News Stories

News First slide

NEDI trains 400 migrant returnees. Participants will be exposed to diverse economic activities

An initiative to train 400 migrant returnees on entrepreneurship was launched on Friday. The five-month-long program which was organised by National Enterprise Development Initiative (NEDI) in partnership with the International Organization for Migration, was funded by the European Union. The permanent secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Saikou K. Sanyang said the training was in line with the government's reintegration program for the country’s youth. The General Manager NEDI, Abass Bah said the five months training would expose participants to diverse economic activities for self-employment opportunities. The Deputy Executive Director National Youth Council, Pa Malick Ceesay, and a representative of IOM Bala Musa Konateh both said that the training would economically empower migrant returnees for reintegration into society. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

NHRC ORGANISES DIALOGUE ON ELECTIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently organised a Political Dialogue on Elections and Human Rights ahead of the April 9th parliamentary election.Centred on issues such as upholding human rights alongside genuine elections, the convergence attracted members of political parties, civil society and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).The chairperson of NHRC described the dialogue as crucial in the achievement of free and fair elections. Emanuel Joof also frowned on The Gambia's recent election challenges including hate speech. Notwithstanding, the NHRC presidential election findings and recommendations underlined successes including coverage of all 2021 presidential candidates by GRTS.  IEC chairman, Alieu Momar Njai, and the Interparty Committee's Dodou Jah deemed the dialogue instrumental. The session is expected to facilitate peaceful, free and fair elections.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

West Africa Competitive Program introduces new concept in onion production. The concept would enhance all year production of onions

The West Africa Competitive Program (WACOMP) is spearheading a new concept that would enhance an all-year production of onion. The initiative being implemented by United Purpose and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization has taken a new dimension by introducing an onion variety that thrives well in the rainy season. The project would increase competitiveness through enhanced quality and compliance along the onion value chain by providing market linkage between onion growers and potential buyers. Speaking to GRTS, the Horticulture Technical Expert for UNIDO, Malamin Drammeh said the project will also create cold storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses in the onion value chain. Ngansa Touray, Project Manager of United Purpose was optimistic that the introduction of onion varieties for the rainy season will create options for farmers during the production planning process. Maimuna Jabang of Pirang Mansa Garden advised women to make the best use of the new technology to diversify agricultural production.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow receive advisory paper from Prominent Gambians. The group was set up by the government to advise on planning processes

14 prominent Gambians Friday presented an advisory paper on the institutional framework for the coordination of planning and implementation of development plans in The Gambia to President Adama Barrow. The Group was formally launched by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs late last year to provide information and guidance to the government on the planning and implementation of new development strategies. The group which comprises people with extensive experience in public service and international organizations was set up by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Mambury Njai. The group’s chairman Alieu Momodou Ngum said it was tasked to look at planning processes in the Gambia and make recommendations for reforms to the government in order to maximally utilize resources. The recommendations are expected to help Government in its planning processes, especially at a time when it’s looking beyond the NDP.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

New U.S Ambassador presents letters of credence to President Adama Barrow

The ambassador-designate of the United States of America H.E Sharon L. Cromer Friday presented her letters of credence to President Adama Barrow at State House. Ambassador Cromer replaces Richard Carl Paschall. The new ambassador pledged to further consolidate the excellent bilateral and multilateral relations between the United States and The Gambia, particularly in the areas of democracy and human rights. Ambassador Cromer has served in various capacities in a number of African countries including Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

NDLEA trains Dolphin football club coaches and players

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Thursday held a day-long training for the coaching staff and players of Dolphin Star Football Club at the NaNA conference hall in Bakau. The training was aimed at enhancing the knowledge of the coaches and players on the dangers of using illicit drugs. The Director of operations at NDLEA Alagie Ebrima Drammeh said in order for people to recover from Substance Use Disorder, there should be a willingness, commitment, and determination by the youths to stop the use of illicit drugs. He called on people to collaborate with the agency in the fight against drug abuse in local communities. The President of Dolphin Star Foot Club Momodou Mbenga said one of their core mandates is to engage youths in career development such as skills and professional courses to strengthen the capacity of their coaches and players. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

IEC TRAINS 200 ASSISTANT RETURNING OFFICERS FOR THE ELECTION

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Friday trained two hundred assistant returning officers ahead of the April 9th National Assembly elections.IEC chairman, Alieu Momar Njai said elections cannot be held without well trained personnel conversant with electoral issues.For the training and communications director of IEC, assistant returning officers have a burden on their soldiers. Pa Makan Khan stated that this is because these officers are to train back around six thousand polling staff across the country.As outlined by IEC officials, participants are expected to be equipped with the necessary skills and tools to fully roll out a successful election for The Gambia's 53 constituencies.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

