Basse area council has announced that the controversy surrounding the Basse Market has been resolved. The council said the resolution of the dispute came after successful GALGA mediation. It could be recalled that a dispute erupted between the office of the Governor and the Area Council over over who should manage the newly built Basse market following its commissioning by President Adama Barrow.
Continue Reading >>A twenty year old woman from Senegal successfully gave birth to triplets at the Maternity Department/Theatre of Bwiam General hospital. The hospital announced the good news on its social media handle. The babies all female weighing 1.7kg, 1.9kg and 1.8kg it said were delivered through Successful Caesarean despite mother being anaemic, and transfused with 2 pints of whole blood. Dr. David Demba and team carried out the successful surgery. Mother and Babies are stable at the postnatal ward. Bwiam General Hospital, attracts large number of patients beyond its catchment area and across the borders daily.
Continue Reading >>The Gambia police force say new measures to avert the increasing road accidents will be introduced with immediate effect. The police said in a statement that more boots will be deployed on the roads to enforce traffic rules and regulations. An Accident Response Squad and regular Highway Patrols will also be introduced. The police warned motorists to desist from flouting traffic rules and regulations
Continue Reading >>The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) launched cash transfers to assist internally displaced people (IDPs), refugees, and host families in Foni Kansala where conflict in the Senegalese Cassamance region led to cross-border displacement.One thousand two hundred households including approximately 10,000 women, men, and children, are targeted. Each household will be handed 2,330 Gambian Dalasis per month from April to June 2022. This assistance will help conflict-affected families, meet their basic food needs, and replenish destroyed or lost food stocks.Yasuhiro Tsumura, WFP Representative and Country Director in The Gambia said the beneficiaries already suffered from a difficult food security situation due to the poor harvest of last year, the socioeconomic fallout of COVID-19 pandemic, and the rising prices. This assistance comes at a time when the level of food insecurity and malnutrition is already very high in the country. The emergency response is being delivered in coordination with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCC). Targeted families were identified through a joint assessment conducted by WFP and UN partners in support of the Gambian Government.
Continue Reading >>The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) expresses concern over the sustained verbal attacks launched against the person of FIFA Gambian Referee, Mr. Bakary Papa Gassama, by Algerian nationals. The federation’s reaction came after attacks through the various forms of media on the Gambian referee as a result of Algeria’s 2-1 home defeat to Cameroon which Mr. Gassama officiated. A GFF statement on its social media handle says the Federation has lodged a formal complaint to the Algerian Football Federation on the matter. The GFF also requested that FIFA and CAF open investigations and disciplinary proceedings against the Head Coach of the Algeria National Football Team Mr. Djamel Belmadi for his remarks on a video clip and on an Algerian Television. GFF further demanded that the Algerian federation make a public statement condemning the actions of Mr. Belmadi and all the verbal attacks against Mr. Gassama.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow on Monday received a special envoy of the Head of State of Burkina Faso at State House. The Burkinabe Minister of Foreign Affairs Madam Olivia Rouamba was at Statehouse to deliver a special message to The Gambian leader from the Burkinabe leader Lt. Col. Paul Henri-Damiba. Burkina Faso is currently undergoing a transition following the overthrow of former president Marc Roche Kabore earlier this year. The Sub-regional body ECOWAS is leading mediation efforts amongst various political factions in the country to end the crisis. The country is also suspended by the regional bloc until civil order is restored.
Continue Reading >>The Minister of Agriculture and a team of experts recently embarked on a nationwide tour of project sites under the “Building Resilience against Food and Nutrition Insecurity project. The Project aimed at enhancing the capacity of farmers for better production. The minister and the delegation's first point of call was the poultry project scheme for the ‘Back Way Returnees’ at Giboro and feeder road project sites at Pirang, Somita, and Bulanjor all in the West Coast Region. Speaking at various intervention areas the minister of Agriculture Amie Fabureh hailed community members for their commitment to the successful implementation of the project. She assured them of her office's resolve to empower youths to venture into poultry production among other areas. The Public Relations Officer of the poultry project Ousman Njie briefed the minister and her delegation on the daily upkeep of the facility, lack of transport facilities, and the insufficient number of layer birds as challenges confronting the business. The Project Manager of Gai Construction Company Abdou Jaine said work on the feeder road is in progress and assured the government of the timely completion of the work. The team later visited Kiang Kaiaf and Jenoi in the Lower River Region.
Continue Reading >>His Excellency President of the Republic of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, has declared 2nd and 3rd May 2022 as public holidays throughout The Gambia to mark Labour Day and Eid-ul-Fitr. Official work resumes on Wednesday, 4th May 2022.
