Next on TV

Tonight GRTS 8pm NEWS

More
News Sport Lifestyle Travel & Tourism Culture Politics
Next on TV

Tonight 7:00pm

News Stories

News First slide

More Pfizer vaccine arrive in The Gambia

The United States government has donated over 100,000 Pfizer vaccine to the Gambia to help vaccinate more people against covid-19. The consignment was received by the minister of health Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh at the Banjul international airport. This the latest consignment of vaccines donated by the US government. The deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Banjul said the vaccine has been proven safe for use against covid-19. The WHO and UNICEF country representatives, Dr Desta Tiruneh and Gardon Jonathan Lewis applaud the supply of vaccines especially in Africa which is said to have the lowest vaccination coverage. The diplomats said there is need to increase the vaccination coverage in the Gambia as supply is no longer an issue. The Minister of Ahmadou Lamin Samateh said the Pfeizer vaccine can now be stored in the country and disclosed that over 20 percent of the population has been vaccinated. He said covid-19 cases and mortality have gone down, and warned that COVID is still present and requires safety measures.  

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

GAMBIA BEACH VOLLEYBALL TEAM RANKED TOP IN AFRICA

Gambia beach volleyball male team of Sainey Jawo and Mbye Babou Jarra are ranked first in Africa and 92nd in the world in the latest FIVB ranking. This is the first time for any Gambian team in any sporting discipline to top any ranking in the continent. Qatar based Sainey Jawo and Mbye Babou Jarra are the Champions of African games and bronze medallist of CAVB continental cup finals. The two will represent The Gambia in the Commonwealth Games beach volleyball qualifiers in Ghana later this month.Abie Kujabie, the most capped female beach volleyball player, will pair with debutant Anna Marie Bojang, for the Gambia in the volleyball 2 aside competition. Anna had represented The Gambia at the World beach games 4 aside beach volleyball in Qatar in 2019.The Commonwealth Games beach volleyball qualifiers will be held in Accra, Ghana from March 25th to 29th 2022. The winner will qualify to the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022 in July.  

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

FSQA sensitises policy makers on CODEX Alimentarius

The vice president Dr. Isatou Touray took part in a high level sensitization workshop for policy makers on codex Alimentarious held at the sir Dawda conference center in Bijilo. Codex Alimentarious is the body responsible for the development of international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice.  The sensitization workshop aims to ensure international acceptance of food in terms of safety and quality to ensure fair trade practices.Public concern over food safety puts CODEX at the centre of global debates and has far reaching implications in resolving trade disputes. The Gambia has applied for Codex Trust Fund II based on the assessment of the existing Codex situation.   

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Gambian cares for dozens of orphans in Kinshasha, DRC.

Kinshasa, a city of nearly 20 million inhabitants, one man from The Gambia is making a difference. Bouna Batchilly, a native of Garawol who arrived in the DRC nearly 30 years ago to search for greener pastures was moved by the plight of children in this huge and bustling city. Bouna singlehandedly adopted over 500 abandoned children and orphans, through his foundation, giving them hope and a future.Many of them have now traveled to Europe, the US and Middle East. For him giving back to a country that gave him so much gives him great personal satisfaction. As he beams with happiness and satisfaction, Bouna believes every child deserves an opportunity to realise their potential. Nearly 30 years running the foundation, Bouna has won praise from several humanitarian organisations and embassies in Kinshasa who often render help. There are currently more than 30 children living with him, cared for by his wife and staff employed by the foundation. His efforts have drawn admiration from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Gambians Abroad Dr Mamadou Tangara who visited the orphanage accompanied by the Secretary General and head of the civil service Noah Touray and the Honorary Consul Ansumana Tunkara.  Bouna is also the President of the Gambia Association in Kinshasa, working with likeminded Gambians to promote the interests and welfare of the community in Congo. His wish is to leave a legacy in the Congo, and believes that Gambians wherever they are exhibit that humane spirit of love, care and solidarity.  

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

The ministry of petroleum and energy concludes forum on energy Charter

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

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

PURA sensitises operators on online information system for Tanker Trucks

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

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

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

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

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Former Jungler Bai Lowe Charged in Germany

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

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

IEC chairman suggests Paper ballot for Elections in the Gambia

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

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow returns from a two day working visit to DRC

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

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Thirty two Gambians successfully evacuated from conflict-stricken Ukraine.

