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PRESIDENT BARROW ARMS DLEAG WITH 8 NEW VEHICLES IN ZERO-TOLERANCE DRUG WAR

His Excellency President Adama Barrow has presented a fleet of eight operational vehicles to the Gambia Drug Law Enforcement Agency during a ceremony at the State House on Friday. These brand-new pickup trucks are intended to strengthen the Agency's capacity to combat the proliferation and abuse of illicit substances in the country.The keys to the new vehicles were handed over to the Ministry of Interior for delivery to the Director General of the Gambia Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Demba Ceesay, by the President.At the presentation ceremony, which was attended by Chief of Staff Alieu Loum, Samba Faal, (Chairman of the Agency's Board of Directors), and other senior management members, Director General Demba Ceesay expressed his deep gratitude to the President. He described the gesture as a “vote of confidence in the Agency and a demonstration of political will in the fight against the drug issue.”Ceesay reaffirmed the Agency's commitment to combating drugs and other illicit substances, noting that these new vehicles will significantly enhance interagency cooperation and partnerships.President Barrow spoke about the dangers that drugs pose to society, particularly to young people, and reiterated his government's “zero tolerance policy” towards drug trafficking and abuse. He expressed confidence that the vehicles will empower the Drug Law Enforcement Agency to effectively carry out its mandate.He commended the security forces for their achievements over the years, emphasising that “peace, security, and stability” are fundamental for sustainable socio-economic and infrastructural development.The President challenged the security services, especially the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, to “rise to the challenges” posed by drug abuse and trafficking. He also urged the public to support the security forces' efforts by “exposing criminals and criminal activity to enhance public safety.”The eight vehicles will be distributed to various Agency posts and offices across the country to improve the mobility of operatives in the fight against drugs.

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BRITISH BARRISTER MARTIN HACKETT NAMED GAMBIA'S SPECIAL PROSECUTOR TO TRY JAMMEH-ERA CRIMES

The Government of The Gambia has appointed Martin Hackett, a British barrister, as the Special Prosecutor for The Gambia. This appointment is part of the implementation process for the recommendations made by the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC).The announcement was made by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda Jallow, during a press briefing at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre earlier today.Martin Hackett, who has nearly 30 years of experience in international law and prosecution, was selected for this position from a pool of 13 candidates, which included one Gambian applicant.The TRRC heard testimonies from 393 witnesses, the majority of whom were direct victims or family members recounting stories of torture, murder, and other atrocities. Minister Jallow stated that the government has accepted all of the TRRC's prosecution recommendations outlined in its White Paper on the TRRC Report.[The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda Jallow]The Truth Commission recommended prosecuting a total of 69 individuals, including former President Yahya Jammeh, for various crimes such as torture, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances.The Special Prosecutor will serve a four-year term, which may be renewed if necessary. The annual budget allocated for the office of the Special Prosecutor is estimated to be $2.5 million.The newly appointed Special Prosecutor is expected to begin duties this month, pending the establishment and appointment of his senior management team and operational structure.In a separate update, Minister Jallow informed the press about the 2025 performance report for the Directorate of Public Prosecution under the Ministry of Justice. This report indicates that 70 cases were concluded during the year, including 11 murder cases among other offences. Minister Jallow added that "out of those 70 cases, 46 reached their logical conclusion, resulting in verdicts being delivered." The remaining cases were either withdrawn or struck out. "The Department of Criminal Division secured 36 convictions out of the 46 cases. For those that reached a conviction or were appealed, we successfully defended the appeal," he said.This is regarded as a significant achievement for the Ministry, as it is the custodian of the country's justice delivery system.

