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

African Commission on Human and People’s Rights holds 73rd extra ordinary session in The Gambia

The Vice president, Dr. Badara Joof on Friday presided over the official opening of the 73rd session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights. Ansumana S.O Nyassi reports. In his opening statement, Vice President Badara Joof, described the commission as one of the most important pillars of development in Africa. He cited numerous reforms and human rights endeavours including the establishment of the truth commission, as a clear testament to the Gambia government’s political will to strengthen democracy and human rights in the Gambia and beyond.Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Human and People’s Rights, Remy NgoyLumbu, said the extraordinary session is a moment of stocktaking, to assess the current situation of Human Rights in Africa. She implored member states to amplify efforts to strengthen human rights in Africa. Hanna Forster member of the NGO Steering Committee and African Court on Human and Peoples Rights underscored the achievements of the commission. She said the aspiration of the commission is to create an Africa where people live in peace and enjoy freedom, justice, and development.Preceded by the swearing-in of a newly elected commissioner, the extraordinary session marks its 35th anniversary, the 20th anniversary of the resolution against the death penalty, the 10th anniversary of the Kampala convention, and the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa. Fridays’ event was attended by the Gambia’s Chief Justice, Hassan B. Jallow, who was recognized for his role in drafting the charter that established the commission in 1987.  Senegal’s minister of Justice and other high-profile dignitaries from across the continent were also present.  

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

China: 20th CPC Congress opens in Beijing

Delegates from different cities and provinces across China are in Beijing for the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).President Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee will preside over the opening session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.The Congress is the biggest political convergence in the Asian giant nation. The meeting is a platform to hear different opinions, make informed decisions and strategic directions in all facets of development under a people centred government led by president Xi.The spokesperson for the Congress Sun Yeli announced on Saturday that everything was set for the mega event, with over 2000 delegates confirmed to attend.The CPC was founded in July 1921 by the late visionary Chinese leader, Mao Zedong in Shangai, the current financial city of China.Since then the  party has been gaining momentum with growing public trust for pursuing examplary leadership. China boasts of communism with Chinese characteristics as manifested in Xi Jinping's thought of communism, creating a community of shared future for mankind.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow Appoints Trade Minister

His Excellency, Mr Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, in accordance with section 71(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, has relieved Honourable Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof of the portfolio of Minister responsible for the Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Policy Coordination and Delivery.In the same vein, President Barrow in accordance with Section 71(1) and Section 71 (3) of the Constitution appointed Honourable Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof as Minister responsible for the portfolio of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment with immediate effect from today, 13th October 2022.Also, by the same Constitutional provisions, His Excellency, the President today, 13th October 2022, appoints Mr Baboucarr Bouy as Minister of Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Policy Coordination and Delivery, effective 1st November 2022.    

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow receives GFF new Executive

President Adama Barrow on Friday received the Executive Committee of The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) at the State House. The GFF was at State House to introduce its new leadership to the Gambian leader. The GFF delegation included its President Lamin Kaba Bajo, the Vice Presidents, and Executive committee members. The meeting came barely a month after the new executive secured another four-year mandate to run the affairs of football in the countryPresident Barrow congratulated them for securing a new mandate and encouraged the GFF leadership to remain committed to the development of football in the country. He promised the government’s continued financial support for football. The GFF thanked the government for its support of football, which they said helped the Gambia qualify for the first time to the African Cup of Nations. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow Summons Emergency Cabinet Meeting on AKI Deaths in The Gambia

President Adama Barrow said the recent Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) outbreak in the country is a challenging time for the government, families, and the people, and called on all to close ranks to come out of the crisis better prepared.  He made the call during an emergency Cabinet meeting he summoned on Thursday, 13th October 2022, for an update on the 66 plus AKI deaths associated with contaminated Indian-made syrups imported into The Gambia in June this year.According to updates, as of 13th October 2022, the number of AKI deaths related cases has risen to 70, and all may be linked to the use of the said contaminated drugs.  The President was emphatic that his government is determined to unearth the details of the cases, as “the children died in unusual circumstances.”  Accordingly, a directive was issued to open criminal investigations. The ongoing police investigations have established the importer, licensee, and quantity of, drugs imported in June 2022. Atlantic Pharmaceuticals Company Limited brought into the country a consignment of 50,000 units of medicinal syrup, of which the Health Authorities recalled over 41,000. However, over 8,000 units are still unaccounted for.The probe established that the Medicine Control Agency – MCA was established by the Medicines and Related Products Act 2014.   At the time it started product registration in 2017, there were thousands of unregistered products in the country.  This was due to a lack of testing facilities in The Gambia and the exorbitant cost involved in outsourcing the testing. However, Cabinet was informed that the World Bank has agreed to establish a medicines and drugs testing facility in The Gambia. Furthermore, there is an ongoing international medical investigation in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) of the United States of America and Africa, looking into the medical causes of AKI deaths among children in The Gambia and related medical matters.Having received an in-depth briefing on the AKI death cases, Cabinet concluded by setting up a broad-based Commission of Inquiry, whose terms of Reference and Composition will be gazetted shortly.  

