The Gambia police force say new measures to avert the increasing road accidents will be introduced with immediate effect. The police said in a statement that more boots will be deployed on the roads to enforce traffic rules and regulations. An Accident Response Squad and regular Highway Patrols will also be introduced. The police warned motorists to desist from flouting traffic rules and regulations
Continue Reading >>The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) launched cash transfers to assist internally displaced people (IDPs), refugees, and host families in Foni Kansala where conflict in the Senegalese Cassamance region led to cross-border displacement.One thousand two hundred households including approximately 10,000 women, men, and children, are targeted. Each household will be handed 2,330 Gambian Dalasis per month from April to June 2022. This assistance will help conflict-affected families, meet their basic food needs, and replenish destroyed or lost food stocks.Yasuhiro Tsumura, WFP Representative and Country Director in The Gambia said the beneficiaries already suffered from a difficult food security situation due to the poor harvest of last year, the socioeconomic fallout of COVID-19 pandemic, and the rising prices. This assistance comes at a time when the level of food insecurity and malnutrition is already very high in the country. The emergency response is being delivered in coordination with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCC). Targeted families were identified through a joint assessment conducted by WFP and UN partners in support of the Gambian Government.
Continue Reading >>The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) expresses concern over the sustained verbal attacks launched against the person of FIFA Gambian Referee, Mr. Bakary Papa Gassama, by Algerian nationals. The federation’s reaction came after attacks through the various forms of media on the Gambian referee as a result of Algeria’s 2-1 home defeat to Cameroon which Mr. Gassama officiated. A GFF statement on its social media handle says the Federation has lodged a formal complaint to the Algerian Football Federation on the matter. The GFF also requested that FIFA and CAF open investigations and disciplinary proceedings against the Head Coach of the Algeria National Football Team Mr. Djamel Belmadi for his remarks on a video clip and on an Algerian Television. GFF further demanded that the Algerian federation make a public statement condemning the actions of Mr. Belmadi and all the verbal attacks against Mr. Gassama.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow on Monday received a special envoy of the Head of State of Burkina Faso at State House. The Burkinabe Minister of Foreign Affairs Madam Olivia Rouamba was at Statehouse to deliver a special message to The Gambian leader from the Burkinabe leader Lt. Col. Paul Henri-Damiba. Burkina Faso is currently undergoing a transition following the overthrow of former president Marc Roche Kabore earlier this year. The Sub-regional body ECOWAS is leading mediation efforts amongst various political factions in the country to end the crisis. The country is also suspended by the regional bloc until civil order is restored.
Continue Reading >>The Minister of Agriculture and a team of experts recently embarked on a nationwide tour of project sites under the “Building Resilience against Food and Nutrition Insecurity project. The Project aimed at enhancing the capacity of farmers for better production. The minister and the delegation's first point of call was the poultry project scheme for the ‘Back Way Returnees’ at Giboro and feeder road project sites at Pirang, Somita, and Bulanjor all in the West Coast Region. Speaking at various intervention areas the minister of Agriculture Amie Fabureh hailed community members for their commitment to the successful implementation of the project. She assured them of her office's resolve to empower youths to venture into poultry production among other areas. The Public Relations Officer of the poultry project Ousman Njie briefed the minister and her delegation on the daily upkeep of the facility, lack of transport facilities, and the insufficient number of layer birds as challenges confronting the business. The Project Manager of Gai Construction Company Abdou Jaine said work on the feeder road is in progress and assured the government of the timely completion of the work. The team later visited Kiang Kaiaf and Jenoi in the Lower River Region.
Continue Reading >>His Excellency President of the Republic of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, has declared 2nd and 3rd May 2022 as public holidays throughout The Gambia to mark Labour Day and Eid-ul-Fitr. Official work resumes on Wednesday, 4th May 2022.
Continue Reading >>The Regional Governor of the Lower River Region has described the construction of the Senegambia Bridge as a success story in advancing the socio-economic development of The Gambia. Rohey John Manjang made the remark during an exclusive interview with GRTS. She said the bridge has eased transportation within the country as well as to other parts of the sub-region. Governor Manjang said the bridge has also enhanced trade in the region. The Senegambia Bridge links the southern and northern parts of The Gambia, while also connecting northern Senegal to the southern province of Casamance. Governor Rohey John Manjang said the construction of the bridge has further cemented the bilateral ties between the Gambia and Senegal. She noted that Government is constructing a new market in Soma to compensate for the loss of businesses that were operating at the Yelli Tenda-Bamba Tenda Crossing point.