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VP JALLOW CHAIRS 2026 SECTOR CONSULTATIVE MEETING

Vice President His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow has on Wednesday 8 April presided over the first quarterly meeting of 2026 for the institutions under his purview.The meeting brought together sector directors and their teams from the National Disaster Management Agency, Food Safety and Quality Authority, National Social Protection Agency, National Population Commission Secretariat, National Nutrition Agency, and National Early Warning and Response Mechanism. The purpose was to review their achievements and collectively discuss solutions to the challenges hindering their efforts for greater success.During the meeting, Vice President Jallow commended the various sectors, noting significant progress since the last gathering. “I think we have achieved a lot in 2025. Right now, all our institutions now have an Act of Parliament. During 2025, sectors have come up with a new policy or a revised one. We are working with other sectors to make sure we finalise their policy,” he said.The stakeholders recognised that the advancements made during the review period were particularly positive, especially in supporting vulnerable populations and creating sectoral policy frameworks.Saikou Jeng, the recently appointed Executive Director of the National Social Protection Agency, praised the government for its support and called for additional assistance. He acknowledged the allocation of 80 million dalasi to his agency, which funded the family strengthening program, a cash transfer initiative directed at poor and vulnerable households nationwide. He indicated plans to use any remaining funds for other activities.However, resource constraints were a common concern in their pursuit of further success. Some participants suggested a need for increased resource mobilisation at the sectoral level and the development of documents to attract funding from multilateral donors.The overall impression at the conclusion of this first quarterly meeting of the Office of the Vice President and its associated institutions was highly favourable, with sectors striving to achieve shared national goals.“All the heads of institutions will agree with me that since we started, the camaraderie has improved,  the collegiality has improved. It also shows that we relate to each other not because we are under the Office of the Vice President but whatever we do, has an impact on what the others are doing,” VP Jallow stated.Mariama Fanneh, the Director of the National Population Commission Secretariat, described the meeting as “fruitful” and an “opportunity” to learn from each other, noting that it would significantly aid their improvement as sectors.The Office of the Vice President is committed to strengthening sectoral convergence and alignment to position these five key sectors as drivers of growth and national resilience.

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President Barrow Wraps Up 207km Road Tour: 35km of Feeder Roads Launched in Kombo and Foni to Link Farms, Markets and Communities

During the final leg of the stone-laying ceremonies for the proposed 207 km feeder road projects, which are jointly funded by the World Bank and the government, His Excellency Adama Barrow, laid the foundation stones for several feeder roads in Kombo North and South, as well as in Foni.One of the key projects is the Lamin Daranka road, which stretches 1.5 km and serves as a vital link to nearby women's vegetable gardens and rice fields. Although the road is relatively short, it plays a critical role in supporting the lives and livelihoods of thousands of women in this semi-urban area. Community members gathered in large numbers to welcome the President and the First Lady.Following the laying of the foundation stone for the contract awarded to Solo Dabo, with consultancy services provided by Pace and Ceeteq Joint Venture, the President travelled south to the coastal settlement of Gunjur. There, he marked the commencement of work on a 6.1 km road that will connect Gunjur with Berending.This important feeder road is nearly inaccessible during the rainy season, making it difficult for residents to reach markets in Brikama to sell their produce. Residents celebrated this project as a milestone in the history of Kombo South, as it provides essential connectivity to the main population centres.After leaving Kombo South, President Barrow and his entourage returned to Foni, where a day earlier, he had laid the foundation stones for several feeder road projects.His first stop was in Kanpanti, where he laid the foundation stone for a 4.3 km road from Kapa to Ballen. The entourage then proceeded to Kusamai, where another foundation stone laying ceremony took place for a 6 km road to Bajagarr. Similar ceremonies were also held in Sibanor for the construction of a 4.7 km road to Gifanga.In Bulajorr, President Barrow, assisted by the First Lady, Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally, and the village Alkalo, laid the foundation stone for a 6.3 km road to Katacorr. The final stone-laying ceremony took place in Tampoto for the construction of a 9 km road to Jakoi Sibrik, Somita/Batendin, and Jakoi Paima, bringing the total to 34.9 km of feeder roads.These roads are expected to improve rural connectivity, enhance access to markets, and promote socio-economic development. The projects are funded by the World Bank through its Gambia Inclusive and Resilient Value Chain Development Project, with additional funding from the government of The Gambia.

