Next on TV

Tonight GRTS 8pm NEWS

More
News Sport Lifestyle Travel & Tourism Culture Politics
Next on TV

Tonight 7:00pm

News Stories

News First slide

MRC Holland tours project sites

MRC Holland Foundation Embarks On Tour of Project Sites MRC Holland Foundation and officials of the Foundation and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education embarked on a tour of a number of schools built and rehabilitate by the foundation. They include Sinchu Sorrie Lower Basic, Sinchu Balliya Lower Basic School and Latrikunda Sabiji Upper and Senior Secondary School.  They inspected the school facilities and held discussions with school authorities and members of the communities. Jan Schouten the president of the foundation disclosed that his foundation built and face lifted more than three hundred schools across The Gambia.Hendrietta Sonko, MRC HOLLAND FOUNDATION coordinator, said the foundation only erected buildings and that alone isn’t sufficient. She therefore called on the community to take ownership of the projects. The Mother's Club president of Sinchu Sorrie Lower Basic School, Isatou Marigo and the Alkao of Sinchu Sorrie, Saidou Jallow described the intervention of MRC Holland Foundation as timely.  At Sinchu Balliya Lower Basic School the school administrators Fakebba Kolley thanked the foundation for building  a twenty classroom block.  

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Senegal Inaugurates new Stadium

Senegal Inaugurates New 50,000 Capacity Stadium Senegal becomes the latest African country to construct and inaugurate a standard multipurpose stadium that has a capacity of 50, 000 seats. The Stadium constructed in the city of Diamniadio was inaugurated in a colourful ceremony attended by several heads of state including Turkish president Recip Tayyip Erdogan and CAF and FIFA. Several former African top players including Okocha, Drogba, E'too, Mboma among others attended the ceremony. Part of the events marking the historic inauguration was a musical display by different Senegalese singers.  An exhibition football game between former Senegalese footballers and a selection of former top African players was also staged at the stadium. Kalilou Fadiga opened for Senegal but Okocha who was the captain of the African selection helped his team to a 1 - 1 draw in front of a massive crowd. This new stadium named after the former Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade is said to have cost over 200 million Euros.  

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow to Inaugurate Basse Market and Electricity Project in URR

Media Advisory President Barrow to Inaugurate Basse Market and Electricity Project in URRFollowing the completion of the construction of the Basse Market in the Upper River Region, which was engulfed by Fire in 2020, President Adama Barrow will inaugurate the new complex on Saturday, 26th February 2022. Meanwhile, on Friday, February 25, 2022, the President will preside over the inauguration of first-ever electrical project in Nyamanarr, bringing electricity to the community after decades of darkness.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Cameroon dumps Gambia in AWCON qualifier

Cameroon Put 10 Goals Pass The Gambia To Qualify For AWCON Cameroon's female national football team have proved too strong for the Queen Scorpions of The Gambia as they scored 10 goals in a double legged tie against the Gambia to qualify for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The Lioness of Cameroon did most of the damage in the first leg when they trashed the Queen Scorpions 8 - 0 in the first leg at the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium in Yaounde before completing the mission with a 2 - 1 away win in Banjul on Wednesday afternoon. Even when the visitors decided to take their foot off the gas in the return leg, the host-Gambia, simply lacked the strength, quality and game awareness to do anything meaningful against a well-composed Cameroon side and the visitors headed into the tunnel with a deserved 2 - 0 win courtesy of Captain Gabrielle and Ossol. And all that the host could manage as a way of response was a brilliant free kick curled into Cameroon's net from 19yards out by Catherine Jatta, but that could not even make the score pleasing in the eye as the double legged tie aggregate ended Cameroon 10 - 1 the Gambia.  

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

5th African sub regional International Sports Conference opens in Banjul

The National Sports Council has convened a sub regional conference for stakeholders and sports administrators. The three day 5th African International Conference of the African sports management association aim at improving ways to better the management of sport, especially at the grassroots.The theme of the conference centres on grassroots sports development which is an important aspect of sustainable sports development. Members of the Africa Sports Management Association say grassroots sports management is a key priority on their agenda. Saihou Sanyang who deputised for the Gambia's minister for sports said the Gambia government through the sports ministry are advancing efforts towards the development of sports. Marcel Mendy the Executive Director of the National Sports Council highlighted the role sports plays in the life of athletes.  At the end of the three-day convergence, participants are expected to make significant positive contributions towards the enactment of sport management practices in Africa and beyond. The African Sport Management Association was founded in 2010 during the 17th Biennial International Conference of the International Society for Comprehensive Physical Education and Sport held at Kenyatta University in Kenya.  

