FOR JAMMEH-ERA CRIMES

The Special Prosecutor appointed to address crimes committed during the Jammeh era has been sworn in at a ceremony presided over by President H.E. Adama Barrow. Barrister Martin Hackett was appointed to this role by the President, acting under the authority granted by the Special Prosecutor Act.His appointment represents a significant step towards justice for the victims of the 22 years of severe human rights abuses under former President Yahya Jammeh's regime.Mr Hackett has an extensive career in international and criminal law, specialising in cases involving genocide and counter-terrorism.Having taken his oaths of office, allegiance and secrecy, he will lead the Special Prosecutor's Office to seek justice for the victims of abuses during the Jammeh era.Mr Hackett fully understands the weight of this responsibility, which he describes as a “process that will put victims, survivors, and communities at the centre.” He has pledged to ensure that the process will be "independent, impartial, and respect the rule of law."He expressed gratitude to the President, the Attorney General, and the Independent Selection Panel for their trust and confidence, committing to carry out his duties to the best of his ability.President H.E. Adama Barrow referred to the appointment of a Special Prosecutor as a “historic moment” in The Gambia's Transitional Justice journey, which aims to provide closure for the victims.The President emphasised the importance of the Special Prosecutor in upholding the rule of law, assuring that the process is not about “revenge or violence,” but rather “ensuring accountability.”He also reassured victims that his government recognises the gravity of their experiences and is committed to ensuring that justice is served.However, the President called for “patience, trust, and collective support” for the process while congratulating Barrister Hackett on his appointment to this vital position.Victims will now closely observe as justice finally reaches those responsible for some of the most brutal abuses inflicted upon them, their relatives, and their loved ones.

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PRESIDENT BARROW RECEIVES €5M FIRE EQUIPMENT DONATION FOR GAMBIA FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES

The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, on Thursday received firefighting equipment and other assorted materials worth five million euros for immediate distribution to the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services at a ceremony held at the State House.The equipment was donated by a Spanish NGO, "Start Up," which has longstanding ties with Gambia's security services, to strengthen the fire and rescue services and enable them to respond more effectively to emergencies.The equipment includes trucks, fire-fighting machinery, tanks, utility vehicles, hoses, welding machines, and bushfire-fighting tools.This firefighting equipment forms part of a long-standing partnership between the NGO 'Start Up," led by Sonia, and Gambia's security services, initiated in 2023.Sonia Sona Mariama, the president of the Star Up NGO, is explaining the functions of the donated equipment to the President H.E Adama Barrow. (PC: State House)However, this donation is the largest since the partnership began and is poised to significantly enhance operations at the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services, which handles emergency rescue situations involving fires and bushfires, among others.The President expressed his high appreciation for this recent donation, believing it highlights the importance of the partnership with the Spanish NGO.He described the Fire and Rescue Services as a vital part of the National Security apparatus and stated that this intervention will greatly bolster their capacity to respond to emergencies, especially in densely populated areas.This consignment also includes a 12,000-litre capacity tank, the largest in the GFRS inventory. Sonia agrees that this will greatly expand the fire service’s ability to tackle fires.The 12,000-litre capacity tank which is the largest in the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services inventory. (PC: State House)Chief Fire Officer Massaneh Bah described it as an “important partnership” that will transform his “security outfit' and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.This donation also celebrates the fruitful partnership between 'Start Up' and the security services, offering a moment to reflect on future possibilities and opportunities.As an Honorary Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Sonia expressed optimism that this collaboration will continue, as both parties prepare for the next phase of the partnership—designing the civil protection system with the Ministry of Interior.The event was presided over by President Adama Barrow. The ceremony was also attended by the Interior Minister, Abdoulie Sanyang, senior officials of the Gambia Fire and Rescue Service, and donors from Spain. 

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LADY SARJO MOBILIZES HUNDREDS AT STATE HOUSE, VOWS TO LEAD PRESIDENT BARROW’S RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN

Hundreds of members of the Lady Sarjo Mballow Barrow fans club visited her on Wednesday to show their support for her and President Adama Barrow at State House.The members represent numerous clubs across the country, which have adopted Lady Sarjo as their Honorary Mother in recognition of her contributions to national development and for serving as a positive example for women and girls.The purpose of the meeting was to introduce her to the members and their activities, and also to establish common ground as the political climate heats up ahead of the upcoming election later this year.The main organiser of this gathering is Sidi Dem, a prominent figure within political circles, known for his unwavering support and loyalty to President Barrow.Dem expressed gratitude to the members for responding to calls on short notice, describing it as “evidence of the love and affection” Gambians have for Lady Sarjo.He challenged all fan club members to rally behind President Barrow so that he can secure re-election with a comfortable majority. Dem also urged the women to engage with their constituents to increase political support for the President.This sentiment was echoed by regional representatives of the Lady Sarjo Fans club from the Upper River, West Coast, and North Bank regions. They all called for vigorous mobilisation of votes to deliver a landslide victory for the President in December.The speakers also praised Lady Sarjo, expressing admiration for her humility and peaceful nature as qualities that endear her to people both in The Gambia and beyond.Aja Haddijatou Jallow Jobe of Sinchu Alaji challenged the fans to use their influence to persuade more people to join the ranks of the NPP, which she describes as a development-focused and peaceful party.Nene Trawally of Brikama North tasked the fans with turning their words into action by voting for President Barrow to secure another five-year term. She emphasised that this victory would ensure the continuation of development across the country.She called on Lady Sarjo to be more “proactive in politics,” urging the fans to unite for the benefit of their Honorary Mother and to empower the President.The Chief of Brikama North, Mondo Jatta, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the President's agenda, confidently predicting that the upcoming election is already decided and that the President will win by an “overwhelming majority.”He also warned against any attempts by the opposition to disrupt the registration process in Jalambang, affirming his intention to use the law to prevent interference.For the National Youth President of the NPP, Momodou Sabally, this was an unprecedented gathering, as it was the first event hosted by Lady Sarjo. He attributed this milestone to President Barrow's track record of development, which has made a significant impact nationwide.“He has built schools, brought electricity, and provided roads in remote communities, which encourages people to support President Barrow,” Sabally said.He confidently proclaimed that President Barrow would win the December presidential election, urging various groups within the fan club to work together to secure victory.Honourable Sidi S.K Njie thanked the members for their commendable initiative that could reshape politics in The Gambia.He spoke extensively about the President’s achievements in improving road infrastructure and electricity supply, describing these as “game changers” that have positively affected ordinary Gambians’ lives.He added that the President's vision is to “transform The Gambia into a city state,” and urged Gambians to “vote for continuity” under President Barrow's leadership.The gathering concluded with Lady Sarjo's speech, in which she described the turnout as a “great honour.” She expressed her gratitude to the organisers for a successful event, which she says has filled her with “happiness and humility.”She attributed her success to President Barrow, whom she praises as “development-oriented, peaceful and tolerant.”“After 9 years in power, you have all seen the development he has brought to this country,” Lady Sarjo stated, before urging her supporters to translate this love into votes for President Barrow.She called on women to lead the political campaign for his re-election, arguing that they stand to “benefit from the numerous development projects” in store.Finally, she pledged to play a more active role in politics, promising to lead her husband's re-election campaign this year.

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OUTGOING UNFPA REP, US EMBASSY DELEGATION MEET VP JALLOW AT STATE HOUSE

The Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, hosted a meeting at State House with the UNFPA Country Representative, Ndéye Rose Sarr, along with a delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Banjul and Catholic Relief Services.As she approaches the conclusion of her four-year term as the UNFPA Country Representative in The Gambia, Ndéye Rose Sarr was the first to arrive at the Vice President's office for what may be her final visit in this capacity.After a closed-door meeting, Sarr explained that her purpose was to bid farewell to Vice President Jallow, as she will soon be departing from The Gambia. “I came to see the Vice President to say goodbye, to discuss programs, and to thank him for his support and leadership,” she stated.The outgoing UNFPA representative reflected on her tenure, acknowledging both the challenges faced and the achievements accomplished. “One of our significant successes was finalising the 2024 Population and Housing Census, which was conducted digitally,” she mentioned. “We also developed a demographic dividend, established a demographic dividend observatory, and worked tirelessly to ensure that women and girls have access to reproductive health and rights,” she added.Following Sarr, a delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Banjul and Catholic Relief Services arrived. Their discussion with Vice President Jallow focused on the school feeding program in The Gambia, which is being implemented by the Gambian government in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Catholic Relief Services.U.S. Charge d'Affaires Eugene S. Young expressed that they had spoken about the success of the program and their collaboration with the Gambian government, as well as future plans for the initiative. He further praised the strong relationship between the U.S. and the Gambian government, stating that they aim to assist the Gambian government in taking full responsibility for the feeding program. “We want to support the Gambian government through CRS to reach a point where this initiative is entirely their responsibility. We are working towards that goal to help the government become self-sustaining,” he emphasised.The U.S. government, through the Department of Agriculture, is investing $28 million in the first phase of a five-year school feeding program, which is expected to continue until 2027.