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

GAF GRADUATES NEW RECRUITS

 A rare sight, ground and occasion coming after five years of intense preparation and training. This is the passing out of recruit intake 37 of the Gambia armed forces which comes after the lifting of the moratorium on recruitment by the Barrow administration. This is a significant move joining efforts to rebrand the military into a more  professional force in line with international best practices. As an institution guided by a unique mandate to protect and safeguard the country’s territorial integrity, boosting numbers is vital for capacity to support national objectives in the execution of the army's constitutional role. The passing out is the culmination of twenty weeks of rigorous training building professionalism and high standards of regimentation for the new cohort.A   a total number of 226 out of the 234 initially enrolled are now ready to take up task as expected, serving with diligence, integrity, respect and loyalty. As elated as they are for completing their training, the journey ahead might be daunting but is duty bound with expectations to protect the aspirations of people they serve as enshrined in the constitution.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

ECOWAS NATIONS MEET TO DISCUSS ECONOMIC CRISIS

The African continent has been hit by unprecedented economic crises since the outbreak of covid-19 with slow recovery gravely disrupting growth and pushing millions of Africans into poverty. The decline in economic activity forecasted at 7.6 percent essentially marks the undesirable impact of previous years.A convergence of experts from Ecowas English-speaking countries in Banjul is discussing the slow pace of recovery, taking stock of the current inflation and microeconomic estimates for 2022. The convergence will shape tangible mechanisms and contribute to efforts orienting national and sub-regional policy development and programmes and assess the impact of the recent crises to produce short-term forecasts.Africa is faced with vast structural trials such as climate change posing environmental threats and disruption of supply chains in energy, food and agriculture inputs has drastically contributed to increased inflation and food scarcity.The war in Ukraine has dire economic consequences on African countries dependent on imports and has pushed millions below the poverty line as food and fuel prices escalate.The Gambia is amongst targeted countries including Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone sharing best practices assessing recent economic challenges to enhance institutional collaboration. According to experts’ progress has been made in the ECOWAS single currency, while in 2019 global GDP growth was marked at 2.5%, it sank in the following year with a tentative recovery in 2021. The emergence of global unrest and war has additionally decreased economic dynamics and growth.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

IMF Briefs President Barrow on its 5th Review Mission

President Adama Barrow called on IMF to consider in its advisory, the difficult economic situation impacting the lives of the poor citizens, as the economy recovers post-COVID-19. The President made the remarks on Tuesday, 4th October 2022, when the International Monetary Fund Mission Chief, Mr. Ivohasina Fizara Razafimaheta, paid a courtesy call on him at the State House in Banjul.  At the end of a closed-door meeting, the IMF Mission Chief said his team briefed the President on the conclusions of the 5th Review Mission of the Government's Programme, supported by the IMF under the Extended Credit Facilities arrangements. He added that they discussed the economic developments in the first six months of the year and the Government's policy direction for the next six to twelve months.  Speaking to the media on inflation, Mr. Razarfiaheta contextualised the inflation and price hikes in The Gambia, saying the inflation witnessed by the Gambia is one driven by external factors like the war in Ukraine, which is affecting global fuel and food prices. "Is an inflation being seen in many countries around the world, not only in The Gambia", He noted.While acknowledging the Government's efforts to relieve the hardship that higher prices of commodities are inflicting on the population, the IMF Mission Chief said they are advising Government on steps to contain the increase of inflation and the foreign exchange the country is facing. He added that they would consult with the Central Bank of The Gambia on policy options to address the economic situation.  Despite the floods that marred this year's rainy season and the weak performance, the IMF Mission Chief's assessment of the Gambian economy activities found that, even though tourist arrivals have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels, there are an increasing number of tourists arriving, a thriving construction industry, and an anticipated bumper harvest in 2022.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