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Inauguration of Stade Abdoulaye Wade

The President H.E Adama Barrow was among several leaders who attended the official inauguration of Stade Abdoulaye Wade, a new multi-million Dollar sports stadium in the Senegalese capital Dakar. The ultra-modern sports complex named in honour of the former Senegalese President is seen as an important achievement in sports development for Senegal which won the African Cup of Nations. The opening ceremony was attended by heads of state, veteran sports personalities and fifty thousand people from across Senegal. The President was received at the Leopold Sedar Senghore military airport by the Senegalese Minister of youth and Sports. He was officially received at the Presidential Palace in Dakar by Senegalese President H.E Macky Sall. The President joined several other dignitaries invited for the landmark event which is expected to transform Senegalese sports. The stadium took two years to complete and costs over 200 million Euros. President Sall accompanied by his guests including President Barrow took the official kick off of a match pitting Senegalese veteran footballers against their African counterparts. Speaking during the ceremony President Sall acknowledged the benefits such infrastructure would bring to Senegal and its sports sector. FIFA President Gianino Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe both hailed the new stadium as an important achievement that would significantly improve sports development in Senegal and the continent. The 50 thousand capacity can host football and rugby matches as well as athletics. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow returns from Dakar, Senegal

 The President his Excellency Adama Barrow arrived in Banjul on Wednesday following a brief visit to Dakar Senegal, where he was invited for the inauguration of a multimillion euro modern stadium in Diamnyadio on the outskirt of Dakar.The President was invited alongside other heads of state and sport elites for the spectacular event unveiling the new stadium.  President Barrow returned with an ambition to replicate Senegal's 50 thousand capacity stadium in The Gambia to improve sports infrastructure in the country.President Barrow congratulated his Senegalese counterpart Macky Sall for building such a modern sporting edifice at the tune of over 200 million Euro. While in Dakar, the Gambian leader said he held discussions with the leaders of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA over the condition of Gambia's only stadium. President Barrow said, both organisations promised to support Gambia in this regard.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

Fisheries Officers Trained on Digital Data Collection

The Department of Fisheries embarked on data collection training for the fisheries information system. Director of Fisheries Anna Mbenga Cham, reaffirmed the Fisheries Department’s commitment to the development of the Fisheries sector. Dr. Patrice Brehmer, from the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) said the training was a continuation of the first phase, which was the harmonization of data collection at sub-regional level, and deploying a digital data collection system in order to facilitate the work on the landing site. He said the second phase, would extend the use of the android tablets in other to collect some important data. He revealed that some sea water temperature sensor which can communicate with the tablet would be deployed and the information can be sent directly to the Fisheries department. An observatory for mammals on the beach and all the sea weed events would be set as well report other observations like marine pollution, accidents or unusual interference at sea. The objective is to show the ability of the Fisheries Department and its data collectors to act as the eyes and the ears of The Gambia along the coast.

