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

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LIBRARY & RESEARCH DEPARTMENT TRAINS STAFF

The Library and Research Department of the National Assembly of The Gambia certified participants to a weeklong training on Library Management and Research skills on Friday 30th September 2022.The objective of the training was to strengthen the capacity of librarians and researchers in the routine of supporting Members of the National Assembly in the performance of their legislative and oversight duties.Mr. Alhagie M Dumbuya, Director of Library and Research said the training was tailored around the duties and responsibilities of library assistants, classification of books, cataloging systems, and referencing from library resources.Deputy Clerk, Legislative Business and Programme, Mr. Daniel Cardos emphasised the importance of the training in the context that library and research services are highly sought after by both staff and Members of the Assembly. Mr. Cardos urged participants to apply the new skills on the job and share the knowledge with their colleagues.The lead trainer Ms. Matilda Johnson, former Director General of The Gambia National Library, and Mr. Alieu Sonko, Principal Librarian at the National Assembly guided the sessions through practical exercises at a pace measured to the need of fifty-eight representatives.The Library and Research Department offers impartial research services for Members on issues relating to National Assembly business and constituency work. It conducts briefings on topical issues and summaries of Bills being considered to adequately prepare Members both at Committee stages and Plenary sessions.   

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow and ECOWAS leaders meet Colonel Goita of Mali

President Barrow together with H.E President Nana Akufo Addo of the Republic of Ghana, Special Envoy, H.E President Goodluck Jonathan, Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, and the Foreign Minister of Togo, Mr. Robert Dussey, a representative of H.E Faure Gnassingbé of the Republic of Togo held a closed-door discussion with Colonel Goïta, on September 29th, in Bamako, to chart a robust way forward in support of the democratic transition process of the Republic of Mali.The mission was assigned by the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the regional body to negotiate the release of the remaining 46 Ivorian UN Peacekeepers, arrested in Mali, in July this year. The Mission is also part of ECOWAS’ drive to promote peace, democracy, and development in the West African Sub-region. A report on the outcomes of the engagement will be submitted to the authority in due cause.  

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

RESOLUTION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

WHEREAS the National Assembly considered the recommendations of the Consolidated Report of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) for the period 2016-2019 on the government and its various agencies’ audited accounts;RECOGNISING the good work of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee of the immediately preceding legislature – the fifth legislature and the Auditor General;APPLAUDING the Finance and Public Accounts Committee of the current legislature – the sixth legislature, in carrying over unfinished business of the previous committee;COGNIZANT of the provisions of the 1997 Constitution of the Gambia, Public Finance Act 2014, and the Financial Regulations of 2016;NOW THEREFORE RESOLVED: 1. That all outstanding impress be retired by October 31st, 2022; 2. That all unreconciled government transactions indicated in the audited accounts be reconciled by the Accountant General before the end of the financial year, 2022 and a report sent to the FPAC;3. That the government, through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, endeavours to table before the Assembly a revised Public Finance Bill and a revision of the Financial Regulations 2016 before the end of the financial year, 2022;4. That the Auditor General considers invoking his power under section 160(5) of the Constitution where discrepancies of a criminal or fraudulent nature are discovered during an audit;5. That the Auditor General considers including its report to the National Assembly all cases of criminal or fraudulent nature reported to the Inspector General of Police;6. That the Auditor General and the Accountant General provide to the National Assembly a list of all people that have been found to commit fraudulent activities in all sectors and give the latest update on their prosecution or repayments;7. That the Accountant General resolve all prior year closing balances and current year opening balances of the Government with respect to Loans and Grants be consolidated before the end of this financial year;8. That the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs must be part of any grant negotiations and be the recipient of all grants for and on behalf of the Government; 9. That all government projects shall use the IFMIS system for all the accounting processes by the end of this final year, 2022; 10. That any existing revenue collections by third parties shall be handed over to the Accountant General within ninety days;11. That the Auditor General considers initiating a special audit of all State-Owned Enterprises in line with section 160 ( 8 ) of the Constitution by the end of the financial year, 2022.  

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow travels to Mali

Following its extra-ordinary Summit held on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York, the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State has identified three Heads of State and Government, H.E. President Adama Barrow, Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Nana Akufo- Addo, Republic of Ghana and H.E. Faure Gnassingbé, Republic of Togo to form part of a high-level delegation designated to meet the interim President of The Republic of Mali, His Excellency Colonel Assimi Goïta.The delegation also includes the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray.In this regard, the public is hereby informed that H.E Adama Barrow will travel to Bamako on a day trip on Thursday, 29th September 2022.  

