News Stories

News First slide

Khalifa General of the Niassen brotherhood meets President Barrow

The Khalif General of the Niassen brotherhood His Eminence Sheikh Muhammadul Mahy Niass has commended the President for his untiring efforts in enhancing peace and brotherhood between The Gambia and Senegal.  The Spiritual head of the Niassen brotherhood was speaking at State House during an audience with The Gambian leader. This is his first visit since ascending the highest post in the Niassen brotherhood and seeks to follow the footsteps of his predecessors by meeting his Talibehs or followers and the country's leadership. The President H.E Adama Barrow thanked the Sheikh and his delegation for what he called a special occasion.  He said religious leaders have a big role to play in fostering peace and unity on the continent, expressing believe that they will complement the efforts of governments in this direction. Commenting on the state of Senegal Gambia relations, President Barrow said he will continue to work with President Sall to take relations to the highest level possible, describing the two countries as one people with shared values and history.The President finally pledged to leave a legacy of peace and development that stand the test of time, adding such are the values that define good leaders. He however urged the Khalifa General to continue praying for the country, its people and leadership, describing prayer as a powerful tool. Speaking earlier, The Khalifa General His Eminence Sheikh Muhammadul Mahy Niass expressed gratitude to the President for granting him audience, commending him for his religious steadfastness. He urged African leaders to work together to resolve conflicts on the continent, citing his recent visit to Sudan in an effort to end the war in Darfur. The Sheikh also noyed with appreciation the marked improvement in relations between The Gambia and Senegal, attributing it to the efforts of the two leaders, whom he said have a shared vision of peace and good neighbourliness. The Senegalese High Commissioner to the Gambia H.E Basiru Saine heaped praises on the leadership of the two countries for building such unbreakable bonds of friendship and brotherhood, describing it as a classical example of African integration.  Imam Muntaha Faye described the meeting as historic. We have good relations with The Gambia, and this is set to continue in to the future, the Imam added. The High Representative of the brotherhood in The Gambia applauded the efforts of the President in promoting the relationship between The Gambia and Senegal, drawing comparisons with the first president Jawara who warmly welcomed the founder of the Niassen brotherhood in The Gambia. He described the Khalifa General as very humble, who has dedicated his life to scholarship and service to humanity The Khalifa General and delegation is expected to grace a massive religious conference later in the evening where he will dialogue with his followers as is customary.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

OIC Secretary General arrives in The Gambia

The President H.E Adama Barrow Friday received in audience the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Conference Hissein Brahim Taha at the State House. The OIC boss is in The Gambia  for discussions with Gambian officials on the preparations of the upcoming OIC summit to be held in The Gambia. Mr Taha arrived in The Gambia Thursday evening to assess the state of preparedness for the hosting of the OIC summit later this year.Speaking to reporters after his audience with President Barrow, Mr Taha reaffirmed the OIC member states' full support for The Gambia's hosting of the summit. During his stay in The Gambia, the OIC boss will visit project sites within the Greater Banjul Area to see first hand the level of preparedness. Currently the OIC in partnership with government is constructing the 50km dual carriage highway from the airport through the bertil harding to the Kairaba Avenue and a VVIP Presidential lounge at the airport. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

IGP frown over poor conditions of three police posts.

The inspector general of Police Abdoulie Sanyang has ordered the relocation of three police posts. A statement from the police says the relocation order was made following the IGP's visit to Farato, Latrikunda Picadilly, and Brikama Nyambai police posts. The IGP is on a nationwide tour of police officers and police facilities to assess their conditions. The statement indicated that the condition of the rented facilities was not conducive for police officers working there. The IGP observed that the facilities were not kept in good condition despite the high rent fees charged by the landlords. Regional police commanders have been asked to identify better locations in the communities for the police posts.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Three more men in police custody in connection with Kerr Mot Ali Arson attack

Police have arrested three more men, including one Senegalese national, in connection with the Kerr Mot Ali arson attack. The police are investigating an arson attack in May that destroyed several homes in Kerr Mot Ali in the central river region. The three men, Sagarr Ceesay Secka, Momodou Habiboulie Secka, and Abdou Ceesay are being held at the Bansang police station and are expected to be brought before the courts. Sagarr Ceesay Secka, a Senegalese national from Kerr man village is accused of being the ring leader behind the arson attack. Fourteen other men pleaded not guilty in May and were remanded in custody while police continue their investigations

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow to Receive Diplomatic Presentations

Media AdvisoryHis Excellency, Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, will tomorrow, Tuesday, 14th June 2022, receive several diplomatic representatives from different parts of the globe. In this regard, the Office of the President invites accredited media to cover the presentation of Letters of Credence starting at 9:00 A.M. Those invited must confirm their attendance by the close of work today.The Office of the President will strictly observe the dress code for accredited media.  

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

AGRIC MINISTRY STRIVES EFFORTS TO BOOST 2022 CROPPING SEASON

The government of the Gambia through support from the world bank funded project entitled ‘Gambia inclusive resilient agriculture value chain development project – (GIRAV) has officially handed over 50 metric tons of certified maize and 200 metric tons of certified rice seeds to the department of agriculture for delivery to the farming communities across the country.   This intervention, Demba Sabally the minister for Agriculture said, is in line with his ministry’s transformation agenda. The initiative is aimed at supporting the farmers to timely access certified seeds of improved varieties and reduce the cost of purchase and reliability of seeds. GIRAV project is formulated by the Gambia government and World Bank as part of efforts to address the challenges hampering the agriculture sector and overall national development targets. The World Bank has provided a grant of 40 million us dollars to the Gambia to fund the five-year project which aims to support agriculture value chain development.  Minister Sabally and partners from the World Bank presided over the launch and handing-over ceremony which was attended by Regional Agriculture directors, farmers, and coordinators of various Agriculture projects.  

