LRR gets new governor
President Adama Barrow has appointed Seedy Lamin Bah as Governor of the Lower River Region. Mr. Bah replaces Madam Rohey John-Manjang, who was appointed minister of Forestry and the Environment
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow has appointed Seedy Lamin Bah as Governor of the Lower River Region. Mr. Bah replaces Madam Rohey John-Manjang, who was appointed minister of Forestry and the Environment
Continue Reading >>His Excellency President Adam Barrow has pardoned eight prisoners, six Gambians and two Senegalese, on the occasion of eid el Adha. The move follows recommendations by the mercy committee.
Continue Reading >>According to the United Nations conference for trade and development UNCTAD, global trade was worth 28.5 trillion dollars in 2021. African share in global trade averages between 1% and 3%, indicating the continent's ability to take advantage of the wealth generated by world trade. These statistics serve as a wake-up call prompting the leaders of Economic Community of West Africa states ECOWAS through its Commission to convene a 5 day media training on trade advocacy for dozens of journalists from the 5 ECOWAS Anglophone member states in Lagos Nigeria.Addressing the participants, the Director of Trade, ECOWAS Commission Kolawole Sofola, highlighted the factors affecting trade agreement signed by African countries, including lack of capacity to produce, large informal trade sector, barriers to trade among others, that kept the continent on the margins of global trade. "We recognise that the role of media in the area of trade policy and trade related interventions has been very limited in our region due their lack of awareness of our business community, especially small and medium enterprises" he added.The lead trainer Dr Ken UKAOHA who doubles as the director General of west African institute for trade agriculture and development WAITAD, urged participants to refocus their reportage to trade and economic related issues by interrogating ECIWAS trade protocols thereby putting leaders to account. "Trade issues should serve as frontburners on your newspapers, radios, televisions and other media platforms to reposition our leaders to economic integration" he emphasized.The participants will be exposed to advocacy techniques, outreach principles, publicity and communication strategies. The training is under the Trade Facitation West Africa program organised by ECOWAS Commission and co-implemented by the German development cooperation GIZ with support from the world bank group, the US, Kingdom of Netherland.
Continue Reading >>The World Bank has provided a $68 million envelope for The Gambia to support the Diversification of the Tourism sector, Empower SMEs, Enhance Digital Economy, and Climate-resilient initiatives. A statement from the office of the president says the World Bank's continued support is evidence of The Gambia’s good performance during difficult circumstances such as the COVID 19 pandemic, as well as the country’s commendable track record in implementing sustainable projects for socio-economic development.
Continue Reading >>His Excellency President Adama Barrow has declared Monday, 11th July 2022, a Public Holiday throughout the country, in observance of the Muslim feast of Eid-ul Adha, commonly known as “Tobaski”.
Continue Reading >>The Ministry of youth and sports has announced that work on the renovation and remodeling of the Independent stadium will begin soon. The ministry said it had tendered the required paperwork to the Gambia public procurement authority GPPA which was approved. After the closing of the tender on the 24th of June, the ministry said its contract committee had assessed the bids and submitted its report, and recommended contractors to GPPA for approval. The ministry of youth and sports promises sports enthusiasts that it would fix the stadium and end its disqualification from hosting football matches. They clarified that the delay was due to the fact that the work which will cost the government over one hundred million dollars was not budgeted for. The government has now indicated the availability of the funds to carry out the work. CAF had banned the Independence stadium from hosting football matches for the senior national until it is renovated to the recommended CAF standard. The decision forces the Gambia to play its home matches on foreign soil. Therefore the Gambia played its home game against South Sudan at the Stade Latdior in Thiese Senegal.
Continue Reading >>The Ministry of health has slapped 371 public and environmental health officers with a two-month suspension from the beginning of July. In a letter dated 1st July, the ministry said the suspension without salary was a result of the staff's noncompliance to return to work after a long period of unauthorised absence. The health workers were on a sit-down strike in protest over unpaid allowances. Barely a week before sending the aggrieved staff on a two-month unpaid suspension, the ministry had issued a warning for the staff to return to work. A statement issued on June 25th stated that all efforts to resolve the dispute have failed. The ministry said steps being taken to ensure that extra allowances were paid were nearing completion.