Continue Reading >>The Regional Governor of the Lower River Region has described the construction of the Senegambia Bridge as a success story in advancing the socio-economic development of The Gambia. Rohey John Manjang made the remark during an exclusive interview with GRTS. She said the bridge has eased transportation within the country as well as to other parts of the sub-region. Governor Manjang said the bridge has also enhanced trade in the region. The Senegambia Bridge links the southern and northern parts of The Gambia, while also connecting northern Senegal to the southern province of Casamance. Governor Rohey John Manjang said the construction of the bridge has further cemented the bilateral ties between the Gambia and Senegal. She noted that Government is constructing a new market in Soma to compensate for the loss of businesses that were operating at the Yelli Tenda-Bamba Tenda Crossing point.
Continue Reading >>Standard Chartered Bank officials on thursday briefed President Adama Barrow about the Bank’s divestiture plans in The Gambia, assuring him that it will be orderly and of no adverse effect on its staff and customers.Speaking on behalf of the Bank’s representatives Lamin Manjang, CEO Standard Chartered Bank West Africa Cluster, said they assured the President that none of their staff will lose their job and their benefits will continue unhindered. Manjang said once the bank’s ownership is eventually transferred it is hoped that the new owners will absorb the existing staff and continue business as usual.Standard Chartered Bank last week announced plans to divest from seven countries including The Gambia – five in Africa and two in the Middle East. The process is expected to take between a year or two when potential investors are expected to step in and take over its assets and operations. Manjang was accompanied by Alpha Barry, Chairman Standard Chartered Bank Gambia and Chuks Ugha, Chief Executive Officer and Dayo Aderugbo, Head of Corporate Affairs, West Africa.
Continue Reading >>The ambassador of Libya H.E Muhammed Naweel Haseeb has presented his letters of credence to The President, H.E Adama Barrow. The new ambassador was received and escorted to the chambers where he formally presented his letters to the President, H.E Adama Barrow. The appointment of Ambassador Naweel Haseeb is expected to further consolidate ties between Libya and the Gambia.
Continue Reading >>The National Audit Office on Thursday launched its COVID-19 Audit Report. The report focused mainly on the procurement and Distribution of Food and Medical items within the Greater Banjul Area and some parts of the West Coast Region. The office of the Auditor General conducted a special audit of the covid-19 funds spent between March and October 2020 on food and medical items procured and distributed within the Greater Banjul Area. The Auditor-General, Karamba Touray said risk assessments were done to enhance accountability in the use of public funds. Deputy Auditor-General 1 Pa Majagne Ndow gave an overview of the report which highlighted documents such as vouchers and delivery notes, delayed, damaged and unaccounted for items, inappropriate procurement, and contracting processes. Deputy Auditor-General 2 Baba S Drammeh stressed the importance of adhering to audit recommendations. The report was submitted to the Ministries of Health and trade, the National Assembly, and the National Disaster Management Agency among other stakeholders, and published on the National Audit Office website.
Continue Reading >>The Scorpions of The Gambia exceeded their wildest dreams to overturn a 2-0 deficit to secure an unlikely, stunning 4-2 win against the Black Stars of Ghana in front of a stunned home crowd at the Accra Sports Stadium in round two of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. It appears as if it was going to be a long afternoon for coach Johnathan McKinstry and his side when Ghana took a 2-0 lead after 33 minutes with a penalty from Ernest Nuamah and a free kick from Felix Afena-Gyan.But how the Scorpions turned the game on its head to grab maximum points is one thing that left Ghana in total bewilderment. A rally with a converted penalty by Muhammed Badamosi, a close-range finish by captain Omar Colley and a brace from substitute Ebrima Colley were enough to send disbelief across the footballing family in Ghana and earned The Gambia a second straight win.But this wasn't a difference in class and maturity. This could only be credited to one thing - tactical discipline. TACTICAL MASTERCLASS BY JOHNNY MCKINSTRY The Northern Irish man deployed a five-man defensive approach with Omar Colley, Yaya Bojang, Alagie Saine, Joseph Ceesay, and Ibou Touray, all accustomed defenders starting.That wasn't packing the bus. It was a game plan. The approach worked