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VP JALLOW OPENS SCHOOL FEEDING FORUM, HIGHLIGHTS MASSIVE BUDGET INCREASE

The Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S Jallow, has deputised the President, H.E. Adama Barrow, at the stakeholder engagement on the National School Feeding Forum at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre. The forum that aims to allow stakeholders to discuss the gains and challenges made so far in the school feeding initiative was attended by cabinet ministers, development partners, and key stakeholders in the education sector. Themed on Food for Education: Improving child health and educational outcomes, the initiative by the Gambia government through the Basic and Secondary Education ministry and their partners (CRS, USDA & Caritas) seeks to improve literacy rates, health and nutrition outcomes, all geared toward ensuring that children are supported and empowered to thrive in school. Delivering a statement on behalf of President Adama Barrow, Vice President Mohammed B.S Jallow said the government has demonstrated a strong commitment towards the school feeding programme with increased investment. “Public investment in school feeding has increased from GMD 30 million in 2019 to GMD 250 million in 2025/2026—an eightfold increase. This reflects our determination to build a sustainable, nationally owned programme.”“However, to achieve universal coverage by 2030, we must scale up investments and innovate new financing models,” he said.Investing in children who remain the most valuable asset of the nation is considered a move toward setting national development foundations right. Vice President Jallow further highlighted the impacts of the school feeding programme.“The impact of school feeding on education outcomes is both clear and compelling, and between 2021-2025, enrolment has increased by 17.2% and 10.4% for ECD and LBS respectively and total nationwide increase by 14.8%.”“More importantly, retention and completion rates are improving, particularly among vulnerable populations,” VP Jallow said.Dr Habibatou Drammeh, Minister for Basic and Secondary Education, commended the government for supporting the programme she described as a vital link in the education sector. “School feeding can catalyse broader socio-economic development, linking classrooms to farms and education outcomes to livelihoods.”“Equally significant is the strong and growing commitment of the government to financing the school feeding program over the years,” she said. Partners like the US government are key allies of the Gambia government in this initiative, for they provide vital support. Eugene Young,  US Charge d'Affaires in the Gambia, said the US and the Gambia share a mutual interest in the welfare of children. “This kind of partnership, which is practical and results-driven and focused on outcomes is exactly how the United States approaches development cooperation today.” “The United States and The Gambia shared mutual interest in seeing Gambian children well nourished, well educated, and prepared to build the future of this country,” he stated.This transformative programme targeting over 63,000 children across 186 schools will provide daily nutritious school meals, educational materials, and capacity building for teachers and communities. What started around 1970 as a donor support programme is now a fully government-controlled programme.

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PRESIDENT BARROW INAUGURATES LANDS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONS TO TACKLE DISPUTES, BOOST DECENTRALISATION

The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, on Monday presided over the inauguration and swearing-in of members of the newly established Lands Commission and the Local Government Service Commission at a ceremony at State House.  The two Commissions, comprising veteran civil servants,  have the onerous task of strengthening land governance and management in the country as well as resolving disputes related to land. The Lands Commission is headed by Raymond Sock as Chairperson,  Kebba Njie, Babucarr Mbye, Abdoulie Manneh and  Juldeh Ceesay all as members. One after the other, they all took the two oaths of office and secrecy, conducted by the Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Momodou Dibba.They later signed the oath registry officially confirming their appointments. Four other officials were also sworn in to the newly established Local Government Service Commission. Former Police chief and Interior Minister Yankuba Sonko heads this Commission which also has Abdoulie Sallah, Saffie Lowe and Bahyda Hydara as members.They also took the prescribed oaths of office and secrecy,  before signing the oath book.Speaking on behalf of the two Commissions,  Raymond Sock expressed gratitude to the President for the trust and confidence reposed in them, and pledged to live up to expectations. The President described these vital institutions as “integral components of the governance process”  that will “reinforce and add value to the nation's land and local government structures.”He disclosed that the commission has a wide mandate which includes “modernising land records, resolving disputes,  promoting equitable access to land and aligning land management practices” with broader national development goals.On the creation of the local government service commission,  President Barrow said this Commission will “strengthen democracy and decentralisation” as it will operate at the level closest to the ordinary people.The President congratulated the Commissioners and thanked them for accepting this responsibility. As veteran civil servants who have served the government at the highest levels, President Barrow said the Commissioners have the “experience,  integrity and professionalism to deliver up to expectations.”He reassured that his government will give them all the support and encouragement to succeed,  and urged all stakeholders to work with the two Commissions to ensure “fair, impartial and equitable management of land.”

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