NDLEA confirms suspected 840kg blocks seized are cocaine

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has conducted a forensic test on suspected 840kg blocks of cocaine seized from suspected traffickers in different locations. Six suspects, five Sierra Leoneans and a Gambian, were arrested by narcotics officers. The suspected substance tested positive for cocaine. The Public Relations Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Ousman Saidybah said the alleged drug trafficking is transnational with links across borders. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

National Health Insurance Authority develop health benefit package for the National Health Insurance Scheme

The National Health Insurance Authority on Tuesday began a three-day meeting to discuss the development of a health benefits package for the National Health Insurance Scheme across the country. The meeting brought together medical and health experts to map out targeted disease or service areas, for the essential healthcare package. The Minister of Health Dr. Amadou Lamin Samateh said the Authority is engaging medical and health experts to identify critical areas under the scheme. He said the development of the scheme will accelerate efforts to meet SDG 2030. The health minister also said that the Health Insurance Scheme would be available to both the public and private health facilities. The World Health Organization’s country representative Dr. Desta Tiruneh advised participants to consider the benefits package in line with available resources for health care service delivery. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Fuel pump prices reduced

The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has announced the reduction of fuel prices from the 1st of October 2022. The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the ministry in publishing a new price structure. Petrol will now be sold at D77.89 per litre and Diesel at D73.00 per litre. The Ministry said the reduction was prompted by a marginal decline in global oil prices. The reduction followed price hikes said to have been caused by global supply chain disruptions, and geopolitics of the world.  The statement says that the government will continue to continue to subsidise pump prices for diesel and monitor oil prices and pass on any reduction to consumers.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

The Gambia’s TRRC, a Model for the Rest of the World – US Ambassador–at–Large

President Barrow today outlined plans for implementing the recommendations of the Truth Reconciliation and Reparation Commission -TRRC during a discussion held with a leading expert on Transitional Justice, the US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, H.E Beth Van Schaack, at the State House in Banjul.  Ambassador Van Schaak called on the President to extend the support of the United States Government in bringing justice to the victims of the former regime.   After her meeting with President Barrow, Ambassador Van Schaack informed the media that The Gambia has an astounding reputation globally when it comes to International Justice. She hailed the TRRC as a model for the rest of the world. She applauded The Gambia’s efforts to file a case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice involving the genocide against the Rohingya Muslims minority in Myanmar.Reporting further on the implementation of the TRRC, Ambassador Van Schaack said President Barrow acknowledges the importance of this process and emphasised the need for reparations to ensure that those found guilty of human rights violations by the Commission are held accountable.  She extended the US government's support in this process, saying, ‘‘you are creating the state of the art of transitional Justice, and we stand ready in the United States to support your process’’. The Ambassador also reported that she updated the President on the case of a former ‘‘Jungler’’ living in the United States. She said charges had been brought against that individual, six counts of torture and one count of conspiracy to commit torture.Ambassador Van Schaack was accompanied to the Presidency by the US Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E Sharon L. Cromer, and other senior staff from the Embassy.  

Continue Reading >>

Latest Updates

News First slide

PRESIDENT BARROW PERFORMS UMRAH IN HOLY CITY OF MAKKAH

His Excellency President Adama Barrow and his delegation have arrived in the Holy City of Makkah from Medina to perform Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage.Dressed in Ihram, a symbol of purity and humility, the President and his delegation travelled to Makkah aboard a two-hour train journey to Islam’s holiest city.Consular Ebou Ndure said the trip to Makkah marks the climax of the President’s spiritual journey, which has so far included visits to the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, Masjid al-Quba, and the Mountains of Uhud.Inside the VIP coach, the atmosphere was calm and reflective, filled with religious chants as the President reaffirmed his intention to perform Umrah in accordance with Islamic teachings and traditions.On arrival in Makkah, President Barrow was received by officials from the Royal Palace and escorted to the Royal Guest House overlooking the Holy Kaaba.Shortly after, he was led to Masjid Al-Haram to begin the Umrah rites. The President first performed Maghrib prayers at the Holy Kaaba alongside members of his delegation.He then proceeded to perform Tawaf, circling the Holy Kaaba seven times, aboard specially designated vehicles reserved for heads of state and dignitaries.Following Tawaf, President Barrow performed Sa’i, walking between Safa and Marwa. The nearly 2km journey, completed seven times, relives the footsteps of Hajara, wife of Prophet Ibrahim, who made the same trek in search of water for her son, Prophet Ismail.After completing all prescribed rituals, the President returned to the Kaaba to perform Ishaa congregational prayers, marking the conclusion of the Umrah rites.President Barrow was later escorted back to the Royal Guest House. He is expected to travel to Jeddah for a series of engagements, including a meeting with members of the Gambian community in Saudi Arabia.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

