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President Barrow Appoints Trade Minister

His Excellency, Mr Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, in accordance with section 71(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, has relieved Honourable Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof of the portfolio of Minister responsible for the Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Policy Coordination and Delivery.In the same vein, President Barrow in accordance with Section 71(1) and Section 71 (3) of the Constitution appointed Honourable Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof as Minister responsible for the portfolio of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment with immediate effect from today, 13th October 2022.Also, by the same Constitutional provisions, His Excellency, the President today, 13th October 2022, appoints Mr Baboucarr Bouy as Minister of Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Policy Coordination and Delivery, effective 1st November 2022.    

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President Barrow receives GFF new Executive

President Adama Barrow on Friday received the Executive Committee of The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) at the State House. The GFF was at State House to introduce its new leadership to the Gambian leader. The GFF delegation included its President Lamin Kaba Bajo, the Vice Presidents, and Executive committee members. The meeting came barely a month after the new executive secured another four-year mandate to run the affairs of football in the countryPresident Barrow congratulated them for securing a new mandate and encouraged the GFF leadership to remain committed to the development of football in the country. He promised the government’s continued financial support for football. The GFF thanked the government for its support of football, which they said helped the Gambia qualify for the first time to the African Cup of Nations. 

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President Barrow Summons Emergency Cabinet Meeting on AKI Deaths in The Gambia

President Adama Barrow said the recent Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) outbreak in the country is a challenging time for the government, families, and the people, and called on all to close ranks to come out of the crisis better prepared.  He made the call during an emergency Cabinet meeting he summoned on Thursday, 13th October 2022, for an update on the 66 plus AKI deaths associated with contaminated Indian-made syrups imported into The Gambia in June this year.According to updates, as of 13th October 2022, the number of AKI deaths related cases has risen to 70, and all may be linked to the use of the said contaminated drugs.  The President was emphatic that his government is determined to unearth the details of the cases, as “the children died in unusual circumstances.”  Accordingly, a directive was issued to open criminal investigations. The ongoing police investigations have established the importer, licensee, and quantity of, drugs imported in June 2022. Atlantic Pharmaceuticals Company Limited brought into the country a consignment of 50,000 units of medicinal syrup, of which the Health Authorities recalled over 41,000. However, over 8,000 units are still unaccounted for.The probe established that the Medicine Control Agency – MCA was established by the Medicines and Related Products Act 2014.   At the time it started product registration in 2017, there were thousands of unregistered products in the country.  This was due to a lack of testing facilities in The Gambia and the exorbitant cost involved in outsourcing the testing. However, Cabinet was informed that the World Bank has agreed to establish a medicines and drugs testing facility in The Gambia. Furthermore, there is an ongoing international medical investigation in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) of the United States of America and Africa, looking into the medical causes of AKI deaths among children in The Gambia and related medical matters.Having received an in-depth briefing on the AKI death cases, Cabinet concluded by setting up a broad-based Commission of Inquiry, whose terms of Reference and Composition will be gazetted shortly.  

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GAF GRADUATES NEW RECRUITS

 A rare sight, ground and occasion coming after five years of intense preparation and training. This is the passing out of recruit intake 37 of the Gambia armed forces which comes after the lifting of the moratorium on recruitment by the Barrow administration. This is a significant move joining efforts to rebrand the military into a more  professional force in line with international best practices. As an institution guided by a unique mandate to protect and safeguard the country’s territorial integrity, boosting numbers is vital for capacity to support national objectives in the execution of the army's constitutional role. The passing out is the culmination of twenty weeks of rigorous training building professionalism and high standards of regimentation for the new cohort.A   a total number of 226 out of the 234 initially enrolled are now ready to take up task as expected, serving with diligence, integrity, respect and loyalty. As elated as they are for completing their training, the journey ahead might be daunting but is duty bound with expectations to protect the aspirations of people they serve as enshrined in the constitution.