Continue Reading >>

Latest Updates

Sports First slide

A JUBILANT NATION CELEBRATES ANOTHER AFCON QUALIFICATION, AFTER A STUNNING FIGHTBACK AGAINST CONGO

An entertaining and dramatic match at the Marrakech Stadium will be remembered for a stunning comeback, orchestrated by two substitutes as the Gambia secure a place in the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time running. At first, it appeared the Scorpions were going to miss out on a spot in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. They were woeful in the first 45. Outplayed and outwitted by Congo Brazzaville, who threatened to upstage the Scorpions in a first-half display of poise and panache. Congo scored twice in the first half. First, Gaius Makouta capitalized on a lapse in concentration to poke home from close range after the half-hour mark. That was followed by a Silvere Ganvoula penalty after the referee adjudged Gambia’s captain Omar Colley for a handball in the 45th minute. A decision bitterly contested by the Gambia’s camp. At that moment, it appears a seemingly desperate situation for the Gambia. With the clock ticking towards the 80th minute, hopes were slowly fading for the Scorpions, as Congo put themselves within touching distance of qualification. A desperately looking Tom Saintfiet looked to his bench for salvation. And his substitutes did the magic for him and the over two million soccer-loving people of the Gambia. First, teenage Feyenoord forward Yankuba Minteh struck within minutes of his introduction. Substitute Muhammed Badamosi flicked on Ibou Touray’s cross into the path of the unmarked Yankuba Minteh who rolled home from close range in what was his competitive debut for the National Team. Minteh first appeared for the Gambia against Guinea Bissau in an international friendly in Turkey on November 20, 2022. That goal sparked new life into the Scorpions and they piled up the pressure on the retreating Red Devils of Congo.  With the clock ticking towards full-time, deep into added time, Saudi Pro League star Muhammed Badamosi turned the tie on its head to help the Scorpions complete an incredible comeback. Hopes were rekindled, and everyone started to believe that a comeback was on the cards as the Scorpions of the Gambia only needed a point to maintain second spot in the group behind group leaders, Mali. Congo at first looked defiant, but they were not able to muster the energy to resist the pressure from Tom and his players who duly got rewarded in the 90th minute when Badamosi leaped high to glance home a looping cross from Musa Barrow. The goal sparked huge celebrations on the pitch and in the stands where a handful of Gambia Football Federation officials as well as few Gambians who managed to filed into the grounds were camped. But, the epicenter of the celebrations was back home in the Gambia as Gambians rejoice another qualification to the Afcon championship by the National Team, the Scorpions. This was truly a historic moment for the Gambia side who played all their qualifiers away from home due to the ban on the country’s only stadium by CAF. Yet, they showed composure and determination to reach another milestone achievement in the country’s sporting history. 

Continue Reading >>
Sports First slide

GAMBIA U-15 PRESENTS CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY TO SPORTS MINISTER

After returning to the country following their under-15 youth championship triumph in Oslo, Norway, the Gambian team led by Goodwill ambassador Tijan Jaiteh, presented the trophy to Bakary Y. Badjie the Minister for Youth and Sports.The 2023 edition of the Norway Cup is the second time a Gambian team is taking part in the championship. The Gambian U-15 completed the tournament unbeaten and defeated Ullern 3-2 in the final to clinch the 2023 championship trophy in Oslo.Championing the investment of resources in sports towards the well-being of Gambian youth, Minister Badjie recognized the team's outstanding efforts in bringing glory to the country and putting the country's name on the world stage.‘You have the joy of having won the trophy but then the country benefits. People who didn’t know about the Gambia would know. The media will talk about it and someone who doesn’t know will hear it. And those that are interested will go searching where Gambia is, you know what that does, it increases our tourism’. Ndey Marie Njie, the Permanent Secretary at the Youth and Sports Ministry congratulated the team and urged them to keep working hard. She assured them of the government’s continuous investment towards the improvement of the welfare of youths.Tijan Jaiteh, the Goodwill Ambassador for Sports, thanked the Ministry for its contribution to the team’s participation in the tournament. He said the youngsters fought hard to bring home the trophy despite playing six games in nine days.National Youth Adviser, Lamin K. Saidy, expressed delight and satisfaction at the team's performance, which he said brought joy to the people of the Gambia. He commended the Ministry for investing in Youth development.Speaking on behalf of the team, Ebrima Saidy and Sainey Njie, expressed the team’s sincere appreciation to the ministry and the country for their encouragement as they continue to seek their support to bring more glory to the Gambia.

