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The Gambia government accepts all but two of TRRC recommendations

The government of the Gambia has accepted all but two of the TRRC recommendations. On Wednesday 25th May the government issued a white paper on the TRRC recommendations six months after they were submitted to the President. The one hundred and the seventy-three-page document was unveiled by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda Jallow. Mr. Jallow said all the recommendations are set for implementation in one shape or form. He said the recommendations to prosecute former President Yahya Jammeh and former vice president Dr.Isatou Njie Saidy have been accepted. The government however rejected the recommendation to grant amnesty to the former vice chairman of the AFPRC Sana Sabally. The Government will rename Arch 22 to NEVER AGAIN MEMORIAL ARCH in memory of victims of Jammeh and will renovate it and erect a wall with the names of Jammeh Victims. Honourable also announced that individuals who have been adversely mentioned by the Commission and to serve in various areas of the public and security services will be suspended from service. He said the government will work on a lawful means to effect their dismissal, termination, or compulsory retirement as each case may require.

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Transport, works and infrastructure minister starts familiarization tour

The Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah is on a familiarization tour of projects under implementation by his ministry. The Minister visited the mausoleum of the first President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara at the National Assembly where he was taken on a tour of the edifice, which is expected to complete in September. Minister Sillah also visited the Ports where he was received by the Managing Director of The Gambia Ports Authority Ousman M. Jobarteh. The transport minister toured various sections of the ports and engaged officials manning diverse operations to understand existing challenges. The minister proceeded to the west coast region where he saw ongoing projects including the Banjul International airport, Brufut, and the Brikama Market. At the Brikama market he was received by the governor of the west coast region. He toured the building project still under construction and the women's fish market. 

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President Barrow To Attend the 16th AU Extraordinary Summit

The Office of the President informs the general public that His Excellency President Adama Barrow will join fellow African leaders in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, for the 16th Extraordinary Summit of The African Union on terrorism and unconstitutional change of Government in Africa.President Barrow and his delegation will depart from the Banjul International Airport on Thursday, 26th May 2022 at 10:00 AM.The summit, which will be held from the 25th to the 28th of May, will seek to draw a continental agenda to prevent and counter the scourges of terrorism and the unconstitutional means of change of government on the continent.The summit is preceded by sessions by heads of various security and intelligence units from countries around the continent. President Barrow will proceed on a two-day working visit after the Summit. 

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REVISED 2020 AND PROVISIONAL 2021 GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

The Gross Domestic Product for the year 2021 is estimated at a growth of 4.3 per cent compared to the 2020 revised growth of 0.6 per cent showing an increase of 3.7 per cent. In 2021, GDP at constant market prices is estimated at GMD 64.8 billion compared to the revised estimate of GMD 62.1 billion in 2020. This increase is mainly attributed to the recovery from the negative effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in an increase in the economic activities in industries within the Agriculture, Industry, and Services sectors.GDP at current market prices is estimated at GMD 104.9 billion in 2021 compared to the revised estimate of GMD 93.3 billion in 2020. GDP per capita is GMD 44,696 which is equivalent to US$ 867 in 2021 as opposed to GMD 40,936 which is equivalent to US$ 802 in 2020. The Services sector continues to be the major contributor to GDP with a share of 57.5 per cent followed by the Agriculture sector with a share of 24.1 per cent and the Industry sector with a share of 18.4 per cent.For the year under review 2021, the Agriculture sector is estimated at a growth of 4.7 per cent compared to the revised growth of 10.6 per cent in 2020 showing a decline of 5.9 per cent. This decline is mainly attributed to the decrease in the production activities of Crop registering a growth of -9.1 per cent and Livestock registering a growth of -9.6 per cent.The Industry sector registered a growth of 10.4 per cent in 2021, which is 2.2 per cent more than the revised growth rate in 2020. The increase in growth in this sector is as a result of an increase in the economic activities of Construction registering a growth of 20.5 per cent and Electricity supply registering a growth of 7.0 per cent.The Services sector is estimated at a growth of 1.9 per cent in 2021 as against the revised growth of -5.0 per cent in 2020 showing an increase of 6.9 per cent. This increase is mainly attributed to the recovery from the negative effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic which increased the economic activities in Arts, entertainment and recreation with a growth of 33.7 per cent; Accommodation and food service activities with a growth of 20.2 per cent; Finance and insurance activities with a growth of 6.5 per cent; and Other service activities with a growth of 6.4 per cent.GDP BY EXPENDITUREGDP by expenditure at current market prices shows that Final consumption expenditure which is an aggregate of consumption expenditures of households, general government, and non-profit institutions serving households is estimated at GMD 102.7 billion in 2021 with a growth of 2.3 per cent, accounting for 96.5 per cent of GDP; compared to the revised estimate of GMD 90.3 billion in 2020 registering a growth of 1.5 per cent,  accounting for 95.9 per cent of GDP.  Gross fixed capital formation which constitutes expenditures on construction, machinery and equipment, and cultivated assets is estimated at GMD 34.1 billion in 2021 with a growth of      -2.3 per cent compared to the revised estimate of GMD 30.2 billion in 2020 with a growth of 44.1 per cent. Gross fixed capital formation accounted for 32.1 per cent of GDP both in 2020 and 2021.Finally, the Trade Balance which is the difference between exports and imports of goods and services contributed -27.9 per cent and -28.6 per cent to GDP in 2020 and 2021 respectively. However, the Trade Balance registered a growth of -11.6 percent in 2021 compared to the revised growth of 81.8 per cent in 2020.  