against Somalia, where the Scorpions recorded a 2-1 victory, but this time around, it brought along an even bigger result.The approach prevented Ghana from scoring in open play. If not for the penalty and a free kick that looked more like a gift from goalkeeper Babucarr Gaye, who wrongly positioned the wall and himself, the score was going to be even more embarrassing for the home side.Even with the five defenders, Ibou Touray and Joseph Ceesay were largely seen joining the attack when the Scorpions were in possession, with the combative Portsmouth man Ebou Adams covering the gaps at the back when necessary. That helped the team draw themselves back on level terms at 2-2 before half-time. The biggest turning point came in the second half when the Scorpions tactician added left-back Sainey Sanyang and midfielders Mouhamadou Drammeh and Ebrima Colley and forward Adama Bojang in the positions of midfielders Abubakr Barry, Suleiman Camara, Abdoulie Sanyang and striker Mohammed Badamosi. Not only did Ebrima Colley score two goals, but the way they helped the team maintain a clear balance between defence and attack and how Sainey, Mouhamadou and Ebrima combined in the lead-up to the 4th goal, justified how right those tactical switches were. All through the game, the Scorpions were tactically mature, disciplined, and they stayed true to their approach from start to finish. FLURRY OF GOALS Knowing fully well that losing to the Scorpions would be considered unforgivable, the Black Stars started the show in the 27th minute when Ernest Nuamah converted from the penalty spot following a foul by Badamosi. 3 minutes later, Felix Afena-Gyan curled home a free kick from outside the 18-yard box.At the moment, Ghanaians, from supporters to the Football Association President, the belief was that it was an afternoon of redemption. But the way the Scorpions rallied was astonishing. Mohamed Badamosi reduced the deficit from the spot in the 37th minute following a foul on Abdoulie Sanyang by captain Gedeon Mensah in the box.With 3 minutes to halftime, the Scorpions were levelled. Captain Omar Colley hit home a flick from fellow centre-back Yaya Bojang following a long throw from left-back Ibou Touray in the 42nd minute. After the break, the Black Stars were desperate for a win, attacking the Scorpions at every presentable chance. They were caught unawares at the back twice when the Scorpions switched gear to hit them on a quick break. In the 68th minute, Mohamed Badamosi flicks a long looping ball in the path of substitute Ebrima Colley, who hit past Benjamin Asare in the Ghana goalpost. And on the stroke of regulation time, the Scorpions hit the final nail into the Ghanaian coffin as Ebrima Colley headed home a Sainey Sanyang's cross into an unguarded net. The result sent a total shockwave and uproar among the home crowd, who angrily called for the resignation of the Portuguese boss Carlos Queiroz and Kurt Okraku, the President of the Ghana Football Association. A WORTHLESS DIFFERENCE The difference between the Black Stars and the Scorpions is like a gap between a beginner and a professional. The Black Stars, who are currently ranked 65th in the world, have played in five World Cups and reached the quarter-finals in 2010. They managed four Africa Cup of Nations titles in their 24 appearances in the competition and also won seven WAFU titles. These achievements will make anyone believe that Ghana should not be any match for the Scorpions. This difference was rendered worthless as they were humbled before their home crowd. The Scorpions of The Gambia are ranked 116th globally and have only appeared in the AFCON twice, in 2021 and 2023, finishing in the 2021 quarter-finals as their best feat without ever playing in the World Cup. But the recent form of the Scorpions is unmatched by that of Ghana. In 12 consecutive games, the Scorpions won 7, drew 1, and lost 4, as opposed to Ghana, who have won just one, lost 9 and drawn 2 in 12 straight outings now. This simply shows how football is played and won not by size, achievements, or history, but on form and perhaps a bit of luck. WHAT NEXT? This victory puts the Scorpions in pole position to qualify for the 2027 AFCON after they missed out on the last edition. If they can grab six points out of a possible 12 in their remaining four games, qualification will certainly be secured.For the Black Stars, their destiny squarely lies in their own hands. They must grab a minimum of 10 points out of a possible 12 in their next four games to stand even the slightest of chances.For now, they will first need to diagnose their problem and start working on it; perhaps a possible return of Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, and Jordan Ayew in the next window could be a possible solution. That, though, remains to be seen!