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ECOWAS NATIONS MEET TO DISCUSS ECONOMIC CRISIS

The African continent has been hit by unprecedented economic crises since the outbreak of covid-19 with slow recovery gravely disrupting growth and pushing millions of Africans into poverty. The decline in economic activity forecasted at 7.6 percent essentially marks the undesirable impact of previous years.A convergence of experts from Ecowas English-speaking countries in Banjul is discussing the slow pace of recovery, taking stock of the current inflation and microeconomic estimates for 2022. The convergence will shape tangible mechanisms and contribute to efforts orienting national and sub-regional policy development and programmes and assess the impact of the recent crises to produce short-term forecasts.Africa is faced with vast structural trials such as climate change posing environmental threats and disruption of supply chains in energy, food and agriculture inputs has drastically contributed to increased inflation and food scarcity.The war in Ukraine has dire economic consequences on African countries dependent on imports and has pushed millions below the poverty line as food and fuel prices escalate.The Gambia is amongst targeted countries including Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone sharing best practices assessing recent economic challenges to enhance institutional collaboration. According to experts’ progress has been made in the ECOWAS single currency, while in 2019 global GDP growth was marked at 2.5%, it sank in the following year with a tentative recovery in 2021. The emergence of global unrest and war has additionally decreased economic dynamics and growth.

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IMF Briefs President Barrow on its 5th Review Mission

President Adama Barrow called on IMF to consider in its advisory, the difficult economic situation impacting the lives of the poor citizens, as the economy recovers post-COVID-19. The President made the remarks on Tuesday, 4th October 2022, when the International Monetary Fund Mission Chief, Mr. Ivohasina Fizara Razafimaheta, paid a courtesy call on him at the State House in Banjul.  At the end of a closed-door meeting, the IMF Mission Chief said his team briefed the President on the conclusions of the 5th Review Mission of the Government's Programme, supported by the IMF under the Extended Credit Facilities arrangements. He added that they discussed the economic developments in the first six months of the year and the Government's policy direction for the next six to twelve months.  Speaking to the media on inflation, Mr. Razarfiaheta contextualised the inflation and price hikes in The Gambia, saying the inflation witnessed by the Gambia is one driven by external factors like the war in Ukraine, which is affecting global fuel and food prices. "Is an inflation being seen in many countries around the world, not only in The Gambia", He noted.While acknowledging the Government's efforts to relieve the hardship that higher prices of commodities are inflicting on the population, the IMF Mission Chief said they are advising Government on steps to contain the increase of inflation and the foreign exchange the country is facing. He added that they would consult with the Central Bank of The Gambia on policy options to address the economic situation.  Despite the floods that marred this year's rainy season and the weak performance, the IMF Mission Chief's assessment of the Gambian economy activities found that, even though tourist arrivals have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels, there are an increasing number of tourists arriving, a thriving construction industry, and an anticipated bumper harvest in 2022.

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NDLEA confirms suspected 840kg blocks seized are cocaine

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has conducted a forensic test on suspected 840kg blocks of cocaine seized from suspected traffickers in different locations. Six suspects, five Sierra Leoneans and a Gambian, were arrested by narcotics officers. The suspected substance tested positive for cocaine. The Public Relations Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Ousman Saidybah said the alleged drug trafficking is transnational with links across borders. 

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National Health Insurance Authority develop health benefit package for the National Health Insurance Scheme

The National Health Insurance Authority on Tuesday began a three-day meeting to discuss the development of a health benefits package for the National Health Insurance Scheme across the country. The meeting brought together medical and health experts to map out targeted disease or service areas, for the essential healthcare package. The Minister of Health Dr. Amadou Lamin Samateh said the Authority is engaging medical and health experts to identify critical areas under the scheme. He said the development of the scheme will accelerate efforts to meet SDG 2030. The health minister also said that the Health Insurance Scheme would be available to both the public and private health facilities. The World Health Organization’s country representative Dr. Desta Tiruneh advised participants to consider the benefits package in line with available resources for health care service delivery. 

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Fuel pump prices reduced

The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has announced the reduction of fuel prices from the 1st of October 2022. The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the ministry in publishing a new price structure. Petrol will now be sold at D77.89 per litre and Diesel at D73.00 per litre. The Ministry said the reduction was prompted by a marginal decline in global oil prices. The reduction followed price hikes said to have been caused by global supply chain disruptions, and geopolitics of the world.  The statement says that the government will continue to continue to subsidise pump prices for diesel and monitor oil prices and pass on any reduction to consumers.