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Barrow Breaks Ground on 45km Road Projects, Connecting Kiang and Foni Villages to Highways for First Time

Continuing his tour across the country, President Adama Barrow continues to inspect ongoing works and lay the foundations to provide access to good road networks for communities that have never had such an opportunity.This time, he laid the foundation stones for the construction of 45km of road projects in the Lower River and West Coast Regions, jointly funded by the government and the World Bank through the GIRAV project. The feeder road projects seek to enhance rural connectivity and access to markets thereby promoting agricultural development.Among these projects is one that connects communities in Kiang Kabada who have long been isolated to the Transgambia highway and is contracted to Longjing a Chinese firm, with Gamecs Consulting Engineers as consultants.The President drove through the 102km road, which is now over 63% complete, covering 12 road links within the Kabada.From Kiang East, the President and entourage drove West to also inspect works on the 86km Kiang West road project contracted to Gai Construction and City Scape Associates.The project has made significant progress with 98% of the work now completed. The project is divided into two phases, with the first phase 39km long, stretching from Sankandi on the main highway to the Karantaba Trunk road. The second phase is 48km long comprising 10 road sections encompassing 20 villages in the area, significantly enhancing access.President Barrow with assistance from the First Lady Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally, the Governor and the Alkalo of the village, laid the foundation stone for the construction of a 4.5 km road as part of the World Bank feeder roads project at the community of Sare Jama.The same ceremonies were repeated in the Fonis, West Coast Region where the President laid foundation stones in 4 other villages.The first was in Djonkil, Foni Jarrol where a 4.3km road will connect Djonkil, Kewel,  Kangmamudu and Kampasa.Another road, 7km long will connect Wassadu, Adullay,  Fass Chabai, Kanjiramba Busary and Bulengat.The third road, which is 7.5 km, will link the communities of Burambang, Bulengat, Tibat, Kankurang and Bambara in Foni Bondali.The last foundation laying ceremony took place in Nyantempo, Foni Jarrol district for the construction of the 7.2 km road linking the village to Fass Chamen, Nfee, Jending,  Jilahar and Bulunto.

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PRESIDENT BARROW HANDS OVER MILLIONS IN FARM EQUIPMENT

His Excellency,  President Adama Barrow, has handed over agricultural equipment valued at millions of Dalasis to selected farmers throughout the country during a ceremony held in Brikamaba, CRR South. The equipment, which includes power tillers, milling machines, threshers, combined harvesters, and tricycles, is funded by the World Bank through the GIRAV project. This handover represents a strategic shift toward mechanised agriculture.Over 400 pieces of modern agricultural production and processing equipment are designed to empower local farmers by encouraging large-scale production and transitioning to commercial agriculture.In his speech at the ceremony, President Barrow praised this initiative as a tangible demonstration of his government's commitment to national food security and sustainability. He emphasised that mechanisation is crucial for transforming the agricultural sector and stated that this equipment will enhance efficiency and increase output throughout the agricultural value chain.The President expressed deep gratitude to the World Bank for its support of Gambian farmers and commended the GIRAV project for promoting climate-smart farming, improved agricultural methods, and mechanisation.He advised farmers to use the equipment sustainably to maximise production.Representatives of farmer associations praised the government, under President Barrow's leadership, for its support. They noted that this initiative marks a historic first where local farmers have free access to mechanised equipment and assured that the equipment would be used for its intended purposes.Other speakers at the ceremony, including the Alkalo, Chief, Regional Governor, and a National Assembly Member, highlighted the significance of this development as a historic milestone in the country’s agricultural transformation. They acknowledged that the challenges faced by farmers had discouraged many young people from pursuing farming as a career.With the introduction of this new equipment, the speakers noted that farmers now have a chance to expand production, create jobs, and drive development.In a related development, President Barrow also presented two new ambulances to the communities of Njoben Health Post and Jamagen Health Post. The keys to the ambulances were handed over to representatives of the two villages, who expressed their gratitude to the President and his government.The agricultural production and processing equipment will be distributed to individual farmers and associations across the country, with 50% of the beneficiaries being women and young people.

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PRESIDENT BARROW BRINGS HOPE TO WULI WEST: WORLD BANK ROADS TO TRANSFORM FARMING COMMUNITIES 