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

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

The Gambia and DRC seek new Frontiers in Bilateral Cooperation

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

Continue Reading >>

Latest Updates

News First slide

PRESIDENT BARROW INAUGURATES ROADS, HEALTH PROJECTS IN CENTRAL RIVER REGION NORTH

President Adama Barrow continues his week-long development tour with the inauguration of key infrastructure and health projects in CRR North.The President also presented an ambulance to the community of Ballanghar Jaloto.President Barrow was seen off at Farafenni by a ceremonial guard from the 2nd Infantry Battalion of The Gambia Armed Forces before proceeding to Yalal Tankonjala.In Yalal, he laid the foundation stone for a new road connecting Yalal to inland communities. The road is expected to improve access and connectivity for residents.From Yalal, the President inspected the ongoing construction of an agro-logistics centre at Maka Farafenni on the main highway. The centre is jointly funded by the Government of The Gambia and the World Bank.When completed, the facility will include training, logistics, and food processing units, in line with the Ministry of Agriculture’s long-term plan for sustainable agricultural development.The President then returned to Farafenni to lay the foundation stone for the Farafenni Roads Project. The initiative aims to transform Farafenni into a major sub-regional trade and transit hub due to its strategic location on the Senegambia trade and transport corridor.The event was met with celebrations by residents.The President continued north to Ballanghar, where he was welcomed by large crowds. At the local health post, he presented an ambulance to the community.Residents celebrated the handover, describing it as a major step forward in healthcare delivery for the area.In Upper Saloum, President Barrow inaugurated the Njau, Bati-Gui Jahanka loop road. The road completes the North Bank road project, which runs from Kerr Gibbi in Upper Saloum to Nyanga Bantang in Niani District via Nianija.In Nianija, the President also inaugurated a new health post in Buduk — the first of its kind in the community.Minister of Health Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh described the facility as “another significant milestone”, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services.President Barrow said the opening aligns with his administration’s broader goal of ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Gambians.For residents of Buduk and surrounding villages, the new health post will provide primary care for women and children and reduce pressure on the nearest health centre in Chamen.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

NORTH BANK COMMUNITIES WELCOME NEW ROAD PROJECTS AS PRESIDENT BARROW LAUNCHES CONSTRUCTION

Communities in Lower Niumi, Upper Niumi, and Jokadu have welcomed new road projects launched by President Adama Barrow on Saturday as part of his nationwide development tour.In Fass Njaga Choi, the President laid the foundation stone for an 8.5km road linking Madina Manneh, Samba Johen, and Ndungu Chareh.Residents expressed joy and appreciation, saying the project fulfils a long-held community need.“This road has been our dream for years. We thank the President for remembering us,” one resident said.On the newly completed Hakalang Road, the President also launched the construction of a 15km feeder road in Bakalar. The road will connect Pakela Demba Solleh, Sare Mama, and Sare Bajonkoto.Alhaji Kala Darboe said the new road will create opportunities for women and farmers, while improving access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.The latest launches underscore the government’s renewed push to expand the country’s road network and bring development closer to rural communities.For residents of the North Bank Region, the projects represent tangible progress and renewed hope for improved livelihoods.President Barrow’s tour continues across the country this week.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

PRESIDENT BARROW INAUGURATES 17KM ROAD IN UPPER BADIBOU, LAUNCHES MORE PROJECTS IN NBR

President Adama Barrow on day three of his nationwide development tour inaugurated the 17km Salikenni–Banni–Njaba Kunda road amidst celebrations by local communities.The inauguration ceremony was held in Njaba Kunda. The President also laid foundation stones for new road projects in Barra and Daru Rilwan.Later, President Barrow addressed a large gathering in Njaba Kunda attended by residents of Upper Badibou.Speakers at the meeting thanked the President for investments in roads, health care, and agriculture in the region.North Bank Region Governor Lamin Saidykhan commended the government for what he described as unprecedented development that has transformed livelihoods in the area. He urged residents to reflect on the impact of these projects on ordinary people.The National Assembly Member for the area described the gathering as significant, noting ongoing support for the President in Badibou. He attributed this to the government’s track record of delivering roads and health centres, adding that previous administrations had failed to construct the road despite strong local support.Alhaji Jagne, Chief of Central Badibou, and Councillor Maimuna Bah expressed gratitude to the President. They recalled past difficulties accessing health facilities due to poor roads, and said patients can now reach care within minutes thanks to the new road, health centre, and provision of ambulances.Minister of Gender and Children’s Welfare, Fatou Kinteh, said President Barrow’s development agenda is visible across all sectors, particularly in women’s empowerment. She noted that women now hold influential positions in government and called on women to support the President, adding that Gambian women have pledged to contribute to his nomination fees in December.Managing Director of the National Roads Authority, Sulayman Sumareh, disclosed that the Salikenni–Njaba Kunda road is fully government-funded. He said the project will improve connectivity and enhance access to health, education, and other social services.In his address, President Barrow described the new road as part of his government’s plan to connect all communities across the country. “The North Bank Region has received unprecedented attention under this government with the construction of several roads,” the President said.He reassured citizens of his administration’s commitment to infrastructure and urged communities to take ownership and maintain the projects to serve their intended purpose.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