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The Gambia’s TRRC, a Model for the Rest of the World – US Ambassador–at–Large

President Barrow today outlined plans for implementing the recommendations of the Truth Reconciliation and Reparation Commission -TRRC during a discussion held with a leading expert on Transitional Justice, the US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, H.E Beth Van Schaack, at the State House in Banjul.  Ambassador Van Schaak called on the President to extend the support of the United States Government in bringing justice to the victims of the former regime.   After her meeting with President Barrow, Ambassador Van Schaack informed the media that The Gambia has an astounding reputation globally when it comes to International Justice. She hailed the TRRC as a model for the rest of the world. She applauded The Gambia’s efforts to file a case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice involving the genocide against the Rohingya Muslims minority in Myanmar.Reporting further on the implementation of the TRRC, Ambassador Van Schaack said President Barrow acknowledges the importance of this process and emphasised the need for reparations to ensure that those found guilty of human rights violations by the Commission are held accountable.  She extended the US government's support in this process, saying, ‘‘you are creating the state of the art of transitional Justice, and we stand ready in the United States to support your process’’. The Ambassador also reported that she updated the President on the case of a former ‘‘Jungler’’ living in the United States. She said charges had been brought against that individual, six counts of torture and one count of conspiracy to commit torture.Ambassador Van Schaack was accompanied to the Presidency by the US Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E Sharon L. Cromer, and other senior staff from the Embassy.  

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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LIBRARY & RESEARCH DEPARTMENT TRAINS STAFF

The Library and Research Department of the National Assembly of The Gambia certified participants to a weeklong training on Library Management and Research skills on Friday 30th September 2022.The objective of the training was to strengthen the capacity of librarians and researchers in the routine of supporting Members of the National Assembly in the performance of their legislative and oversight duties.Mr. Alhagie M Dumbuya, Director of Library and Research said the training was tailored around the duties and responsibilities of library assistants, classification of books, cataloging systems, and referencing from library resources.Deputy Clerk, Legislative Business and Programme, Mr. Daniel Cardos emphasised the importance of the training in the context that library and research services are highly sought after by both staff and Members of the Assembly. Mr. Cardos urged participants to apply the new skills on the job and share the knowledge with their colleagues.The lead trainer Ms. Matilda Johnson, former Director General of The Gambia National Library, and Mr. Alieu Sonko, Principal Librarian at the National Assembly guided the sessions through practical exercises at a pace measured to the need of fifty-eight representatives.The Library and Research Department offers impartial research services for Members on issues relating to National Assembly business and constituency work. It conducts briefings on topical issues and summaries of Bills being considered to adequately prepare Members both at Committee stages and Plenary sessions.   

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President Barrow and ECOWAS leaders meet Colonel Goita of Mali

President Barrow together with H.E President Nana Akufo Addo of the Republic of Ghana, Special Envoy, H.E President Goodluck Jonathan, Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, and the Foreign Minister of Togo, Mr. Robert Dussey, a representative of H.E Faure Gnassingbé of the Republic of Togo held a closed-door discussion with Colonel Goïta, on September 29th, in Bamako, to chart a robust way forward in support of the democratic transition process of the Republic of Mali.The mission was assigned by the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the regional body to negotiate the release of the remaining 46 Ivorian UN Peacekeepers, arrested in Mali, in July this year. The Mission is also part of ECOWAS’ drive to promote peace, democracy, and development in the West African Sub-region. A report on the outcomes of the engagement will be submitted to the authority in due cause.  

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Latest Updates

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PRESIDENT BARROW INAUGURATES ROADS, HEALTH PROJECTS IN CENTRAL RIVER REGION NORTH

President Adama Barrow continues his week-long development tour with the inauguration of key infrastructure and health projects in CRR North.The President also presented an ambulance to the community of Ballanghar Jaloto.President Barrow was seen off at Farafenni by a ceremonial guard from the 2nd Infantry Battalion of The Gambia Armed Forces before proceeding to Yalal Tankonjala.In Yalal, he laid the foundation stone for a new road connecting Yalal to inland communities. The road is expected to improve access and connectivity for residents.From Yalal, the President inspected the ongoing construction of an agro-logistics centre at Maka Farafenni on the main highway. The centre is jointly funded by the Government of The Gambia and the World Bank.When completed, the facility will include training, logistics, and food processing units, in line with the Ministry of Agriculture’s long-term plan for sustainable agricultural development.The President then returned to Farafenni to lay the foundation stone for the Farafenni Roads Project. The initiative aims to transform Farafenni into a major sub-regional trade and transit hub due to its strategic location on the Senegambia trade and transport corridor.The event was met with celebrations by residents.The President continued north to Ballanghar, where he was welcomed by large crowds. At the local health post, he presented an ambulance to the community.Residents celebrated the handover, describing it as a major step forward in healthcare delivery for the area.In Upper Saloum, President Barrow inaugurated the Njau, Bati-Gui Jahanka loop road. The road completes the North Bank road project, which runs from Kerr Gibbi in Upper Saloum to Nyanga Bantang in Niani District via Nianija.In Nianija, the President also inaugurated a new health post in Buduk — the first of its kind in the community.Minister of Health Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh described the facility as “another significant milestone”, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services.President Barrow said the opening aligns with his administration’s broader goal of ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Gambians.For residents of Buduk and surrounding villages, the new health post will provide primary care for women and children and reduce pressure on the nearest health centre in Chamen.