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Police clamp down on foreign commercial drivers

The Gambia Police Force has announced it embarked on measures to clamp down on the use of commercial vehicles by foreign nationals and the use of private vehicles for commercial purposes on public roads. The Police said in its Poliso magazine that the move is meant to curb road traffic accidents. The exercise that began a week ago, also saw the Police impound tricycles used as commercial vehicles. The police say the situation of the commercial tricycles is being reassessed in line with the Motor Traffic Act and Regulations. Commercial tricycle users and operators have called on the authorities to allow the much-needed means of transport back on the roads.

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African Liberation Day Declared Public Holiday

The Office of the President informs the general public that His Excellency, President Adama Barrow has declared Wednesday 25th May 2022, a Public Holiday throughout the country, in commemoration of the African Liberation Day.

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Fire Destroys large part of Fajikunda Health centre

A fire outbreak on Friday evening destroyed a large part of the fajikunda health Centre leaving several key units unrecognised. The units include the reproductive, child health, public health office, the pharmacy, and the vaccine storage room, causing huge disruption to service delivery at one of the busiest health facilities in Kanifing Municipality. Ramatoulie Camara, the Officer in Charge of the Health Centre says the incident paralyses services at the health facility. She paid tribute to the residents of Fajikunda who helped to put out the fire. Alhagie Sankareh, the Regional Health Director for Western One Region, who visited the scene, said the incident affected what he described as the nucleus of the facility.  The cause has not been established yet.

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Consultation on the Victims Reparations Bill in progress

A three-day National CSO/Victims Consultation on the Victims Reparations Bill organised by the Ministry of Justice in partnership with the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative is underway. The consultation is centred on formulating a representative and inclusive draft reparations bill to present to the government as it finalises the white paper for the implementation of the TRRC recommendations.Solicitor General Hussein Thomasi said the Gambia government and people have resolved to improve the country's human rights situation, the constitutional, legal, and institutional framework. Ismene Zarifis of the American Bar Association assured her association’s support to the Gambia’s justice sector in pursuing justice and accountability.  The Chairman of the Victims Centre Sheriff M. Kijera, said the TRRC reparations program does not adequately address remedial pathways to cater for long-term medical assistance and psycho-social rehabilitation for victims. He said the financial compensation on its own is not enough, and that long-term medical and livelihood supports are essential components of the government's reparations program. Mr. Kijera said victims felt that measures taken by TRRC were inadequate and recommend a post-TRRC reparations committee that would include victims.

