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Gambia government holds "Major Press Conference"

The government of the Gambia on Thursday hosted a major press conference on the theme “Spotlighting the Banjul rehabilitation project” Chaired by the government spokesperson and adviser to the president on Diaspora affairs Ebrima G Sankareh the briefing was aimed at shedding light on public doubts about the Banjul rehabilitation project. The project came under fire following last month's powerful floods that hit the capital city and beyond. The Minister of information Lamin Queen Jammeh said the press conference was sanctioned by president  Adama Barrow to provide clarity on controversies that followed the unexpected floods.The questions from the press touched on how the contract was awarded to Gai construction company and whether the company had fulfilled its tax obligation as required under such contracts.  The minister of Works, Construction and Infrastructure Ebrima Sillah said there was another addendum on the contract that removed the tax exemption. He also explained that the government does provide a certain tax exemption on projects funded by the state or donor organisations. The Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority Yankuba Darboe said the contractor met all tax obligations and submitted audited accounts on time. Officials say powerful pumping machines have now been installed in the city. The machines they say would be able to efficiently empty flood water from the city.

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Eight Gambian women musicians to perform live at the Women's Unite Festival

Eight Gambian female musicians will perform at a live band concert dub Unite festival in September. The festival is being organised by Music in Africa Foundation (MIAF) under the auspices of the Music In Africa Live project 2022 (MIALive). The eight female musicians were drawn from the National Female Artists Association (NAFAA). Women's Unite Festival - The Gambia project is being implemented by NAFAA in the Gambia from 11th July 2022 to 18th September 2022.The event which will be held on Saturday, 17th September 2022 at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, Jama Hall will feature Sambou Susso, Cess Ngum, Lena B, Mariama Cham, Awa Gambia, Awa Bling, Sophia Bass, and Miss Jobizz. The recorded performances will be broadcast on the 24th  of September 2022 at 8 pm GMT on the Official NAFAA Facebook page, Gambian Talents TV, and Block Entertainment platforms.The performing artists expressed delight at the opportunity to take part in the project which is being held for the first time in the Gambia. Sambou Susso calls it a fantastic opportunity to unleash their talents and skills musically during these times. She said COVID-19 impacted the music sector and this is a way to get them back on their feet. The Program Director of NAFAA Kalilu Banja said that audiences can expect a highly professional acoustic live performance that will be historic and beneficial to artists and musicians.The Women’s Unite Festival - The Gambia is a program of Music In Africa Live, a project of The Music In Africa Foundation supported by the German Federal Foreign Office, Siemens Stiftung, and Goethe Institute.     

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Police to interdict police officer accused of rape

The Gambia police force says Sergeant Momodou Sarjo who was arrested and charged for rape will be interdicted and taken to court. A press release from the office of the IGP stated that the police officer was arrested on the seafront near the monkey park where he was said to have attacked a group of young people at a party. Officer Sarjo is alleged to have attacked the group and raped a twenty-two-year-old girl he captured while she tried to escape. The officer was arrested by the Police Intervention Unit and detained at the Senegambia police station where he was charged.  

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UAE detains thirty four Gambians at Immigration camp

The Ministry of Foreign affairs and Gambians abroad says it is working with Dubai authorities in securing the release of Gambian detainees there. A statement from the ministry said that thirty four Gambians were being held at an immigration detention camp in the United Arab Emirates.

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TICAD8: President Barrow Calls for the Transformation of Africa’s Challenges to Opportunities

His Excellency President has urged TICAD member states and partners to work together to transform Africa’s challenges into opportunities to drive its development priorities. The President was speaking on 27th August 2022 at the TICAD8 Conference in Tunisia. President Barrow emphasised the urgent need to support Africa’s youthful and diverse population to explore green businesses and other development opportunities. He said Africa is a burgeoning continent, but it must redouble efforts to explore its development objectives.  ‘‘Africa presents unique opportunities for closer cooperation with the world, but we must build enough capacity to finance and drive our development sustainably.” He noted. Speaking on the Japanese Government’s support to the continent amidst the ongoing global economic crisis, President Barrow commended the Japanese Prime Minister, His Excellency Fumio Kishida, and the Government and people of Japan ‘‘for assuming greater prominence in the collective endeavour to build resilient economies, communities, and environmental systems’’. President Barrow further expressed that while the continent needs to manage its biodiversity and ecosystem services effectively, it is equally vital to share best practices with the globe to overcome its development challenges. TICAD is a process involving not only African countries but also international organisations, the private sector, and civil society working for Africa’s development and promoting high-level political dialogue between African leaders and their partners on issues related to economic growth, trade and investment, sustainable development, human security, and governance.

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President Barrow arrives in Tunisia

His Excellency President Adama Barrow and his delegation have arrived in the Tunisian capital, Tunis, for the Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8). The President was received at the Airport by the Tunisian Prime Minister, Her Excellency Najla Bouden. The conference will bring together African leaders and their partners to discuss development objectives geared toward integrating Africa into the emerging global chain of research, innovation, technology and science.

