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RESOLUTION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

WHEREAS the National Assembly considered the recommendations of the Consolidated Report of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) for the period 2016-2019 on the government and its various agencies’ audited accounts;RECOGNISING the good work of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee of the immediately preceding legislature – the fifth legislature and the Auditor General;APPLAUDING the Finance and Public Accounts Committee of the current legislature – the sixth legislature, in carrying over unfinished business of the previous committee;COGNIZANT of the provisions of the 1997 Constitution of the Gambia, Public Finance Act 2014, and the Financial Regulations of 2016;NOW THEREFORE RESOLVED: 1. That all outstanding impress be retired by October 31st, 2022; 2. That all unreconciled government transactions indicated in the audited accounts be reconciled by the Accountant General before the end of the financial year, 2022 and a report sent to the FPAC;3. That the government, through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, endeavours to table before the Assembly a revised Public Finance Bill and a revision of the Financial Regulations 2016 before the end of the financial year, 2022;4. That the Auditor General considers invoking his power under section 160(5) of the Constitution where discrepancies of a criminal or fraudulent nature are discovered during an audit;5. That the Auditor General considers including its report to the National Assembly all cases of criminal or fraudulent nature reported to the Inspector General of Police;6. That the Auditor General and the Accountant General provide to the National Assembly a list of all people that have been found to commit fraudulent activities in all sectors and give the latest update on their prosecution or repayments;7. That the Accountant General resolve all prior year closing balances and current year opening balances of the Government with respect to Loans and Grants be consolidated before the end of this financial year;8. That the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs must be part of any grant negotiations and be the recipient of all grants for and on behalf of the Government; 9. That all government projects shall use the IFMIS system for all the accounting processes by the end of this final year, 2022; 10. That any existing revenue collections by third parties shall be handed over to the Accountant General within ninety days;11. That the Auditor General considers initiating a special audit of all State-Owned Enterprises in line with section 160 ( 8 ) of the Constitution by the end of the financial year, 2022.  

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President Barrow travels to Mali

Following its extra-ordinary Summit held on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York, the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State has identified three Heads of State and Government, H.E. President Adama Barrow, Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Nana Akufo- Addo, Republic of Ghana and H.E. Faure Gnassingbé, Republic of Togo to form part of a high-level delegation designated to meet the interim President of The Republic of Mali, His Excellency Colonel Assimi Goïta.The delegation also includes the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray.In this regard, the public is hereby informed that H.E Adama Barrow will travel to Bamako on a day trip on Thursday, 29th September 2022.  

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Agric. Minister Launches the African Emergency Food Production Facility

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Demba Sabally, on Friday 23rd September 2022 launched the African Emergency Food Production Facility (AEFPF). The facility is supported by the African Development Bank through the Rice Value Chain Transformation Project (RVCTP).The AEFPF is additional financing that follows the joint meeting of the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Finance of the African Union on the African Emergency Food Production plan in which The Gambia participated. Speaking at the launching ceremony, Dr. Sabally informed the gathering that the Government of The Gambia is taking major strides to transform the Agriculture sector in addressing food security and meeting the nutritional needs of its people.He noted The Gambia’s high dependence on imports for staple and key commodities and said it has deepened the country’s vulnerability to external shocks such as global pandemics and crises.  

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First Lady addresses Organization of African First Ladies for Development

The first lady Fatou Bah Barrow called for concerted efforts to improve the welfare of women, children, and the vulnerable in society. Madam Bah Barrow made the remark at a high-level working lunch convened by the Organization of African First Ladies for Development on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The meeting seeks to review the activities of the organization by adopting its proposed strategic priorities document with aligned visions for the next two years. Speaking at the event Madam Bah Barrow reaffirmed the Gambia’s commitment to extend the strategy document to 2024 prioritizing reproductive and maternal child health. She urged her colleagues to redouble efforts in enhancing the lives of the people. 

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Gambia yet to meet 70% vaccination target

The Director of Health Promotion and Education said the Gambia is still far from achieving the WHO’s target for 70% of the population to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Modou Njai was on Tuesday speaking to GRTS at the Central Medical Stores in Kotu. He said the Gambia is still at 20.3%  due to low turnout. He expressed hope that in addition to the routine vaccinations that have been ongoing at the health facilities, and the Covid-19 vaccination campaign that started on Monday 19th September, the country could reach a better target number. Mr. Njai said the Ministry of Health will continue to engage local authorities, religious leaders, youth organizations, and traditional communicators on the safety of the Covid-19 vaccines. 