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NORTH BANK COMMUNITIES WELCOME NEW ROAD PROJECTS AS PRESIDENT BARROW LAUNCHES CONSTRUCTION

Communities in Lower Niumi, Upper Niumi, and Jokadu have welcomed new road projects launched by President Adama Barrow on Saturday as part of his nationwide development tour.In Fass Njaga Choi, the President laid the foundation stone for an 8.5km road linking Madina Manneh, Samba Johen, and Ndungu Chareh.Residents expressed joy and appreciation, saying the project fulfils a long-held community need.“This road has been our dream for years. We thank the President for remembering us,” one resident said.On the newly completed Hakalang Road, the President also launched the construction of a 15km feeder road in Bakalar. The road will connect Pakela Demba Solleh, Sare Mama, and Sare Bajonkoto.Alhaji Kala Darboe said the new road will create opportunities for women and farmers, while improving access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.The latest launches underscore the government’s renewed push to expand the country’s road network and bring development closer to rural communities.For residents of the North Bank Region, the projects represent tangible progress and renewed hope for improved livelihoods.President Barrow’s tour continues across the country this week.

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PRESIDENT BARROW INAUGURATES 17KM ROAD IN UPPER BADIBOU, LAUNCHES MORE PROJECTS IN NBR

President Adama Barrow on day three of his nationwide development tour inaugurated the 17km Salikenni–Banni–Njaba Kunda road amidst celebrations by local communities.The inauguration ceremony was held in Njaba Kunda. The President also laid foundation stones for new road projects in Barra and Daru Rilwan.Later, President Barrow addressed a large gathering in Njaba Kunda attended by residents of Upper Badibou.Speakers at the meeting thanked the President for investments in roads, health care, and agriculture in the region.North Bank Region Governor Lamin Saidykhan commended the government for what he described as unprecedented development that has transformed livelihoods in the area. He urged residents to reflect on the impact of these projects on ordinary people.The National Assembly Member for the area described the gathering as significant, noting ongoing support for the President in Badibou. He attributed this to the government’s track record of delivering roads and health centres, adding that previous administrations had failed to construct the road despite strong local support.Alhaji Jagne, Chief of Central Badibou, and Councillor Maimuna Bah expressed gratitude to the President. They recalled past difficulties accessing health facilities due to poor roads, and said patients can now reach care within minutes thanks to the new road, health centre, and provision of ambulances.Minister of Gender and Children’s Welfare, Fatou Kinteh, said President Barrow’s development agenda is visible across all sectors, particularly in women’s empowerment. She noted that women now hold influential positions in government and called on women to support the President, adding that Gambian women have pledged to contribute to his nomination fees in December.Managing Director of the National Roads Authority, Sulayman Sumareh, disclosed that the Salikenni–Njaba Kunda road is fully government-funded. He said the project will improve connectivity and enhance access to health, education, and other social services.In his address, President Barrow described the new road as part of his government’s plan to connect all communities across the country. “The North Bank Region has received unprecedented attention under this government with the construction of several roads,” the President said.He reassured citizens of his administration’s commitment to infrastructure and urged communities to take ownership and maintain the projects to serve their intended purpose.