Continue Reading >>
Sports First slide

CAF HEAD OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PRE-INSPECTS GAMBIA'S STADIUM REMODELLING PROJECT

At the invitation of the Gambia government, Muhammad Sidat, the Confederation of African Football head of professional football, carried out a preliminary assessment of the ongoing works at the Independence stadium.The CAF professor was invited for expert inspection and recommendation as the Gambia raced against time for the hosting of their final AFCON qualifiers against Congo in September.'We requested that they come so that they can look at what we have done so far. In the event there is anything that we need to improve on, they can advise us, after which we will ensure that is done before they come for the final inspection.’‘So that by the time they come for the final inspection, we would have gotten almost everything 100%.’ Marcel Mendy, the Executive Director of the National Sports Council, said.The CAF's head of professional football was escorted by local stakeholders from the Sports Ministry, Gambia Football Federation, and the contractors to different parts of the stadium for a professional assessment.After over a three-hour walk through key areas of the interior and the exterior of the stadium, the inspector said there has been progress, but some adjustments are needed.‘There were matters in relation to the accessibility of the players and media. We wanted to ensure all these points were taken care of.’‘In modern stadiums, we need to ensure that players, media, fans, and VIPs have their own entrance and exit, so there is no clash. This was one of the remarks we were trying to find alternative solutions to.’ Muhammad said.The expert further said the environment around the stadium is crucial for safety. ‘We understand that there are still works going on, but ensuring access, the gates, and external perimeter all of these areas has to be completed and right to the best standards possible.’He recommended another fence [perimeter] to be built around the pavilion before the next assessment.As per CAF’s requirement, stadiums are assessed two or three months before the match day. Sidat said a circular will be sent to GFF in the coming weeks when CAF will provide a timeline for GFF to send their preferred venue for the Gambia’s next game.The inspector said that by the beginning of August, all venues for the CAF final round of AFCON qualifiers must be confirmed.‘It is a tight timeline, but I have received assurances from all the authorities that they are working day and night to meet all of the final works. So let’s hope that happens.This means a tough race against time for the contractors. It remains to be seen if the Gambia will host their final round of AFCON qualifiers against Congo at this stadium, what is certain now, is the acceleration of work round the clock for contractors who will be hoping to meet the deadline. 

Continue Reading >>
Sports First slide

SCORPIONS ON THE BRINK OF 2023 AFCON PLACE AS WIND OF OPTIMISM BLOWS ACROSS

From the Head of State to the Sports Minister, the GFF President, the coach of the Gambia National Team, the players, and the last supporter of the team. One thing they all eye, is the Gambia’s return to the AFCON for the second time in succession.The team is truly on the brink, and the performance they showed to this stage, will leave any supporter with great hope. Scorpions of The Gambia are currently second in Group G, a position that is still in contention. But they stand the biggest chance to make it their own when they take on Congo who are third, three points adrift, and stand a chance to topple the Gambia – alas! – ‘God forbid.’ Gambia will take on Congo on Sunday 10th September in Morocco at 7 p.m. Gambian time for a place in the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.The worst the Gambia can avoid to return to the AFCON for the second time, is a defeat, which will see Congo through on a head-to-head basis, even though, they will tie on 9 points with the Scorpions. Their double victory over the Gambia will give them an advantage as per the CAF rules – that is if they (Congo) win.THE SQUADThe Gambia’s Belgian tactician, Tom Saintfiet, has named his squad that he believes can help him achieve another milestone – qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time under his spell.On his previous unveiling, the Belgian has come under immense criticism. But it appears he got it almost all right this time as many of his critics did not lash at his mode of team selection. He named a 23-man squad that on paper looks solid, and it will not be any surprising if they look solid on the pitch too.The team comprised notable names like Omar Colley, Modou Jobe, Able Jallow, Babucarr Gaye, Musa Barrow, and Assan Ceesay among others who all experienced the continental showpiece – AFCON, in the last edition in Cameroon which was the first time the Gambia make AFCON appearance.Remarkably, they finished 6th overall – losing 2 – 0 to the host nation Cameroon in the quarterfinals.This crop of players can be trusted. Judging by the clubs they are playing for, the playing times, and their form individually. Players like team captain Omar Colley, Ablie Jallow, Assan Ceesay, Muhammed Badamosi, and Yankuba Minteh were all on the scoresheet for their respective sides heading into the international break. With such form, and Tom Saintfiet’s pragmatic approach, one could only stay upbeat that the Scorpions are on course to write another history.OPTIMISM AND REACTIONS.I was opportune to be closer to the players during their training camp in Turkey in late 2022. I had interviews with a lot of them. As sensitive as they might appear, I still had casual discussions with a lot of them during their leisure time at the hotel, about their readiness for a return to the AFCON.The message has been the same. ‘We want to go back to the AFCON. And, we will do whatever it takes to qualify. All we need is the support and prayers of the Gambian people, so we can make them proud again.’ This was what many of them echoed.Quite reassuring, isn’t it? Those are committed statements that represent the mindset around the team. Under a coach [Tom] who likes bragging about his records and achievements. One could only sense complete readiness around the Scorpions team.“We will do everything possible to write more history. It is not easy, though Congo-Brazzaville is a good team. They have good players and a good coach, so we will face a very tough challenge,”“We want to qualify. We have tasted two years ago how beautiful AFCON is, and we want to go back there, and we will be ready to compete.” Tom said in an interview with Ebrima KB. Sonko.Hopes are high that, the Scorpions will write another history as they did in March 2021 when Assan Ceesay scored a lone goal against Angola in Banjul to send millions around the country into ecstatic celebrations as the Scorpions qualify for the AFCON, - Remarkably, the first time in history.  CAUTION!As the game approaches, it's difficult for anyone to think about anything, other than a return to the AFCON for the Scorpions. But some of us who have been following football closely, know we can all come crashing, back down to earth if there is one bit of complacency. Not what anyone will pray for, but ruling it all together out, will go against football in all aspects.With the physical strength Congo has in their squad, coupled with their experience in the AFCON [Winners in 1972, 4th Place 1974, Quarterfinalist 1992 & 2015].   You would expect their 1 – 0 win over the Scorpions in the first leg, to click them into gear. And they are under the guidance of a coach [Paul Put] who knows Gambian football, as little as it may, not new to him.Congo will certainly look to mount some pressure as they look to make a return to the AFCON for the first time since 2015 in Equatorial Guinea.This job for the Scorpions is close to being done but also far from done.However, the Belgian tactician and this group of players know how to write history. They have set new standards. And, they are spoiling Scorpions’ fans who have suffered for too long with joy.It will be mind-boggling to bet against them, turning more dreams into reality.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