Continue Reading >>Standard Chartered Bank officials on thursday briefed President Adama Barrow about the Bank’s divestiture plans in The Gambia, assuring him that it will be orderly and of no adverse effect on its staff and customers.Speaking on behalf of the Bank’s representatives Lamin Manjang, CEO Standard Chartered Bank West Africa Cluster, said they assured the President that none of their staff will lose their job and their benefits will continue unhindered. Manjang said once the bank’s ownership is eventually transferred it is hoped that the new owners will absorb the existing staff and continue business as usual.Standard Chartered Bank last week announced plans to divest from seven countries including The Gambia – five in Africa and two in the Middle East. The process is expected to take between a year or two when potential investors are expected to step in and take over its assets and operations. Manjang was accompanied by Alpha Barry, Chairman Standard Chartered Bank Gambia and Chuks Ugha, Chief Executive Officer and Dayo Aderugbo, Head of Corporate Affairs, West Africa.
Continue Reading >>The ambassador of Libya H.E Muhammed Naweel Haseeb has presented his letters of credence to The President, H.E Adama Barrow. The new ambassador was received and escorted to the chambers where he formally presented his letters to the President, H.E Adama Barrow. The appointment of Ambassador Naweel Haseeb is expected to further consolidate ties between Libya and the Gambia.
Continue Reading >>The National Audit Office on Thursday launched its COVID-19 Audit Report. The report focused mainly on the procurement and Distribution of Food and Medical items within the Greater Banjul Area and some parts of the West Coast Region. The office of the Auditor General conducted a special audit of the covid-19 funds spent between March and October 2020 on food and medical items procured and distributed within the Greater Banjul Area. The Auditor-General, Karamba Touray said risk assessments were done to enhance accountability in the use of public funds. Deputy Auditor-General 1 Pa Majagne Ndow gave an overview of the report which highlighted documents such as vouchers and delivery notes, delayed, damaged and unaccounted for items, inappropriate procurement, and contracting processes. Deputy Auditor-General 2 Baba S Drammeh stressed the importance of adhering to audit recommendations. The report was submitted to the Ministries of Health and trade, the National Assembly, and the National Disaster Management Agency among other stakeholders, and published on the National Audit Office website.
Continue Reading >>The Vice President, Dr. Isatou Touray on Wednesday received senior officials of the National Disaster Management Agency, Civil Society Organizations, and humanitarian partner organizations at her office in Banjul. The meeting focused on the assessment of the situation in Foni, West Coast Region, following confrontations between Senegalese forces and MFDC separatists in Cassamance earlier this year. The Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency Sanna Dahaba said the situation has resulted in the displacement of residents along the southern Senegalese border. In his presentation of the assessment report, the deputy executive director of NDMA Serign Modou Joof explained that the findings focused on accommodation and feeding of victims as well as access to education for affected children among other areas. He said the exercise gathered the necessary data for effective response. The vice president Dr. Isatou Touray underscored the importance of accurate data in planning and response to emergencies. She commended NDMA and partner organizations for the support rendered to internally displaced persons while urging them to support the government’s development agenda.
Continue Reading >>A total of Twenty-seven youth and women agro-entrepreneurs from the Central and Upper River Region are undergoing a four-day general entrepreneurship training in Pakalinding, LRR. The training organized by NEDI in partnership with the Rice Value Chain Transformative Project is meant to enable participants to know how to start, run and manage the service center as a business venture. The forum is funded by the African Development Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture. The Regional Youth Coordinators for LRR Fabakary Sanneh and Musa Jarra of URR both called on youths in their regions to take up the opportunity seriously and make the best use of the knowledge gained. Abdoukabirr Deffeh, Program Manager of NEDI said the provision of the right farming equipment is the only way to inspire young people to fully participate in agricultural production.
Continue Reading >>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 >>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 >>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 >>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 >>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 >>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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