PRESIDENT BARROW MEETS AFDB PRESIDENT TAH TO DEEPEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY PARTNERSHIP

President Adama Barrow on Friday received a high-level delegation from the African Development Bank Group, led by its President Dr Sidi Ould Tah, at State House. The two sides reviewed the existing partnership between The Gambia and the AfDB and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, electricity, and other priority development areas.Dr Ould Tah was accompanied to the State House by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Sidi Keita. Speaking to reporters after the talks, the AfDB President expressed appreciation to President Barrow for The Gambia’s strong support to the Bank and for the “fruitful partnership over the years.”Dr Ould Tah reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to continue supporting The Gambia to deliver on key sectors and projects aimed at improving the quality of life and livelihoods of citizens. He commended The Gambia under President Barrow’s leadership for its “impressive performance” in economic management, domestic resource mobilisation, and reforms of key state institutions.“We also congratulated the Gambian leader on the country’s microfinance performance, growth, domestic resource mobilisation, and reforms related to state enterprises and procurement,” Dr Ould Tah said. “The Gambian Leader gave us clear direction on the priorities of his government and his development vision for the country. The African Development Bank Group is keen to provide funding and support across all sectors to match that orientation.”Minister of Finance Sidi Keita said The Gambia remains committed to working with development partners like the AfDB to strengthen growth and development. He described the visit as “a strong vote of confidence and trust in The Gambia.”Dr Ould Tah and his delegation will remain in The Gambia for several days. They are scheduled to hold engagements with officials from various government sectors to review existing cooperation and explore new areas of partnership with government and other stakeholders.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

VP JALLOW MEETS GUINEA-BISSAU COMMUNICATION MINISTER 

The Guinea-Bissau Minister of Social Communication and Government Spokesperson, Hon. Dr Abduramane Turé, has paid a courtesy call on The Gambia’s Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, at State House. The visit is aimed at strengthening ties between Bissau and Banjul. Minister Turé was accompanied to the Vice President’s office by Guinea-Bissau’s Ambassador to The Gambia, Luís Camara de Barros, alongside The Gambia’s Minister of Information, Dr Ismaila Ceesay, Permanent Secretary Codu L. Jabang, and Director of Information Services, Aisha Davis.The delegation held a closed-door meeting with the Vice President. Afterwards, Minister Turé addressed the press on key issues discussed.“I did not come to discuss a specific agenda with His Excellency the Vice President. I'm here to brief him on the core objectives of my mission to The Gambia, and further update him on the current status of bilateral cooperation in the field of media and social communication,” he said.Minister Turé commended the cordial relations between Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia, describing them as strong and mutually beneficial.The Guinea-Bissau official also praised the Vice President for the warm reception, saying VP Jallow reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the development agendas of both countries. He expressed optimism that the visit will further deepen bilateral ties.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

PRESIDENT BARROW ARRIVES IN SAUDI ARABIA FOR SIX-DAY VISIT

His Excellency President Adama Barrow has arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a six-day official visit.The President is accompanied by a high-powered delegation comprising First Lady Sarjo Mballow Barrow, the Chief of Staff and Minister of the Presidency Aliu Loum, and the Commissioner General of The Gambia Revenue Authority Yankuba Darboe.President Barrow was received on arrival by His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nahar Al Saud, Governor of Madina, His Excellency Mambury Njai, The Gambia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Deputy Ambassador Omar Baldeh, and Consul General at The Gambia’s Consulate in Madina, Ebou Ndure.Following his arrival, President Barrow held a brief tete-a-tete with Prince Saud at the Airport VVIP lounge. The President thanked the Saudi government for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.For his part, Prince Saud welcomed the President and his delegation to the Kingdom and reassured them of the Saudi government’s support to ensure a successful visit.President Barrow is expected to begin official activities in Madina on Friday with prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque and a visit to the Rawdah, where the Prophet PBUH and his two companions, Abubacarr and Omar, are buried.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