Continue Reading >>Acting in accordance with the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia and upon consultation with the Public Service Commission (PSC), His Excellency President Adama Barrow, has appointed Ebrima G. Sankareh Government Spokesperson & Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs effective 20 June 2022. Directly answerable to the President of The Republic, the Spokesperson manages the political information of the President and centrally coordinates the strategic internal and external communications of the government. He speaks on behalf of the President, Cabinet ministers, and all other senior officials both nationally and internationally. Mr. Sankareh who was initially appointed by Barrow in June 2018, will with his expanded portfolio advise the President on best practices for harnessing the potentials of the Diaspora and guiding statutory entities in charge of Diaspora matters. In 2017 President Barrow declared the Diaspora as the 8th Region of The Gambia and with the appointment of Sankareh as Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, the government is showing the political will of addressing barriers to effective engagements with the Diaspora. Sankareh, a seasoned journalist holds double BA degrees in Political Science and History from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC, USA, and a Master of Arts Degree in English Literature from Graduate Schools of The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, U.S.A. He proceeded to the University of Birmingham at Edgbaston, UK for his Ph.D. studies in African Studies with a specialization in Literature. He had earlier graduated with a Teacher’s Diploma in English and History from The Gambia College and Bristol University, UK.
Continue Reading >>The vice-chair of the Gambia Football Federation electoral committeeSaikou B. Jarju has declared that the GFF presidential elections will take place on the 27th of August 2022 at a venue to be disclosed in due time.Mr. Jarju also stated that nominations will open on the 21st of July 2022 and close on July 28th and announcements of the candidates will be made on the 4th of August 2022. This will be followed by an announcement of the final list of eligible candidates on the 13th of August 2022.
Continue Reading >>The National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons [NAATIP] of the Republic of the Gambia and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons [NAPTIP] of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are cooperating in the fight against people trafficking. The two agencies signed a memorandum of understanding to prevent, suppress, and punish trafficking in persons of especially women and children in both countries and beyond.The agreement is aimed at establishing direct channels of communication, building trust, exchanging information, and taking a new approach in judicial cooperation to fight trafficking in person. The director of NAATIP Tulai Jawara Ceesay and Dr. Fatima Waziri-Azi of NAPTIP both said the agreement would help address their challenges when implemented effectively. The International Organisation for Migration’s chief of mission in the Gambia Fumigo Nagano expressed hope that the MoU will help tackle the menace. The High commissioner of the federal republic of Nigeria to the Gambia Muhammed Manu said there is a missing link in the fight against trafficking. Trafficking in persons is a crime and a human rights abuse. The three most common forms are sex, Labour, and Child trafficking. Recent reports by the IOM have indicated that over 30 billion US dollars have been earned by the criminals involved in trafficking with over 2 million people falling into their traps across the continent. These two parties in their drive towards the implementation of the provisions of the MOU have set up a Joint Implementation Working Group with equal representation of members from both the Gambia and Nigeria.
Continue Reading >>His Excellency President Adama Barrow in exercise of the powers conferred on him under Sections 71(1) and 71(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, has appointed Mr Ousman A. Bah as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, effective today, 24th June 2022.