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Tourism sector benefit from more COVID relief funds

The Gambia Red Cross Society in collaboration with the Spanish Red Cross disbursed over nineteen million dalasis to four hundred and fifteen individuals and eight selected associations of the tourism industry. The cash donation was part of a European Union covid-19 project. The Minister of Tourism and Culture Hamat N.K Bah thanked the EU and other partners for extending assistance to the informal tourism sector in the form of business training and cash grants.The president of the Gambia Red Cross Society, Jato Sillah, said the assistance is meant to improve the socio-economic situation of members of the tourism informal sector.The Project Manager, Spanish Red Cross, Carla Sala, referred to a study that revealed that most sectors of the economy showed some degree of recovery except the informal tourism sector which remained stagnant. She said recovery is crucial to provide sustainability and resilience in confronting any other unexpected event. The Secretary-General of the Gambia Red Cross Society, Alasan Senghore, said the GRCS is committed to delivering humanitarian assistance to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of people.The ITC Representative in the Gambia, Raimund Moser, said the project is relevant, to the tourism sector because it was heavily affected by covid-19.The EU Ambassador to The Gambia, Corrado Pampaloni, said the EU outlined this program of assistance to help the tourism sector rebuild its infrastructure, which is seriously affected by the slowdown in tourist arrivals and enable members to restart and diversify their activities. The President of the Craft Markets Federation Gibril Sanyang who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries assured the donors that the funds would be put to good use.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Massive oil spillage clean up underway at Mandinary

A 1.7m-Dalasi exercise to clear oil spillage in the river near Mandinary is underway following heavy fuel oil spillage at the Gam Petroleum depot in Mandinaring. This was announced at a joint press conference hosted by regulatory agencies tasked to look into the incident that occurred while a vessel, MT ST Sturla, was discharging heavy fuel oil at the Gam Petroleum depot in Mandinari. The agencies confirmed that a significant amount of oil spilled into the river and washed up on the coast. The vessel is reported to have discharged 1,501 tonnes of Heavy Fuel Oil, 1,430 tonnes of which were received by Gam Petroleum. Inspectors from the Public Utility Authority, the National Environment Agency, and the Gambia Maritime Administration are involved in the assessment of the damage. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Police temporarily lift ban on Commercial Tricycles

The Gambia Police Force has issued a statement allowing Tricycles (TukTuk) as commercial vehicles back on the roads. The three-wheel vehicles are allowed to ply the roads until the end of the year when their commercial license will expire. The mostly yellow-coloured tricycles were impounded following what the police say was an operation to decongest the roads and minimise accidents. The police backtracked after realising that the tricycles were wrongly issued with a commercial license and have taken the decision not to issue commercial licenses to tricycles anymore. The lifting of the ban is on condition that no tricycle will be allowed to ply the Westfield - Tabokoto, Westfield - Tippa Garage, to Sukuta Jabang Traffic Lights Road from 0700am to 7 pm daily.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow Reaffirms His Commitment to the Success of the Transitional Programme

President Adama Barrow, Friday, 10th June 2022, received the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Michael Gonzales at the State House in Banjul. The two held a long discussion about the Government’s reform programme and development priorities.President Barrow expressed commitment to support the transitional programmes for institutional and political reforms. The President assured Mr Gonzale that while his Government stands to ensure the implementation of the TRRC, CRC, and the institutional programmes, he called on partners to provide the necessary support. The President reiterated that together with all stakeholders, they would ensure justice, peace, reparation, and reconciliation prevail in the country. Mr Gonzales congratulated President Barrow on the country’s “free and fair” Presidential and National Assembly elections. He said the Gambian people had spoken clearly and now want the President to deliver on his promises. Gonzales pledged that The Gambia and the US would continue cooperating, highlighting developments between the two countries, particularly with the Millennium Challenge Corporation and USAID. He said his office would work with the US Embassy in Banjul to continue to support The Gambia’s development agenda.Gonzales was accompanied to the State House by the US Ambassador to Banjul, Sharon L. Cromer, and other embassy staff.  

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Gina Bass is African Champion

Gina Bass, Gambia's sensational sprinter wins the 100m race at the ongoing African Senior athletics competition in Mauritius. She clocks a national record of 11.6 secs. Meanwhile, the female relay team has qualified for The 4 x100 women's relay in the same competition with a winning time of 45:40 sec.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Gambia lost to Congo Brazzaville

The scorpions of the Gambia suffered a one-nil defeat in Brazzaville in their second game of the 2023 Africa cup of nations qualifiers. The Scorpions who were on the back of a one-nil victory against South Sudan in their first game were hoping for a second win against Congo who lost four zero to Mali in their first game. Antoine Makoumbou scored a 74th-minute screamer from outside the box to earn Congo the three points. The Scorpions will now wait until September when they will travel to Mali for the third game before hosting Mali again in the fourth round in the same month.  

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 >>