KUNTA KINTEH FERRY ON BREAKDOWN MAINTENANCE

PRESS RELEASE The Ferry Service Management wishes to inform the general public that the Kunta Kinteh Ferry will be witndrawn for breakdown maintenance for at least 48 hours with effect from Tuesday, 8th August 2023.Meanwhile, Kanilai Ferry will be deployed to provide minimal service. Efforts will be made to restore Kunta Kinteh Ferry, and Management wishes to apologize to the travelling public for any inconvenience that this disruption in service may cause. GFSC MANAGEMENT

Continue Reading >>
Sports First slide

RED SCORPIONS’ POWER AND PACE TOO HOT FOR FEMALE TEAMS AS THEY CLINCH BACK-TO-BACK TITLES

Red Scorpions have shown another great performance in a campaign that ended in great fashion for them as they clinched back-to-back titles in the Gambia Football Federation Women’s Division One League.The serial champions were just too strong and could not be struck from their stride, for yet, another season. And again, teams in the league appear to have no answers to coach Choro Mbenga’s side for the second season running as they completed a successful title defense.Even though they were already confirmed champions even before going into the last round of matches on Sunday evening. But the defending champions once again showed that they are not just title-winning conscious, but setting records that will keep their name as perhaps the greatest ever female team to ever compete in a GFF league.They failed to take their foot off the gas in their final game, even against struggling Abuko United.  As if that was the game to decide their fate, they ran out 3 – 0 winners. The league’s top scorer Kumba Kuyateh scored twice to take her tally to 20 goals and Fatou Bojang scored the other.A coronation was already waiting and it happened after the final whistle. As champions, Red Scorpions will receive five-hundred thousand dalasi. Second place Berewuleng will be handed two-hundred and fifty thousand dalasi and, third place Police Ladies one hundred and twenty-five thousand.In a ten-team league, Red Scorpions won 17 and drew one in the 18 games they played. They scored 51 goals and conceded just 8 which made them the team with the best attack and defence in the league. And, amassed 52 points altogether, 13 points clear from second place Berewuleng F.C.One might argue that the league is weak, this could be true. But it will be unfair to lose sight of the dedication and the organisation of this Red Scorpions side.If other institutional teams in the league cannot match Red Scorpions' achievement, then that is clear proof that Choro and her management have invested energy to sustain their growth this far.“11 league titles and a record 41 games unbeaten run”, is a milestone feat anywhere the world over. We can only congratulate them on their remarkable achievement. It was deserved. This was truly the right complement to the energy they invested throughout the campaign. It was worth it after all!

Continue Reading >>