The President His Excellency Adama Barrow held a meeting in Chamoi Bunda, Wuli West, as part of his six-day tour to lay the foundation stones for World Bank-funded road projects. This meeting was an opportunity for the Gambian leader to highlight his government's commitment to infrastructural development as a key driver of growth. The project will fund the construction of a 5.4 km road from Chamoi Bunda to Limbambulu.Beneficiary communities from the wider Wuli West district attended the meeting and celebrated the launch of this important project.During the meeting, both the Alkalo of Chamoi Bunda and the Chief of Wuli West praised the President and the World Bank for their efforts to transform rural communities and empower farmers.Kebba Sillah, a respected community leader, described the road project as transformative. He emphasised that it offers farming communities better access to markets and services. Mr Sillah also commended the government and the Ministry of Agriculture for providing farmers with subsidies, fertiliser, and seeds, adding that these feeder roads are essential for large-scale agricultural production.The regional chairman of the NPP, Alhaji Bubu Drammeh, also acknowledged President Barrow for his investments in agriculture, which have resulted in increased yields. He credited these improvements to the President's personal commitment and progressive leadership. The regional chairman urged voters to register for the upcoming election and to support the ruling party.District youth representatives Ousman Bah and Aja Fatou Saho praised the project as a significant opportunity for young people to engage in agriculture, facilitating employment and sustainable socio-economic development. They remarked that President Barrow’s leadership has initiated numerous programs to empower youth, and they encouraged their peers to embrace these opportunities in agriculture to foster growth and development.Honourable Famara Sabally, the National Assembly Member for Wuli West, noted that these feeder roads had been neglected for decades, which had caused hardships for rural farmers trying to access markets. He commended the President for this bold initiative that promises to improve the lives of farmers.Regional Governor Samba Bah echoed these sentiments, discussing the benefits the roads will bring to remote areas where access to farmlands and markets has long been a challenge. The Governor urged Gambians to remain united and peaceful to accelerate national development.Sulayman Sumareh, the Director General of the National Roads Authority, revealed that the roads would be built to standards designed to last 25 years. He stated that the authority would closely supervise the work to ensure contractors and consultants meet their deadlines.President Barrow stated that the World Bank-funded road projects address significant infrastructure gaps in rural areas, providing farmers with new opportunities for access to markets. He emphasised that this initiative will connect all communities to major highways, ending decades of isolation and marginalisation that have hindered rural development.The President took the opportunity to reassure local farmers that his government will continue to prioritise infrastructural development as a driver of growth. He pledged that the next five years will see more groundbreaking projects.He called on all Gambians to embrace and support his development agenda, which aims to deliver quality road projects that connect communities across the country.The President also remarked that he would not be distracted by critics who seek to undermine his government and create confusion among Gambians. He urged his supporters to register en masse for the upcoming election, arguing that the outcome will shape the nation's future for the next five years.He expressed gratitude to the people of Wuli West for their attendance, describing it as a vote of confidence in his leadership, which is results-driven and focused on development.

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PRESIDENT BARROW LAYS FOUNDATION STONE FOR 200KM FEEDER ROADS: $25M WORLD BANK PROJECT TO BOOST AGRICULTURE

President Adama Barrow, accompanied by a high-powered delegation including cabinet ministers, World Bank officials, and other senior government representatives, is embarking on a six-day tour across various regions to lay the foundation stones for over 200 km of feeder roads. These projects, jointly funded by the government and the World Bank with a budget of $25 million, aim to empower rural communities by improving their access to markets.During the tour, President Barrow is expected to lay foundation stones for road projects in selected communities located in the North Bank, Central River, Upper River, and West Coast Regions. He was seen off at the Banjul ferry terminal by Vice President Jallow, several cabinet ministers, and security service chiefs.At the terminal, the President was greeted by a guard of honour from the Gambia Navy before boarding the new Barra ferry to his first destination, Kerr Jatta in the Lower Nuimi District. There, he laid the first stone for a 7.3 km road connecting the communities of Kerr Jatta, Ndofan, and Kerr Walli to the main highway.He also laid the foundation stone for a 9 km road extending from Fass Njaga Choi to Ndungu Kebbeh. Additionally, two other stone-laying ceremonies took place for nearly 13 km of roads in Kerr Selen and Kuntaya, linking several communities in Jokadu. The President then moved on to the Baddibu region, where similar ceremonies were held in Makka Farafenni, Illiasa, and Yallal Tankonjala. Here, he laid the foundation stones for 22 km of road that will connect 12 communities to the main roads.The contracts for these projects have been awarded to Chino Gam, a Chinese construction company, and the projects are expected to take two years to complete. President Barrow described these initiatives as unprecedented and emphasised his government's commitment to providing infrastructural development to enhance socio-economic growth.He stated that these projects will also help diversify road infrastructure developments to reach hard-to-access areas and create opportunities for local farmers. Minister of Agriculture Dr Demba Sabally praised the partnership between the government and the World Bank, asserting that this multi-million dollar project will have a positive impact on agriculture. Momodou Sabally, a presidential adviser, called the project a game-changer in The Gambia's quest for food security and sustainability, noting that farmers will now have easier access to markets.Funding for these projects is provided by the World Bank through a grant under the Gambia Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Value Chain Development Project.