Continue Reading >>Baba Hydara , son of the slain journalist Deyda Hydara has on Tuesday testified in the ongoing trial of a former member of Ex-President Jammeh’s hit squad Bai Lowe in Celle, Germany. Baba is one of the Plaintiffs in the trial of the former patrol team member. Bai Lowe is accused of being a member of the hit squad, known as the Junglers, between 2003 and 2006 and has allegedly participated in the assassination of opponents of former President Yahya Jammeh, including the murder of Deyda Hydara a journalist of the AFP news agency and Co-founder of Gambia daily The point Newspaper . Lowe is accused of crimes against humanity, murder and attempted murder including helping to stop Hydara’s car and driving one of the killers in his own vehicle.In a lengthy and cross-cutting testimony Baba discussed the history and content of the point newspaper where his father worked as well as his dedication to press freedom, Democracy and good governance. Baba explained that his late father had two columns in the newspaper called "Good morning Mr President and the Bite" where he wrote on issues of national concern and socioeconomic development. This according to Baba never went down well with the former president as he received several threats from the corridors of power. The witness also discussed the killing of his father, his family's reaction to the news of the murder and the subsequent difficulties endured by his family including financial and, educational challenges. He also detailed the psychological trauma as well as security threats his family encountered after the killing of his late father. He disclosed that no formal or impartial investigation was launched on the assassination of his father by government. However, the international Journalists network Reporters without Borders carried out some investigations and put pressure on government to investigate the matter. This he said led to government issuing a partial report tarnishing Deyda's reputation. The witness also discussed his understanding of the patrol team, the assassination of his dad, Dawda Nyassi and the attack on Ousman Sillah. He stressed that he never wanted to discuss the assassination of his father with anyone because it disturbs him. Baba also said that everything he knows about the work of the Junglers and murder of his dad came during his time with Gambia's victims center. The presiding judges also asked clarification on whether Ida Jagne and Isatou Jagne refer to the same person who was in the car during Deyda's assassination and the witness said he knows only Ida Jagne and not Isatou. The plaintiff's lawyer Dr Patrick Kroker asked about the Junglers who returned from Equatorial Guinea and the witness explained that they were arrested, charged and taken to court and later discharged. The witness said government intended to shut down the Point Newspaper and threatened Pap Saine, the co founder of the paper. Baba Hydara urged the government of the Gambia to ensure the implementation of the TRRC recommendations saying accepting them alone is insufficient. He expressed his commitment to fight for justice for his late father and other victims of ex-president Jammeh and his hit squad. He called for the swift prosecution of the perpetrators. The father-of-four, late Deyda Hydara worked as a Gambia correspondent for Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and was considered a doyen among journalists in the West African state. The court Presided by a panel of five judges is adjourned to Thursday 30th june 2022.
Continue Reading >>𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad expresses its deep sadness following reports of a boat incident involving migrants and extends its sincere condolences to the families and loved ones affected. The Ministry conveys its solidarity with all those awaiting information regarding the whereabouts and well-being of their relatives.At this stage, the identities and nationalities of the persons reportedly on board have not been officially verified. While preliminary information suggests that the vessel may have departed from The Gambia, the Ministry is engaging with the Spanish authorities and other relevant stakeholders to establish the circumstances of the incident and verify the information currently available.The Ministry is also liaising with the relevant Spanish authorities and, through its National Focal Point under the Rabat Process, maintaining contact with relevant counterparts and partners, including IOM and ICRC, as appropriate, to facilitate information-sharing and contribute to efforts to clarify the situation.The Ministry is mindful of the distress and uncertainty being experienced by families whose relatives may be missing. The Ministry therefore urges the public and all concerned to exercise caution regarding information that has not been officially verified, as inaccurate reports may cause further distress to affected families. Further information will be communicated, as appropriate, once the relevant facts have been established and verified.The Ministry remains concerned about the continued risks associated with dangerous and irregular migration journeys. It underscores the importance of continued cooperation among relevant authorities and stakeholders to promote safe and regular migration and protect vulnerable migrants from exploitation.The Ministry extends its deepest sympathies to all families and communities affected by this incident and appreciates the public's understanding, patience, and cooperation as efforts to establish the facts continue.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow on Friday inaugurated a new mosque in Gunjur, a project funded by the Presidency. The ceremony drew cabinet ministers, senior government officials, religious leaders, elders, and residents of Gunjur and neighbouring settlements.On arrival, President Barrow was received by West Coast Region Governor Ousman Bojang and the Minister of Regional Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, Hamat N.K. Bah, along with other dignitaries.(Minister of Regional Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, Hamat N.K. Bah welcoming President Barrow as he arrived in Gunjur.)By noon, the mosque and its compound were filled, with many others seated outside for the historic opening.Imam Alhagie Muhammed Lamin Touray led the prayer service. In his sermon, he preached peace, unity, and stability, and urged Muslims to fulfil their religious obligations with dedication.