Basse area council has announced that the controversy surrounding the Basse Market has been resolved. The council said the resolution of the dispute came after successful GALGA mediation. It could be recalled that a dispute erupted between the office of the Governor and the Area Council over over who should manage the newly built Basse market following its commissioning by President Adama Barrow.
Continue Reading >>A twenty year old woman from Senegal successfully gave birth to triplets at the Maternity Department/Theatre of Bwiam General hospital. The hospital announced the good news on its social media handle. The babies all female weighing 1.7kg, 1.9kg and 1.8kg it said were delivered through Successful Caesarean despite mother being anaemic, and transfused with 2 pints of whole blood. Dr. David Demba and team carried out the successful surgery. Mother and Babies are stable at the postnatal ward. Bwiam General Hospital, attracts large number of patients beyond its catchment area and across the borders daily.
Continue Reading >>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 >>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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