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Physical Planning demolishes structures in Jabang

The department of physical planning has embarked on a demolition exercise in the Jabang area. The structures being demolished are said to be built on waterways blocking the flowing of water. In a letter dated 20th August 2022, sent to homeowners in Jabang, the department of physical planning and housing stated that the buildings were erected without a development permit and without prior approval of the Banjul planning authority. The letter ordered homeowners to remove or demolish the structures before the 22nd of August 2022. Distressed homeowners expressed anger at the action of the planning authorities, claiming they legally acquired the properties from the Social security and housing finance cooperation. They complained that the demolition notice came under forty-eight hours before the structures went under the hammer.  

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SRPEP Signs 6 Contracts for the Construction of Major Infrastructure of Project Intended Facilities

The Small Ruminant Production Enhancement Project (SRPEP) through the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) recently signed six (6) contracts for the construction of the project’s major infrastructure facilities. The Ministry of agricumture announced on its social media handle that the contracts were awarded to Gambian contractors. The statement indicated that the facilities include community pastures, rehabilitation of DLS LAB Abuko, a veterinary drug outlets, a fattening and breeding schemes, mini dairy, milk collection centres, slaughterhouses, meat stalls, and farmer demonstration in YBK. Mamud Njie, SRPEP project director said the facilities will help the project fulfill its objective of improving the livelihood of livestock farmers and strengthen the production and productivity and resilience of rural communities. He added that it will stimulate business entrepreneurship in the livestock sector.

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UN experts arrive to support emergency response to flood victims

An eleven (11) member team deployed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has arrived in Banjul. They were received by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Banjul. A statement from the UN Banjul office says the team was deployed following consultations between The Gambia Government and the UN Resident Coordinator’s office due to the recent flooding, support was requested for UNDAC deployment. The team will support the emergency response to the recent flood that claimed the lives of eleven people, rendered over five thousand others homeless, and severely affected over 40,000 people.  Several communities remain submerged following the 31st July deluge causing a high risk of disease outbreaks due to contaminated waters. The team of experts will support the country in various areas such as:– Disaster and emergency assessment, analysis and coordination processes assessment & analysis, mapping, situational analysis, and coordination. – Strengthening information management systems.– Humanitarian resource mobilization through OCHA funding tools and other options through key humanitarian donors. – Assessment, reporting, and coordinating response to environmental impacts arising from the flood impacts. – Public health assessment and coordination of response to public health impacts arising from the floods. 

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West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2022 Results.

The West African Examinations Council, Banjul office is pleased to announce the release of the results of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates, 2022. A total of 15, 360 candidates from 136 Seniors Secondary Schools registered for the examination. This represents a decrease in the candidature of 5.38% over the previous year's entry figure of 16, 234 candidates.Out of the 15, 360 candidates that registered for the examination this year 6, 319 (41.14%) were male, while 9, 041 (58.86%) were female.In the 2022 WASSCE for school candidates, The Gambian candidates registered in 32 subjects which included English Language, Mathematics, and a host of Science, Arts, Commerce, Technical and Vocational subjects.Six hundred and five (605) candidates (3.94%) obtained credit passes in five subjects and above including English language and Mathematics. On a gender basis, 316 (5.00%) male candidates had five credit passes and above in which English Language and Mathematics are included, while 289 (3.20%) female candidates had five credit passes and above in which English Language and Mathematics are included.A summary of the performance in WASSCE for school candidates, 2022 in terms of the number of credit passes obtained and the percentage of candidates that obtained such (a) number of credit passes is given below. Credit Passes In Numbers of Candidates % of Candidates 9 subjects 201 1.31 8 subjects 336 2.19 7 subjects 426 2.77 6 subjects 547 3.56 5 subjects 679 4.42 4 subjects 932 6.07 3 subjects 1,262 8.22 2 subjects 2,049 13.34 1 subjects 3,667 23.87 On behalf of the Chairman and Registrar to the Council, the Head of National Office wishes to register the Council’s profound appreciation of the immense support rendered by The Gambia Government through the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE). In a similar vein, the Council also recognises and appreciates the fruitful efforts of other stakeholders, including its esteemed Examiners, Principals of Senior Secondary Schools as well as the Conference of Principals of Senior Secondary Schools (GAMCOP) who immensely contributed to the successful conduct of the examination.

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Gold again for Gina at the Islamic solidarity games

Gina Bass has successfully defended her title in the women’s 200m race at the Islamic games in Konya, Turkey. Bass finished the dash in 22.63 seconds, an unprecedented feat ever achieved by a Gambian track and field athlete. Gina is now the most decorated Gambian track and field athlete. Wurrie Njadoe, a promising young Gambian athlete finished fourth in the finals.  

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Four security personnel die in a convoy accident

The Office of the President regrets to inform the public that an unfortunate fatal accident involving five State Guard personnel occurred today at Ndemban while escorting reserve vehicles of the convoy to Mankamang Kunda.Four security personnel, Lance Corporal Kebba Sanneh, Corporal Ansumana Danso, Lance Corporal Saikou Touray, and Lance Corporal Ousman Jobe, were pronounced dead at Bwiam General Hospital.First Class Ndedeh Bahoum is currently being managed at Bwiam General Hospital, and his condition is reported Non Critical and Clinically Stable. All clinical assessments and initial investigations are considered normal and will be subsequently referred to Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital- Ndemban Center for further specialist assessment and evaluation. President Barrow profoundly regrets this unfortunate accident and prays Allah Subhana wa ta'allah to grant them the highest of Jannah. The President extends his deepest sorrow to their families and wishes Ndedeh Bahoum a speedy recovery.  

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Latest Updates

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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