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President Barrow Launches The Diplomat, a Symbol of Gambia's Modernisation Push

The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, officially launched The Diplomat, a luxury mixed-use real estate development designed to transform urban living in The Gambia. The ceremony took place in Bakau on Thursday evening, drawing government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and key stakeholders from the real estate sector. This event marks a significant milestone in The Gambia’s efforts toward modern infrastructure and economic growth.The project represents a partnership between ACE Communications Executive, a Gambian-owned business, and Swami India. It is a bold initiative designed to reshape the real estate landscape in The Gambia.Standing nine stories tall, The Diplomat is one of the tallest and most modern buildings in the country, featuring state-of-the-art architecture and design to support corporate life, commerce, and innovation.For Fatim Badjie, the CEO of ACE, this moment was emotional and filled with pride, as she described it as the culmination of nine years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. She emphasised that The Diplomat emerged from a desire to enhance The Gambia's real estate sector by providing a modern edifice that meets the needs of a contemporary nation.Ms Badjie commended the President for fostering a conducive environment for private sector investment, asserting that The Diplomat will promote socio-economic development, enhance competition, and create jobs.Khimji Pindoria, the CEO of Swami India, described The Diplomat as one of the most iconic developments in the sub-region, reflecting President Barrow's vision for a modern, highly developed country.In his address, President Adama Barrow stated that the launch of The Diplomat signifies a new chapter in The Gambia's development journey, characterised by strong confidence, a clear vision, and tangible results. He praised the project's concept, highlighting its alignment with the country's aspirations.The President encouraged the private sector to seize the favourable business environment to invest in the economy, assuring them that his government would continue to support them as partners in development.The Diplomat is named in honour of veteran Gambian diplomat Ambassador Dembo Badjie, recognised for his invaluable contribution to strengthening relations between The Gambia and India. The nine-story twin towers comprise 92 residential and commercial apartments, a gymnasium, and IT hubs designed to support a modern urban lifestyle. Plans are also in place to construct a modern clinic and a water treatment plant to provide essential services to consumers.

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President Barrow Delivers Upbeat State of Nation Address, Highlights Gambia's Progress

President Adama Barrow delivered his State of the Nation address to lawmakers at the National Assembly. The address highlighted his government's achievements over the past year across various sectors, including the economy, social services, infrastructure, governance, reforms, and foreign policy. It also addressed challenges and opportunities for the future. This year's address emphasised a significant improvement in living standards, security, peace, and overall development.The event is often characterised by pomp and pageantry, featuring a guard of honour from the armed forces to welcome the head of state upon arrival. Following a rare moment of interaction with National Assembly members, there is an official photo shoot before everyone is escorted to the chambers. Here, members of the cabinet, judiciary, heads of government departments and agencies, security services chiefs, and the public are present for the address.The Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, called the proceedings to order, allowing the President to present a detailed overview of his government's accomplishments over the past 12 months, discuss challenges, and offer solutions.President Barrow provided an overall positive assessment of his government’s performance. He shared that the economy has shown "remarkable resilience," growing nearly 6% while keeping inflation at 6.6%. This growth was largely driven by agriculture, construction, trade, and tourism.The President noted progress in infrastructure development, including the construction of hundreds of kilometres of roads across the country. These achievements, he stated, underscore his government's commitment to national development, highlighting that modern road, air, and maritime infrastructure are the "foundation and vehicle for sustainable socio-economic development."Regarding energy, the President announced that his government is on track to achieve universal electricity access with the commissioning of projects nationwide. He emphasised that this milestone makes The Gambia the first country in the subregion to attain such an achievement. He assured citizens that his government would continue to provide funding to Nawec (National Water and Electricity Company) and partner with stakeholders to ensure accessibility, reliability, and sustainability. "We have allocated three hundred and ninety-seven million dalasis (GMD 397 million) in the 2026 Budget to expand electricity services to the remaining unelectrified communities," he stated.The President also highlighted positive developments in the agricultural sector, which accounts for 22% of GDP, as it drives economic growth and empowers local communities. He noted an increase in food production last year, attributed largely to government support and investments in the sector. Additionally, there has been a significant expansion in access to clean drinking water, which has improved the lives and livelihoods of Gambians.In terms of peace and security, the President declared, "The Gambia is the safest and most peaceful country in West Africa," reflecting the growing confidence in national institutions and the unwavering commitment of security services to maintaining peace, security, and stability."The Gambia is now ranked the safest country in West Africa and the fourth safest in Africa, according to Business Insider Africa. This achievement demonstrates the increasing confidence in our national institutions and the steadfast dedication of our security services to safeguarding the country and its people," he asserted.The Gambian leader encouraged citizens to reflect on these achievements and to recommit themselves to the ideals and values of the Republic as represented in the recovery-focused National Development Plan, YIRIWA.He acknowledged the existing challenges facing the country, particularly in areas such as the economy, climate change, and the unpredictable global environment. However, he reassured the public that his government will continue to address these challenges by working closely with all stakeholders and partners.The National Assembly will convene next week to discuss the contents of the President's address.