V.P Touray receives GAMCOTRAP members at her office

The Vice president of the Republic of the Gambia Dr Isatou Touray on Thursday received senior members of Gambia Committee on traditional harmful practices GAMCOTRAP in her office in Banjul. The delegation also comprises GAMCOTRAP's girls and boys for change ambassadors who were at Statehouse to pay gratitude to her excellency for her continued support to rights advocacy. The young advocates are the new crop of group enthusiast who are willing to challenge of breaking the societal and cultural barriers. In her statement Dr Isatou Touray commended the management of GAMCOTRAP for the new innovations joining the crusade to end harmful traditional practices against women and girls. She urged the young advocates to understand issues surrounding gender based violence and other harmful practices that affects fundamental freedoms and rights of women and girls. The Executive Director of GAMCOTRAP Princess A. Munahot said the young ambassadors initiative aims to serve as the next generation of advocates in the country. She explained the activities of the organisation in engaging grassroots education on women rights as well as the welfare of children in the country. The president of the young ambassadors Fatima John gave a biography of the Vice president in activism while commending her for support. The event was graced by presentation of certificates of appreciation to the Vice president and board members as well as staff of the organisation. Meanwhile, stakeholders in migration management comprising the ministries of foreign affairs and The interior, Gambia immigration department amongst others also met the Vice president behind closed door. The outcomes are expected to improve migration management in the country. 

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow lauds Red Cross’ Role in Fighting COVID. He pledges his government’s to back the Gambia Red Cross in its bid for the vice presidency of the International Red Cross Society.

Gambia Red Cross officials in the Sahel region on Wednesday paid a courtesy call to President Adama Barrow at State House. President Barrow during their discussions recognised the role the Red Cross played during the peak of the COVID 19 Pandemic. He pledged his government's continued partnership with the Red Cross in providing humanitarian assistance. The President of the Gambia RED Cross Society Jatto Silla to journalists that he briefed him about the activities of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the region. Mr Sillah said the President promised his government continued support to the Gambia Red Cross’ current chairmanship of the Sahel region and back its bid for the vice presidency of the International Red Cross Society.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow lauds Red Cross’ Role in Fighting COVID. He pledges his government’s to back the Gambia Red Cross in its bid for the vice presidency of the International Red Cross Society.

Gambia Red Cross officials in the Sahel region on Wednesday paid a courtesy call to President Adama Barrow at State House. President Barrow during their discussions recognised the role the Red Cross played during the peak of the COVID 19 Pandemic. He pledged his government's continued partnership with the Red Cross in providing humanitarian assistance. The President of the Gambia RED Cross Society Jatto Silla to journalists that he briefed him about the activities of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the region. Mr Sillah said the President promised his government continued support to the Gambia Red Cross’ current chairmanship of the Sahel region and back its bid for the vice presidency of the International Red Cross Society.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President pledges 5 Million Dalasi for the Internally displaced and refugees

Following the escalation of violence in the Cassamance region of Senegal, President Adama Barrow pledged 5million Dalasi (D5M) as a humanitarian response for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Foni. Residents of the border villages of Kappa, Karenoor, Sitanugu, and Ballen fled the area as a result of the heavy gunfire.The Vice President Dr Isatou Touray on Monday announced the pledge at a multi-sectoral meeting to look into the welfare of IDPs.The National Disaster Management Agency and The Gambia Red Cross Society have confirmed the arrival of Internally Displaced Persons and refugees from the affected border communities and are being registered. The World Food Programme (WFP) Deputy Country Director, Mr Malick Ndiaye, promised to support the relief effort. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) is embarking on food distributions as well beddings to the affected people in the region.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

President Barrow embarks on nationwide tour

The Secretary General and Party Leader of the National People’s party His Excellency Adama Barrow will embark on Nationwide tour from 19 to 31 March, 2022. The tour will give the President the opportunity to thank constituents for the trust and confidence in him by voting him in office massively in the December 4th Presidential election as well as to ask electorate throughout the country to finish the Jobe by voting in his NPP and Partner Parties candidates countrywide for the April 9 National Assembly Election. Seedy SK Njie

Continue Reading >>

Latest Updates

News First slide

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.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

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.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

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.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

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.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

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.

Continue Reading >>
News First slide

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.

Continue Reading >>