PRESIDENT BARROW: ‘NO COUNTRY CAN REACH ITS POTENTIAL WITHOUT EMPOWERING WOMEN AND GIRLS’

Over 730 young women graduate from SWEDD+ entrepreneurship training and receive D50,000 – D75,000 business grantsPresident Adama Barrow has said no country can realise its full potential without investing in women and girls, as The Gambia certified 730 beneficiaries under the Sahel Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Plus Project, SWEDD+. Speaking at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, the President said families thrive and communities grow stronger when women are supported. The ceremony recognised women and girls aged 15-24 who completed a three-month entrepreneurship training program under SWEDD+, implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare.The five-year project targets out-of-school women and girls to improve livelihoods, skills, and economic independence.A total of D117 million has been earmarked for more than 2,000 young women under the project. For this first cohort of over 700 graduands, each will receive between D50,000 and D75,000 in business grants.The Ministry has set aside D32 million to be disbursed directly to the new graduates to start or expand their businesses. Cheques and certificates were presented to regional representatives at the event.Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare described the event as a “milestone” toward economic independence for beneficiaries. He commended President Barrow for advancing gender equality, noting that the skills gained will “open doors” for the graduates.Alpha Humma, Project Manager for the Women Enterprise Fund, said the training will enable graduands to contribute meaningfully to society. He confirmed the D32 million grant facility to support business start-ups.World Bank Representative Franklin Mutahakana said entrepreneurship training helps break barriers that limit women and girls. “This program gives young women more economic uplift,” he said, and reaffirmed the Bank’s support for The Gambia’s women’s empowerment agenda.Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Kaddy Balajo thanked the President, the Ministry of Gender, and the World Bank. “Women and girls are not mere beneficiaries of development, but partners,” she said. “The skills, knowledge, and grants we have received will transform our lives.”In his keynote, President Barrow congratulated the graduands and said investing in human capital through SWEDD+ is critical for sustainable growth.He urged beneficiaries to use the grants wisely and serve as inspiration to others. The President reiterated government’s commitment to inclusive development and equal opportunities for all Gambians.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

FIVE STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES HAND OVER D137 MILLION IN DIVIDENDS TO PRESIDENT BARROW

Five state-owned enterprises, SOEs, handed over cheques totalling D137 million in dividend payments to President H.E. Adama Barrow at a ceremony held at State House on Tuesday. The unprecedented development marks a milestone in government-SOE relations, following reforms aimed at making the enterprises more profitable, better managed, and financially viable.For the first time in The Gambia’s history, SOEs lined up at State House not to request bailouts, but to return dividends worth over D130 million to the President.Board chairpersons, managing directors, and officials of the State-Owned Enterprises Commission gathered in the Cabinet Room to witness the ceremony. The five SOEs and their contributions were:1. Gambia Ports Authority: D70 million.2. Gambia National Petroleum Corporation: D50 million.3. Gambia Civil Aviation Authority: D5 million.4. Gambia Publishing and Printing Corporation: D5 million.5. The Gambia Radio and Television Services: D2 million.Chief of Staff to the President, Alieu Loum, who chaired the event, described it as unique. “The SOEs have fulfilled their obligations to government and to Gambians,” he said.The Chairman of the SOE Commission, Ousainou Ngum, said since the commission’s establishment three years ago, there has been remarkable improvement in the operations, management, and performance of state enterprises. He expressed hope that this transformation will continue, starting with this first dividend payment. Ngum also commended President Barrow for his leadership, oversight, and support to the commission and SOEs.In his keynote address, President Barrow described the ceremony as historic, noting it marks a turnaround for SOEs that, until 2024, were running a combined net loss of D2.4 billion. He attributed the performance to his government’s deliberate, sustained, and evidence-driven reform agenda focused on governance, accountability, and performance management.The President praised the SOE Commission for transforming public perception of state institutions and promoting efficiency. However, he urged all stakeholders to build on these achievements to address challenges affecting growth, liquidity, and profitability.President Barrow also reassured Gambians that the government will continue robust measures to end recurrent power cuts. He noted that NAWEC has improved its financial performance, enabling investment in the energy sector.He concluded by urging all SOEs to maintain the momentum, as the government remains committed to building efficient, functional, and robust state enterprises that deliver for the Gambian people.

Continue Reading >>