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President Barrow Commissions Game-Changing Hybrid Ferry, Boosting Gambia's Transport Infrastructure

President Adama Barrow commissioned a new hybrid ferry on Monday during a ceremony held in Barra. The ferry was jointly funded by the government and the African Development Bank to improve transportation at one of The Gambia's busiest ferry crossings, linking the capital city, Banjul, to the North Bank Region.Named the Barra ferry, it has a larger passenger and cargo capacity than the existing fleet.The ultra-modern hybrid vessel arrived in The Gambia from Damen Shipyard in the Netherlands, where it was completed after 14 months of construction.The commissioning of this ferry is being celebrated as a significant milestone in the government's efforts to address the ongoing challenges at this vital crossing point in The Gambia.During the ceremony at the Barra garage, attended by senior government officials and members of the community, the Alkalo of Barra, Alhaji Babu Faye, expressed gratitude to the president for fulfilling his promise. He noted that Barra is strategically located as a gateway to the sub-region, and the provision of reliable, efficient, and modern ferry services will boost trade and facilitate the free movement of people.The Alkalo further urged ferry operators and management to ensure the safe and sustainable use of the ferry to effectively serve the public.This sentiment was echoed by the Chief of Lower Nuimi, George Sonko, who commended the President for taking decisive actions to address the challenges associated with ferry crossings. He also called on the ferry service to prioritise customer satisfaction by improving its services.The Governor of the North Bank Region, Lamin Saidykhan, spoke about the indispensable role of the Banjul-Barra ferry crossing in the socio-economic development of the country. He added that “this brand new green ferry will finally address the constraints associated with crossing.”The Regional Director of the African Development Bank, Dr Lamin Barrow, praised the long-standing partnership between the Bank and The Gambia, assuring that the African Development Bank will continue to support the government's efforts in enhancing sustainable socio-economic and infrastructural development.The Managing Director of the Gambia Ports Authority, Ousman Jobarteh, revealed that the Barra ferry was designed to meet the highest standards of shipbuilding and naval architecture. He added that the vessel is one of five components of the existing grant provided by the African Development Bank to The Gambia.President H.E. Adama Barrow stated that his government is committed to building robust transport infrastructure to foster socio-economic growth, describing the Banjul-Barra corridor as an essential pathway for The Gambia's sustained growth and development.The President lamented the persistent transportation challenges associated with this corridor in the past but expressed optimism that this new ferry will significantly improve services and facilitate transport.He thanked the African Development Bank for its support and assured that his government will continue to prioritise the Banjul-Barra route by providing a second ferry to augment the current fleet. President Barrow also promised to construct a bridge connecting Banjul and Barra in the near future.Finally, the President encouraged the ferry services to ensure the safe and sustainable use of their fleet to guarantee longevity and value for money.Accompanied by officials and other dignitaries, the President boarded the ferry for its first voyage to Banjul, where he cut the ribbon to mark the symbolic commencement of services.