PRESIDENT BARROW BEGINS WEEK-LONG NATIONWIDE TOUR TO LAUNCH DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

President Adama Barrow on Saturday departed Banjul for a week-long tour of the country to launch, inaugurate, and lay foundation stones for key projects in infrastructure, health, and agriculture.The President is accompanied by a high-powered delegation of Cabinet ministers, technocrats, and supporters. The tour will take him to all regions of the country as part of his administration’s commitment to bring development closer to citizens.President Barrow was seen off at the Banjul Ferry Terminal by Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow, Cabinet ministers, heads of security services, and supporters. A guard of honour mounted by the Naval Fleet and the Army Battalion welcomed the Commander-in-Chief before he boarded the ferry to cross to Barra.Speaking on board, President Barrow said the tour reflects his government’s strategy of delivering social projects directly to ordinary Gambians.“Infrastructure is the foundation upon which all other sectors rely,” the President said, describing it as a key pillar of his development agenda.Upon arrival in Barra, the President was received by North Bank Region Governor Lamin Saidykhan, security chiefs, NPP regional executives, and members of the Gambia Democratic Congress who recently joined the NPP-led National People's Alliance.Outside the terminal, hundreds of supporters lined the streets to welcome the President.President Barrow laid the foundation stone for the Essau-Barra Back Way Road. He then travelled to Fass Njaga Choi to launch construction of an 8.5km road linking Madina Manneh, Samba Johen, and Ndungu Chareh.Communities expressed joy over the projects, saying the new roads will open access to markets and improve delivery of social services such as schools and health facilities.Similar scenes were witnessed in Kerr Samba Kalla, Upper Niumi, where the President laid the foundation stone for another 8.5km road connecting Ndungu Charreh, Lang Sarr, Malick Sarr, and Samba Yassin.The delegation later made a stop in Bakalar via the newly inaugurated Hakalang Road, where President Barrow laid the foundation stone for a 15km road to Pakela Demba Solleh, Sare Mama, and Sare Bajonkoto.The President’s tour continues across the country this week.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

NORTH BANK COMMUNITIES WELCOME NEW ROAD PROJECTS AS PRESIDENT BARROW LAUNCHES CONSTRUCTION

Communities in Lower Niumi, Upper Niumi, and Jokadu have welcomed new road projects launched by President Adama Barrow on Saturday as part of his nationwide development tour.In Fass Njaga Choi, the President laid the foundation stone for an 8.5km road linking Madina Manneh, Samba Johen, and Ndungu Chareh.Residents expressed joy and appreciation, saying the project fulfils a long-held community need.“This road has been our dream for years. We thank the President for remembering us,” one resident said.On the newly completed Hakalang Road, the President also launched the construction of a 15km feeder road in Bakalar. The road will connect Pakela Demba Solleh, Sare Mama, and Sare Bajonkoto.Alhaji Kala Darboe said the new road will create opportunities for women and farmers, while improving access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.The latest launches underscore the government’s renewed push to expand the country’s road network and bring development closer to rural communities.For residents of the North Bank Region, the projects represent tangible progress and renewed hope for improved livelihoods.President Barrow’s tour continues across the country this week.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

PPP EXECUTIVES ENDORSE PRESIDENT BARROW AHEAD OF DECEMBER POLLS

Prominent executive members of the People’s Progressive Party, PPP, led by former party leader Kebba Jallow, on Wednesday formally endorsed President His Excellency Adama Barrow and the National People’s Party, NPP-led Alliance, at State House.The delegation pledged to support the President’s candidature and work to ensure victory in the December 5th presidential election.Speaking to GRTS after the endorsement, Mr Jallow reaffirmed his support for President Barrow, saying the President has done so much for the country and deserves another term in office.Deputy Public Relations Officer of the NPP, Honourable Seedy S.K. Njie, welcomed the PPP executives into the Alliance. He said President Barrow is pleased to accept the endorsement.The PPP becomes the latest political party to throw its weight behind President Barrow, barely four months to the presidential election.President Barrow Meets GK Partners CEOIn a separate engagement, President Barrow also received in audience Mr Gibril Faal, Chief Executive Officer of GK Partners.Mr Faal briefed the President on the activities of GK Partners, particularly its ongoing Diaspora Fellowship project being implemented jointly with the International Organisation for Migration, IOM.He also updated the President on strides made in diaspora direct investment, noting that The Gambia now leads in monitoring remittance data through the Central Bank of The Gambia.President Barrow underscored his commitment to supporting the project and urged GK Partners to do more public relations work to inform Gambians about their initiatives.

Continue Reading >>