(Imam Alhagie Muhammed Lamin Touray, who was a former President of The Gambia's Supreme Islamic Council, delivering the sermon.)The Imam then led the two-rakat prayer marking the official inauguration of the mosque.Speaking after prayers, Imam Touray expressed profound gratitude to President Barrow for sponsoring the construction. He recalled past challenges the community faced in raising funds for a mosque, and said the President had fulfilled their long-held dream."This singular act will enhance the spiritual development of the community," Imam Touray said. He also thanked women, youth, and religious leaders for their support during the project.(President Barrow flanked by Chief Falalo Touray and Alkalo Dembo Darboe of Gunjur.)Chief Falalo Touray and Alkalo Dembo Darboe of Gunjur also commended the President. They noted that the mosque, together with ongoing road and infrastructure projects, will promote the religious and social development of Gunjur. They urged residents to support the President to enable him to continue his development agenda.Minister Hamat N.K. Bah described the mosque as one of the most modern in the country, built to meet contemporary architectural standards.He disclosed that President Barrow has funded several mosque projects nationwide, reflecting his commitment to Islam and the spiritual development of Muslims.The Minister echoed calls for Gambians to support the President’s re-election bid in December. He also thanked elders and religious leaders for preaching peace and tolerance, and urged them to continue guiding to preserve national tranquillity.In his inaugural statement, President Barrow thanked the Gunjur community for the honour, noting he had long pledged to support the project.(President Barrow addressing worshippers after the prayer.)He described Gunjur as a historic Islamic settlement that produced renowned scholars including Omar Bun Jeng and Hatab Bojang. He said mosques play a vital role in the spiritual and moral development of society.The President thanked anonymous donors who supported the construction and urged the community to pray for them. He called the mosque a progressive project that has changed the infrastructural landscape of Gunjur.President Barrow challenged residents to take good care of the mosque and its facilities, and pledged government support for its upkeep and maintenance.On the upcoming December elections, the President urged Gambians to pray for peace. He reassured the nation of the government’s commitment to a smooth and credible process."There are no losers in elections," President Barrow said. "A peaceful and credible process promotes The Gambia’s image as a democratic country."The President departed Gunjur to a large farewell crowd.
Continue Reading >>Dr Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, has received the prestigious Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture Award for her outstanding contribution to the promotion of the rule of law, justice, and human rights globally.Dr Bensouda delivered the 19th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in 2021. In recognition of that address and her longstanding commitment to justice and accountability, the Nelson Mandela Foundation honoured her with a commemorative award bust.During Dr Bensouda’s visit to South Africa in November 2025, the Foundation proposed to present the award in person. Due to time constraints, it was received on her behalf by Her Excellency Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay, High Commissioner of The Gambia to South Africa, in Pretoria.Madam Jahumpa Ceesay later brought the award to London, where she formally presented it to Dr Bensouda in a brief ceremony at the Gambian High Commission.The recognition places Dr Bensouda among a distinguished group of global leaders associated with the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture. Past lecturers and honourees include former U.S. President Barack Obama, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former South African President Thabo Mbeki, Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai, and philanthropist Bill Gates.The Annual Lecture is one of the Foundation’s flagship programmes and celebrates individuals who advance the values of human dignity, justice, and equality championed by Nelson Mandela.The award is a fitting acknowledgement of Dr Bensouda’s distinguished career in international law. As former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, she played a key role in advancing accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity.The High Commission said the honour reflects not only Dr Bensouda’s personal legacy, but also The Gambia’s continued commitment to justice, the rule of law, and human rights on the global stage.
Continue Reading >>𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad expresses its deep sadness following reports of a boat incident involving migrants and extends its sincere condolences to the families and loved ones affected. The Ministry conveys its solidarity with all those awaiting information regarding the whereabouts and well-being of their relatives.At this stage, the identities and nationalities of the persons reportedly on board have not been officially verified. While preliminary information suggests that the vessel may have departed from The Gambia, the Ministry is engaging with the Spanish authorities and other relevant stakeholders to establish the circumstances of the incident and verify the information currently available.The Ministry is also liaising with the relevant Spanish authorities and, through its National Focal Point under the Rabat Process, maintaining contact with relevant counterparts and partners, including IOM and ICRC, as appropriate, to facilitate information-sharing and contribute to efforts to clarify the situation.The Ministry is mindful of the distress and uncertainty being experienced by families whose relatives may be missing. The Ministry therefore urges the public and all concerned to exercise caution regarding information that has not been officially verified, as inaccurate reports may cause further distress to affected families. Further information will be communicated, as appropriate, once the relevant facts have been established and verified.The Ministry remains concerned about the continued risks associated with dangerous and irregular migration journeys and underscores the importance of continued cooperation among relevant authorities and stakeholders to promote safe and regular migration and protect vulnerable migrants from exploitation.The Ministry extends its deepest sympathies to all families and communities affected by this incident and appreciates the understanding, patience and cooperation of the public as efforts to establish the facts continue.