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PRESIDENT BARROW JOINS BANJUL MUSLIMS IN PRAYERS 

President H.E. Adama Barrow joined the residents of Banjul at the King Fahd Mosque to perform prayers marking the Feast of Eid al-Fitr, locally known as Koriteh. This feast commemorates the end of Ramadan, the third pillar of Islam, during which Muslims fast for an entire month.Banjulians from across the city gathered at the King Fahd Mosque for the prayers, accompanied by Vice President H.E. Mohammed BS Jallow, Cabinet Ministers, Security Services Chiefs, and National Assembly Members.As is customary, President Barrow joined the congregation and was welcomed at the entrance of the mosque by Vice President Muhammed Jallow, Security Services Chiefs, and members of the Committee of Banjul Muslim Elders.Imam Ratib of Banjul, Alhaji Cherno Alieu Mass Kah, led the Eid prayers at the Banjul Central Mosque.After the two rak’ahs of prayer, Imam Ratib delivered a sermon in which he congratulated Muslims and all Gambians on the celebration of Koriteh, praying for the country and its leadership. He urged Muslims to be mindful of their religious obligations and to follow the tenets of Islam while also fostering peace, tranquillity, and good neighbourly relations.Following the prayers, the President was escorted out by his officials and the Elders of Banjul. Later in the day, President Barrow hosted a meeting at the State House with the Committee of Banjul Muslim Elders, the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, and other religious scholars to celebrate the occasion.

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Latest Updates

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THE GAMBIA AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO GEORGIA, MOLDOVA TO BOOST BILATERAL TIES

His Excellency Mr Pa Musa Jobarteh, Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union, on Friday 22nd May 2026 presented his Letters of Credence to the President of Georgia, His Excellency Mr Mikheil Kavelashvili, as the Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to Georgia at a ceremony held in the Presidential Palace in Tbilisi.H.E. Ambassador Jobarteh conveyed fraternal greetings from His Excellency President Adama Barrow to the President, the Government, and the people of Georgia. He underscored his willingness to work with Georgia further to strengthen the existing bilateral ties between the two countries.During a closed-door meeting with the President, Ambassador Jobarteh highlighted several areas of cooperation, including Science and Technology, Agriculture, and Tourism. The two agreed to explore opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries.In a similar development, His Excellency Mr Pa Musa Jobarteh, on Tuesday 26th May 2026 presented his Letters of Credence to the President of the Republic of Moldova, Her Excellency Ms Maia Sandu, as the Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to the Republic of Moldova at a ceremony held in the Presidential Palace in Chisinau.H.E. Ambassador Jobarteh conveyed fraternal greetings from His Excellency President Adama Barrow to the President, the Government, and the people of the Republic of Moldova. He underscored his willingness to work with the Republic of Moldova further to strengthen the existing bilateral ties between the two countries.H.E Ambassador Jobarteh and Her Excellency Maia Sandu discussed and noted potential areas of aligned interest and cooperation in which The Gambia and the Republic of Moldova can mutually benefit, including support for each other’s candidature at multilateral levels and the relevance of multilateralism for small states. They both echoed similar sentiments on international peace and security, and the need to expand trade, agriculture and investment learning exchanges.

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PRESIDENT BARROW JOINS BANJUL EID PRAYERS, CALLS FOR PEACE AHEAD OF ELECTION

Muslims in Banjul gathered at the King Fahd Mosque to observe the Feast of Eid al-Adha, locally known as Tobaski. President Adama Barrow, cabinet ministers, security chiefs, and senior government officials also participated in Eid prayers, led by Imam Ratib of Banjul, Alhaji Cherno Alieu Mass Kah. The president used his Eid message to call for peace, tolerance, and responsible citizenship.Imam Ratib of Banjul, Alhaji Cherno Alieu Mass Kah, led the two-rakah prayer.In his sermon after the prayer, the Imam Ratib urged Muslims to uphold peace, tolerance, and stability.He expressed concern over the rising use of drugs and illicit substances among youth and called for concerted efforts by government, parents, religious leaders, and society to address this menace, which threatens the well-being and future of young people.He also prayed for ongoing peace and stability in The Gambia and the wider world.In line with religious teachings, Imam Ratib supervised the slaughter of his sacrificial lamb, which opened the way for other Muslims across the city to do the same, as prescribed by Islamic faith.Outside the mosque, His Excellency Adama Barrow delivered his Eid address, congratulating Gambians and Muslims on this significant feast.He urged Muslims to be peaceful, tolerant, and law-abiding, adding that The Gambia is preparing for another presidential election, which the world will observe closely.On the international stage, President Barrow said he was closely monitoring developments in the Middle East. As chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, he maintains contact with regional leaders to promote dialogue, restraint, and diplomacy for resolving differences.The President then left the King Fahd Mosque in Banjul for State House, where he also oversaw the slaughter of his two sacrificial lambs.The Imam of the State House mosque, Alhaji Mustafa Jallow, led the team that marked the conclusion of the President's Eid celebrations.