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Accused Kerr Mot Ali arsonists remanded in custody

Fourteen men, Omar John, Ali Ceesay, Abdou Mbye, Ali Secka, Ali Ceesay, Musa Mbye, Haddim Ceesay, Mod Talla Secka, Modou Habib Secka, Abdoulie Sowe, Batch Samba, Modou Habib Secka, Sheikh Sey and Mustapha Ceesay are jointly charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit felony and Arson at Kerr Mot Ali the May this year.All fourteen are said to have conspired to commit a felony with Arson and willfully and unlawfully set fire and burned the houses of Musa Secka, Lamin Sowe, and Alagie Ousman Secka to ashes at Kerr Mot Ali. All accused persons pleaded not guilty on both counts as they appear before magistrate Sainey Joof at the Bansang Magistrate court. The prosecution applied for the case to be transferred to the high court and the accused remanded in custody, citing that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the case in accordance with the special criminal code. The case was transferred to the high court and all accused persons were remanded in custody.

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Minister for Basic and Secondary Education tours schools

In her first official outing since re-appointment as the Minister for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Claudiana A Cole embarked on a familiarisation visit to several schools. The schools include New Jeshwang (Kandiba) Lower Basic School, Latrikunda Sabiji Upper Basic, Senior Secondary School, and Muslim High School in Brusubi. The visit accorded her the opportunity to see for herself current ongoing projects the sector is embarking on. At New Jeshwang LBS she saw the construction of twenty-four classroom and twelve office block funded by the MRC Holland Foundation. The construction when complete will accommodate more than 2000 pupils. The Minister then toured the Latrikunda Sabiji UBS and SSS where a magnificent 24 classroom facility was recently handed over to the school after laying the foundation stone one year ago. The 24 classroom block has 6 offices with rams that catered for the differently able persons. In addition to the classrooms, twenty-two toilets were built for the 2688 students and staff of the two schools combined. The Minister and her team also went to the New Muslim High School in Brusubi. The school was relocated from Banjul to Brusubi in the 2021/2022 academic year due to its close location to the Ports and the terrible conditions of the structures. The new Muslim High School in Brusubi is a State-of-the-art facility that has 24 classrooms and 16 toilets and accommodates 1611 students including the Arab section. The familiarization tour gave the Minister the opportunity to meet and discuss with school heads who shared with her some of the challenges the schools face and appealed to her office to help in addressing them. Honourable Cole assured them of her Ministry's commitment to ensuring that the needs of the schools are met.

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SIX MONTHS ON, GUNJUR STILL MOURNS MISSING MIGRANT BOAT

Family members of close to 200 migrants still lived in a perpetual state of anxiety, trauma, and uncertainty as the boat carrying their relatives is still missing. Spain-bound migrant boat left the shores of Gunjur on the 8th of November 2021 for a journey that is supposed to last not more than 15 days, but   222 days and still counting, their whereabouts are still unclear. Over 30 of the hundred-plus migrants are all natives of Gunjur in Kombo South of the West Coast Region, a community that has recently become the epicentre of the perilous journey. Without any information on their fate, this is already a tragedy for Gunjur and the family members of the rest of the migrants in other parts of the Gambia and Senegal.Family members are deeply concerned about the fate of the migrants. “Even if they are dead, we just want to know what happened to our relatives”, Mba-Fatou a mother of one of the migrants said. “Our situation is worse than losing a loved one. We are totally traumatised, and I find it difficult to sleep at night. We want the government to help us know the situation of this boat” she added. The migrants on board were mainly from within the West Coast and the Lower River Region of the Gambia and other parts of Senegal.Family members are desperately waiting for news about their loved ones so much so that they take every piece of information seriously. Since the incident occurred, several reports circulated on social media indicating that the missing migrants were intercepted and detained in Mauritania. Upon receiving those unconfirmed reports, Kebba K. Barrow the National Assembly member for Kombo South said they engaged the Foreign Affairs Ministry to follow up on the issue. Mr. Barrow said that the Foreign Affairs Ministry had engaged the Mauritanian authorities on the information but were told that those detainees are none Gambians. 

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Police Trained on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Police investigators of the Gambia Police Force are being trained on sexual and gender-based violence. The nine-day programme is expected to equip police investigators and operatives with the skill in delivering quality service in dealing with SGBV cases. The training is rolled by GIZ with support from Police Programme Africa.

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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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