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President Barrow reaffirms commitment in promoting Technical and Vocational Education Training

President Adama Barrow has reaffirmed his government's commitment to promoting Technical and Vocational Education Training to enhance scientific research, and creativity in the Gambia. The President made the remark at the UN Transforming Education Summit on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. President Barrow outlined the Gambia's efforts and strategies in promoting and providing quality and cost-effective education for Gambian children and young people. He said the initiative is a result of his government's commitment and belief that investing in structural reforms, innovative curricula adjustments, and improved training programs has the potential to enhance learning, creativity, interpersonal skills, and critical thinking capabilities with a renewed focus on technical and vocational education. The UN Transforming Education Summit is one of the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting that seeks to address challenges in global education.

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NAM begin debate on SONA

National Assembly Members today debated on President Barrow’s State of the Nation address. Lawmakers called for increased focus on growth and citizen participation to advance national development.  Vice President Alieu Badara Joof represented the president at the Legislative Chambers. Parliamentarians highlighted a raft of concerns to the Vice President raising the need for ministers to respond to the assembly whenever they are called upon. Honourable Kebba K. Barrow member of Kombo South called on the government to come up with strategies to aid post-Covid-19 recovery and farmers’ needs. Salieu Jawo for Jokadu hailed the government for the infrastructural development. Bakary Kora of Upper Fulladou West stressed the need for concerted efforts to mechanize the Jahally-Pacharr Rice Fields and increase access to clean drinking water and electricity for rural communities. Legislators urged the government to look into the high crime rate in the country, which has seen a fresh spike. The debate continues. 

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The Gambia Government condemns the spate of homicides in the country.

President Adama Barrow has expressed shock and sadness over recent killings in the country. A press release, pictured above, from the government spokesperson Ebrima G Sankareh, says the President assures swift investigations and justice delivery. The statement follows five homicide cases around the country in a week.

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Ambassador-designate Lamin Dibba presents letters of credence to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guteres

The Gambian Ambassador-designate to the United Nations H.E Lamin Dibba on Friday formally presented his letters of credence to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at UN headquarters in New York. Speaking to GRTS after the ceremony, ambassador Dibba outlined his priorities during his tenure as The Gambia's Permanent Representative to the UN. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening The Gambia's role in the advancement of global peace and security, especially at a time when the World is faced with increased tension caused by conflicts and environmental issues. Until his appointment as UN ambassador,  Lamin Dibba was the Minister of Environment and climate change. He replaces Ambassador Lang Yarbou who is now a Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

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Charitable organisations donate to EFSTH

Two charitable organisations, Open Hands Gambia and Save Our world donated drugs, and sanitary and electrical equipment to Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital. At a presentation ceremony on Wednesday the vice chairperson of Open Hands Gambia Adele Sock said the gesture was meant to complement the government’s efforts in the health care service delivery to Gambians. The Chairman of Save Our World, Gambia Chapter Abdou Jallow assured his organisation’s continuous support to the welfare of Gambians. Officials at the EFSTH promised the donors that the material will be put to good use. 

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Livestock production facility to be erected in URR

The Small Ruminants Production Enhancement project has embarked on the construction of a livestock production facility in the Upper River Region.  The Project Director Mamud Njie said the facility would boost farmers’ capacity in livestock production, processing, and marketing. Director Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency Mamodou Darboe assured his office’s commitment to improving farmers’ capacity in livestock production. The deputy governor of URR Mamanding Ceesay said the project would create job opportunities for the youth in the area.

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Flood victims receive cash donations

Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in partnership with the Regional Disaster Management team in West Coast Region on Thursday distributed cash to 54 families affected by recent floods in the country. Each household received D5000.00 to enhance its recovery efforts. The Regional Disaster Management Coordinator, West Coast Region Binta Sey Jadama thanked ADRA for the intervention. Musa Jallow on behalf of the beneficiaries thanked the agency for the timely support.

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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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