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PRESIDENT BARROW BEGINS WEEK-LONG NATIONWIDE TOUR TO LAUNCH DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

President Adama Barrow on Saturday departed Banjul for a week-long tour of the country to launch, inaugurate, and lay foundation stones for key projects in infrastructure, health, and agriculture.The President is accompanied by a high-powered delegation of Cabinet ministers, technocrats, and supporters. The tour will take him to all regions of the country as part of his administration’s commitment to bring development closer to citizens.President Barrow was seen off at the Banjul Ferry Terminal by Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow, Cabinet ministers, heads of security services, and supporters. A guard of honour mounted by the Naval Fleet and the Army Battalion welcomed the Commander-in-Chief before he boarded the ferry to cross to Barra.Speaking on board, President Barrow said the tour reflects his government’s strategy of delivering social projects directly to ordinary Gambians.“Infrastructure is the foundation upon which all other sectors rely,” the President said, describing it as a key pillar of his development agenda.Upon arrival in Barra, the President was received by North Bank Region Governor Lamin Saidykhan, security chiefs, NPP regional executives, and members of the Gambia Democratic Congress who recently joined the NPP-led National People's Alliance.Outside the terminal, hundreds of supporters lined the streets to welcome the President.President Barrow laid the foundation stone for the Essau-Barra Back Way Road. He then travelled to Fass Njaga Choi to launch construction of an 8.5km road linking Madina Manneh, Samba Johen, and Ndungu Chareh.Communities expressed joy over the projects, saying the new roads will open access to markets and improve delivery of social services such as schools and health facilities.Similar scenes were witnessed in Kerr Samba Kalla, Upper Niumi, where the President laid the foundation stone for another 8.5km road connecting Ndungu Charreh, Lang Sarr, Malick Sarr, and Samba Yassin.The delegation later made a stop in Bakalar via the newly inaugurated Hakalang Road, where President Barrow laid the foundation stone for a 15km road to Pakela Demba Solleh, Sare Mama, and Sare Bajonkoto.The President’s tour continues across the country this week.

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NORTH BANK COMMUNITIES WELCOME NEW ROAD PROJECTS AS PRESIDENT BARROW LAUNCHES CONSTRUCTION

Communities in Lower Niumi, Upper Niumi, and Jokadu have welcomed new road projects launched by President Adama Barrow on Saturday as part of his nationwide development tour.In Fass Njaga Choi, the President laid the foundation stone for an 8.5km road linking Madina Manneh, Samba Johen, and Ndungu Chareh.Residents expressed joy and appreciation, saying the project fulfils a long-held community need.“This road has been our dream for years. We thank the President for remembering us,” one resident said.On the newly completed Hakalang Road, the President also launched the construction of a 15km feeder road in Bakalar. The road will connect Pakela Demba Solleh, Sare Mama, and Sare Bajonkoto.Alhaji Kala Darboe said the new road will create opportunities for women and farmers, while improving access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.The latest launches underscore the government’s renewed push to expand the country’s road network and bring development closer to rural communities.For residents of the North Bank Region, the projects represent tangible progress and renewed hope for improved livelihoods.President Barrow’s tour continues across the country this week.

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PPP EXECUTIVES ENDORSE PRESIDENT BARROW AHEAD OF DECEMBER POLLS

Prominent executive members of the People’s Progressive Party, PPP, led by former party leader Kebba Jallow, on Wednesday formally endorsed President His Excellency Adama Barrow and the National People’s Party, NPP-led Alliance, at State House.The delegation pledged to support the President’s candidature and work to ensure victory in the December 5th presidential election.Speaking to GRTS after the endorsement, Mr Jallow reaffirmed his support for President Barrow, saying the President has done so much for the country and deserves another term in office.Deputy Public Relations Officer of the NPP, Honourable Seedy S.K. Njie, welcomed the PPP executives into the Alliance. He said President Barrow is pleased to accept the endorsement.The PPP becomes the latest political party to throw its weight behind President Barrow, barely four months to the presidential election.President Barrow Meets GK Partners CEOIn a separate engagement, President Barrow also received in audience Mr Gibril Faal, Chief Executive Officer of GK Partners.Mr Faal briefed the President on the activities of GK Partners, particularly its ongoing Diaspora Fellowship project being implemented jointly with the International Organisation for Migration, IOM.He also updated the President on strides made in diaspora direct investment, noting that The Gambia now leads in monitoring remittance data through the Central Bank of The Gambia.President Barrow underscored his commitment to supporting the project and urged GK Partners to do more public relations work to inform Gambians about their initiatives.

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