Continue Reading >>On the sidelines of his visit to the Republic of Gabon, President Adama Barrow on Monday toured landmark projects in the capital, Libreville, and met with members of the Gambian community.The President, accompanied by First Lady Fatou Bah Barrow, began with a visit to a major hotel constructed by a Turkish conglomerate that has helped transform Gabon’s hospitality industry.The Chief Executive Officer conducted President Barrow and the First Lady on a guided tour of the hotel located on the shores of the coastal city.President Barrow was then driven to the site of one of Gabon and Central Africa’s most ambitious projects — a twisting tower that, when completed, will be the tallest building in the sub-region.Gabonese and Turkish contractors briefed the President on the progress of the tower and related infrastructure. The project is expected to be ready for inauguration next year and will permanently transform the skyline of the Central African nation. The gesture mirrored the tour accorded to President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema during his recent visit to The Gambia.Following the site visit, President Barrow and the First Lady proceeded to the Radisson Blu Hotel for a meeting with Gambians living in Gabon.Consul General Saikou Dukureh welcomed the President and thanked him for the engagement. He described Gambians in Gabon as hardworking, united, and law-abiding, and commended the government for supporting their welfare.Jakarta Dampha, a community representative, said there has been marked improvement in the well-being of Gambians in Gabon since President Barrow took office. He noted that the President’s leadership has ensured that Gambians in the diaspora are not discriminated against and that their concerns are addressed promptly.Hawa Dukureh, speaking on behalf of the youth, commended the President for dispatching a team of immigration officials to issue national documents. She said nearly 200 people were processed, but appealed for support to ensure the passports are delivered.In his remarks, President Barrow expressed gratitude for the warm reception at the airport, which he said even impressed his host, President Oligui Nguema.He said dialogue is key to national unity and described it as a great honour to serve as Chief Guest of Honour at Gabon’s Independence Anniversary.On diaspora support, the President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to assisting Gambians abroad. He said the decision to send immigration officials to Gabon was to ensure citizens have access to documents. He pledged to prioritise the delivery of all processed passports upon his return to Banjul.The President also updated the community on developments at home. He said the government has laid the foundation stone for 1,500 km of roads across the country and highlighted progress in electricity, health, transport, and education.With the December presidential election approaching, President Barrow encouraged those with voter cards to exercise their right, and urged those without to encourage family and friends to vote for continuity.He concluded by urging the community to maintain unity, peace, and respect for lawful authority. He also advised Gambians seeking repatriation to apply through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a smooth process.
Continue Reading >>The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, joined the people of Gabon on Monday to celebrate the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary with a grand military parade in the capital, Libreville.The national day celebrations were held at the Palais de l’Indépendance in central Libreville. President Barrow, accompanied by First Lady Fatou Bah Barrow, served as Chief Guest of Honour.The ceremony was attended by several African leaders, including Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Carlos Vila Nova, President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, and General Horta Nta, Interim President of Guinea-Bissau.Gabonese President Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, presided over the official celebrations.Ahead of the parade, President Oligui Nguema inaugurated La Concorde, a memorial dedicated to Georges Damas Aleka, composer of Gabon’s national anthem. A representative of Aleka’s family received a posthumous award in honour of his contribution as one of the architects of modern Gabon.The main highlight was a parade by the armed and security services. Detachments from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Special Operations Forces, and Commandos marched past the Commander-in-Chief.Units of the Police also participated, including General Services, the Special Intervention Group, Riot Control, and the K-9 Unit. The Fire Service, Ambulance Service, and Medical Corps also took part.The second phase featured a display of military hardware. Dozens of armoured personnel carriers, rocket launchers, artillery, and anti-aircraft guns rolled through the boulevard, while military aircraft and helicopters conducted a flypast overhead.Service vehicles operated by the Armed Forces, Police, Paramilitary, and Engineering Corps were also displayed, marking the end of the parade.Following the ceremony, President Barrow and First Lady Fatou Bah Barrow were driven to the Presidential Palace for a reception hosted by President Oligui Nguema and First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema.
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