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Agric. Minister Launches the African Emergency Food Production Facility

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Demba Sabally, on Friday 23rd September 2022 launched the African Emergency Food Production Facility (AEFPF). The facility is supported by the African Development Bank through the Rice Value Chain Transformation Project (RVCTP).The AEFPF is additional financing that follows the joint meeting of the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Finance of the African Union on the African Emergency Food Production plan in which The Gambia participated. Speaking at the launching ceremony, Dr. Sabally informed the gathering that the Government of The Gambia is taking major strides to transform the Agriculture sector in addressing food security and meeting the nutritional needs of its people.He noted The Gambia’s high dependence on imports for staple and key commodities and said it has deepened the country’s vulnerability to external shocks such as global pandemics and crises.  

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

First Lady addresses Organization of African First Ladies for Development

The first lady Fatou Bah Barrow called for concerted efforts to improve the welfare of women, children, and the vulnerable in society. Madam Bah Barrow made the remark at a high-level working lunch convened by the Organization of African First Ladies for Development on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The meeting seeks to review the activities of the organization by adopting its proposed strategic priorities document with aligned visions for the next two years. Speaking at the event Madam Bah Barrow reaffirmed the Gambia’s commitment to extend the strategy document to 2024 prioritizing reproductive and maternal child health. She urged her colleagues to redouble efforts in enhancing the lives of the people. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Gambia yet to meet 70% vaccination target

The Director of Health Promotion and Education said the Gambia is still far from achieving the WHO’s target for 70% of the population to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Modou Njai was on Tuesday speaking to GRTS at the Central Medical Stores in Kotu. He said the Gambia is still at 20.3%  due to low turnout. He expressed hope that in addition to the routine vaccinations that have been ongoing at the health facilities, and the Covid-19 vaccination campaign that started on Monday 19th September, the country could reach a better target number. Mr. Njai said the Ministry of Health will continue to engage local authorities, religious leaders, youth organizations, and traditional communicators on the safety of the Covid-19 vaccines. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow reaffirms commitment in promoting Technical and Vocational Education Training

President Adama Barrow has reaffirmed his government's commitment to promoting Technical and Vocational Education Training to enhance scientific research, and creativity in the Gambia. The President made the remark at the UN Transforming Education Summit on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. President Barrow outlined the Gambia's efforts and strategies in promoting and providing quality and cost-effective education for Gambian children and young people. He said the initiative is a result of his government's commitment and belief that investing in structural reforms, innovative curricula adjustments, and improved training programs has the potential to enhance learning, creativity, interpersonal skills, and critical thinking capabilities with a renewed focus on technical and vocational education. The UN Transforming Education Summit is one of the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting that seeks to address challenges in global education.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

NAM begin debate on SONA

National Assembly Members today debated on President Barrow’s State of the Nation address. Lawmakers called for increased focus on growth and citizen participation to advance national development.  Vice President Alieu Badara Joof represented the president at the Legislative Chambers. Parliamentarians highlighted a raft of concerns to the Vice President raising the need for ministers to respond to the assembly whenever they are called upon. Honourable Kebba K. Barrow member of Kombo South called on the government to come up with strategies to aid post-Covid-19 recovery and farmers’ needs. Salieu Jawo for Jokadu hailed the government for the infrastructural development. Bakary Kora of Upper Fulladou West stressed the need for concerted efforts to mechanize the Jahally-Pacharr Rice Fields and increase access to clean drinking water and electricity for rural communities. Legislators urged the government to look into the high crime rate in the country, which has seen a fresh spike. The debate continues. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

The Gambia Government condemns the spate of homicides in the country.

President Adama Barrow has expressed shock and sadness over recent killings in the country. A press release, pictured above, from the government spokesperson Ebrima G Sankareh, says the President assures swift investigations and justice delivery. The statement follows five homicide cases around the country in a week.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Ambassador-designate Lamin Dibba presents letters of credence to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guteres

The Gambian Ambassador-designate to the United Nations H.E Lamin Dibba on Friday formally presented his letters of credence to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at UN headquarters in New York. Speaking to GRTS after the ceremony, ambassador Dibba outlined his priorities during his tenure as The Gambia's Permanent Representative to the UN. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening The Gambia's role in the advancement of global peace and security, especially at a time when the World is faced with increased tension caused by conflicts and environmental issues. Until his appointment as UN ambassador,  Lamin Dibba was the Minister of Environment and climate change. He replaces Ambassador Lang Yarbou who is now a Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Charitable organisations donate to EFSTH

Two charitable organisations, Open Hands Gambia and Save Our world donated drugs, and sanitary and electrical equipment to Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital. At a presentation ceremony on Wednesday the vice chairperson of Open Hands Gambia Adele Sock said the gesture was meant to complement the government’s efforts in the health care service delivery to Gambians. The Chairman of Save Our World, Gambia Chapter Abdou Jallow assured his organisation’s continuous support to the welfare of Gambians. Officials at the EFSTH promised the donors that the material will be put to good use. 

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 >>