Continue Reading >>LONDON — 24 September 2026 - Sweden has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its longstanding friendship and bilateral cooperation with The Gambia, following a high-level courtesy visit to the Gambian Embassy in London.Ambassador Johan Friscell, Director for Africa and Head of Department at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden, accompanied by Ms Annika Jacobson, paid a courtesy visit to Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bensouda, Non-Resident Ambassador of The Gambia to the Kingdom of Sweden.The visit allowed both sides to exchange views on the longstanding relationship between Sweden and The Gambia and to explore opportunities for further cooperation in areas of mutual interest.Ambassador Friscell conveyed fraternal greetings from the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and reaffirmed Sweden’s interest in deepening cooperation with The Gambia. He expressed appreciation for the open, cordial, and constructive relationship between the two countries. He highlighted the importance of continued dialogue on issues including international law, migration, development, education, and tourism.The Ambassador emphasised the importance of diplomacy, friendship, and sustained engagement in addressing contemporary international challenges and strengthening cooperation between nations.In response, Ambassador Dr Fatou Bensouda reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to maintaining and further developing its bilateral friendship and cooperation with Sweden.She was accompanied at the meeting by Mr Suntou Touray, Deputy Head of Mission, and Mr Abu Bakr Jawara, First Secretary.Dr Bensouda recalled the historical contribution of Swedish visitors to the development of tourism in The Gambia, noting the important role Sweden and other Scandinavian countries played in helping to establish The Gambia as a destination for international tourism.The Gambian Ambassador further emphasised The Gambia’s readiness to remain a reliable partner to Sweden in areas of mutual interest, including international law, human rights, migration cooperation, education and scholarships, cultural exchanges, tourism, and government-to-government partnerships.She also highlighted the importance of strengthening connectivity between the two countries, including expanded maritime and air links. In this regard, she noted The Gambia’s interest in developing its river transportation network and improving ferry services as part of broader efforts to enhance mobility, trade, tourism, and economic activity. She further noted that there is a need to re-engage airlines to conduct direct flights to The Gambia from Sweden. Both sides expressed optimism about the future of Sweden - The Gambia relations and agreed on the importance of maintaining regular high-level engagement.The meeting concluded with discussions on a proposed visit by Swedish authorities to The Gambia, which would provide an opportunity for further discussions on trade, investment, development cooperation, tourism, and other areas of mutual interest.The engagement reflects the continued commitment of both countries to strengthening their longstanding friendship and expanding practical cooperation for the mutual benefit of the peoples of Sweden and The Gambia.
Continue Reading >>𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad expresses its deep sadness following reports of a boat incident involving migrants and extends its sincere condolences to the families and loved ones affected. The Ministry conveys its solidarity with all those awaiting information regarding the whereabouts and well-being of their relatives.At this stage, the identities and nationalities of the persons reportedly on board have not been officially verified. While preliminary information suggests that the vessel may have departed from The Gambia, the Ministry is engaging with the Spanish authorities and other relevant stakeholders to establish the circumstances of the incident and verify the information currently available.The Ministry is also liaising with the relevant Spanish authorities and, through its National Focal Point under the Rabat Process, maintaining contact with relevant counterparts and partners, including IOM and ICRC, as appropriate, to facilitate information-sharing and contribute to efforts to clarify the situation.The Ministry is mindful of the distress and uncertainty being experienced by families whose relatives may be missing. The Ministry therefore urges the public and all concerned to exercise caution regarding information that has not been officially verified, as inaccurate reports may cause further distress to affected families. Further information will be communicated, as appropriate, once the relevant facts have been established and verified.The Ministry remains concerned about the continued risks associated with dangerous and irregular migration journeys and underscores the importance of continued cooperation among relevant authorities and stakeholders to promote safe and regular migration and protect vulnerable migrants from exploitation.The Ministry extends its deepest sympathies to all families and communities affected by this incident and appreciates the understanding, patience and cooperation of the public as efforts to establish the facts continue.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow has presented a cheque for two million Dalasi (D2,000,000) to the Gambia U-17 national team for winning the WAFU Zone A Championship in Senegal.The team was received at State House by the President, led by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, officials of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) and the National Youth Council.The Baby Scorpions recently clinched the WAFU A title in a hotly contested tournament in Senegal, defeating the host nation in the final.Led by Head Coach Yaya Manneh, GFF President Kemo Ceesay and Minister Badjie, the delegation thanked President Barrow for his support before, during and after the tournament.In recognition of their feat, President Barrow rewarded the team with D2 million for making the nation proud.Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Minister Badjie described the team's performance as exceptional and commendable, adding that President Barrow was very proud of the boys.He noted that the government under President Barrow has invested heavily in sports, particularly football, which has enabled national teams to compete at the highest level.He reassured that the government will continue to provide the needed infrastructure for sports development and urged young Gambians to seize the opportunities to realise their potential.Head Coach Yaya Manneh also expressed profound gratitude to President Barrow and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the gesture, noting the team has picked up valuable lessons and built a stronger mentality for future challenges.Team captain Samboujang Daffeh, speaking on behalf of the players, thanked the President for his support and investment in sports and promised the team will continue to make the country proud.President Barrow congratulated the team and urged them to replicate the same feat at the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Continue Reading >>𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad expresses its deep sadness following reports of a boat incident involving migrants and extends its sincere condolences to the families and loved ones affected. The Ministry conveys its solidarity with all those awaiting information regarding the whereabouts and well-being of their relatives.At this stage, the identities and nationalities of the persons reportedly on board have not been officially verified. While preliminary information suggests that the vessel may have departed from The Gambia, the Ministry is engaging with the Spanish authorities and other relevant stakeholders to establish the circumstances of the incident and verify the information currently available.The Ministry is also liaising with the relevant Spanish authorities and, through its National Focal Point under the Rabat Process, maintaining contact with relevant counterparts and partners, including IOM and ICRC, as appropriate, to facilitate information-sharing and contribute to efforts to clarify the situation.The Ministry is mindful of the distress and uncertainty being experienced by families whose relatives may be missing. The Ministry therefore urges the public and all concerned to exercise caution regarding information that has not been officially verified, as inaccurate reports may cause further distress to affected families. Further information will be communicated, as appropriate, once the relevant facts have been established and verified.The Ministry remains concerned about the continued risks associated with dangerous and irregular migration journeys. It underscores the importance of continued cooperation among relevant authorities and stakeholders to promote safe and regular migration and protect vulnerable migrants from exploitation.The Ministry extends its deepest sympathies to all families and communities affected by this incident and appreciates the public's understanding, patience, and cooperation as efforts to establish the facts continue.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow on Friday inaugurated a new mosque in Gunjur, a project funded by the Presidency. The ceremony drew cabinet ministers, senior government officials, religious leaders, elders, and residents of Gunjur and neighbouring settlements.On arrival, President Barrow was received by West Coast Region Governor Ousman Bojang and the Minister of Regional Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, Hamat N.K. Bah, along with other dignitaries.(Minister of Regional Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, Hamat N.K. Bah welcoming President Barrow as he arrived in Gunjur.)By noon, the mosque and its compound were filled, with many others seated outside for the historic opening.Imam Alhagie Muhammed Lamin Touray led the prayer service. In his sermon, he preached peace, unity, and stability, and urged Muslims to fulfil their religious obligations with dedication.(Imam Alhagie Muhammed Lamin Touray, who was a former President of The Gambia's Supreme Islamic Council, delivering the sermon.)The Imam then led the two-rakat prayer marking the official inauguration of the mosque.Speaking after prayers, Imam Touray expressed profound gratitude to President Barrow for sponsoring the construction. He recalled past challenges the community faced in raising funds for a mosque, and said the President had fulfilled their long-held dream."This singular act will enhance the spiritual development of the community," Imam Touray said. He also thanked women, youth, and religious leaders for their support during the project.(President Barrow flanked by Chief Falalo Touray and Alkalo Dembo Darboe of Gunjur.)Chief Falalo Touray and Alkalo Dembo Darboe of Gunjur also commended the President. They noted that the mosque, together with ongoing road and infrastructure projects, will promote the religious and social development of Gunjur. They urged residents to support the President to enable him to continue his development agenda.Minister Hamat N.K. Bah described the mosque as one of the most modern in the country, built to meet contemporary architectural standards.He disclosed that President Barrow has funded several mosque projects nationwide, reflecting his commitment to Islam and the spiritual development of Muslims.The Minister echoed calls for Gambians to support the President’s re-election bid in December. He also thanked elders and religious leaders for preaching peace and tolerance, and urged them to continue guiding to preserve national tranquillity.In his inaugural statement, President Barrow thanked the Gunjur community for the honour, noting he had long pledged to support the project.(President Barrow addressing worshippers after the prayer.)He described Gunjur as a historic Islamic settlement that produced renowned scholars including Omar Bun Jeng and Hatab Bojang. He said mosques play a vital role in the spiritual and moral development of society.The President thanked anonymous donors who supported the construction and urged the community to pray for them. He called the mosque a progressive project that has changed the infrastructural landscape of Gunjur.President Barrow challenged residents to take good care of the mosque and its facilities, and pledged government support for its upkeep and maintenance.On the upcoming December elections, the President urged Gambians to pray for peace. He reassured the nation of the government’s commitment to a smooth and credible process."There are no losers in elections," President Barrow said. "A peaceful and credible process promotes The Gambia’s image as a democratic country."The President departed Gunjur to a large farewell crowd.
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