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GAMBIA SIGNS SPORTS & EDUCATION DEAL WITH TIBU AFRICA 

The Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, has presided over the signing of a cooperation agreement between Tibu Africa from the Kingdom of Morocco and the Ministries of Basic and Secondary Education, Youth and Sports at the State House in Banjul. This agreement aims to support the national development agenda, especially in youth empowerment, education transformation, sports development, and international collaboration. The delegation from Tibu Africa accompanied by Bakary Y. Badjie the Minister of Youth and Sports, and Dr Habibatou Drammeh the Minister for Basic and Secondary Education, went to the Vice President's office to formally introduce their initiatives in The Gambia.Following an in-depth discussion with VP Jallow regarding the programme, the approach to implementation, and its potential impact on the country, the president of Tibu Africa Mohamed Amine Zariat, proceeded to sign agreements with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.These agreements, reaffirming the Government’s strong commitment to investing in Gambian youth development and empowerment, through strategic international partnerships, also form part of broader efforts to expand opportunities for Gambian youth in sport and education, as highlighted by Tibu Africa's President, Mohamed Amine Zariat.This partnership also aims to incorporate sports into national development policies. Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Y Badjie described the arrival of Tibu Africa in The Gambia as a “significant advantage.”The Gambia is poised to become the first English-speaking country to benefit from Tibu Africa's intervention and partnership programmes, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s expansion within the African continent.Basic and Secondary Education Minister, Dr Habibatou Drammeh said the government, through her ministry, is “fully committed to the agreement with Tibu Africa.”This programme targets all “642 public primary schools across the country.” A similar agreement is expected to be signed between Tibu Africa and the Ministry of Interior.Tibu Africa is internationally recognised for its innovative use of sports as a catalyst for sustainable social transformation, youth empowerment, educational advancement, and community development. The organisation operates in more than fifty-two cities across the twelve regions of Morocco and has expanded its interventions to several African countries, including Tunisia, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Madagascar.

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GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS MISINFORMATION ON POWER CUTS, URGES NATIONAL UNITY

The Government wishes to express deep concern over the increasing spread of misinformation, deliberate distortions, and politically motivated narratives circulating on social media and certain online platforms regarding issues of governance, corruption, and recent electricity supply challenges.While the government fully acknowledges the concerns of citizens affected by intermittent power shortages and other national challenges, it is both irresponsible and unfortunate that some individuals and groups have chosen to exploit these temporary challenges to spread falsehoods, undermine public confidence, and score cheap political points rather than contribute constructively to national dialogue and solutions.The Government remains firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.  Consequently, allegations of corruption must never be reduced to social media propaganda, political sensationalism, or coordinated misinformation campaigns aimed solely at scoring cheap political points and creating public distrust. Matters of governance and public accountability are serious national issues that must be addressed through credible institutions, evidence-based processes, and the rule of law and not through reckless speculation and politically charged disinformation.It is essential to remind the public that the current electricity supply constraints are being actively addressed through ongoing interventions, investments, and regional energy cooperation efforts, particularly within the framework of the OMVG. The Gambia Government, under the leadership of President Adama Barrow has achieved significant progress in expanding national electricity access, improving generation capacity, and modernising energy infrastructure over recent years. These achievements should not be ignored simply for political convenience.No responsible government desires inconvenience for its citizens, particularly during important social and religious periods. However, genuine leadership requires honesty, patience, and collective responsibility, especially during moments like these.For nearly the past year, the country has experienced one of the most stable and reliable electricity supply periods in recent national history, with many households and businesses enjoying significantly improved power availability and fewer interruptions. This progress was not accidental, but the result of deliberate government investments and reforms in the energy sector. Therefore, temporary technical challenges currently affecting electricity supply in parts of the country should be viewed within their proper context. While any disruption to electricity supply is regrettable and taken seriously by the Government, isolated operational and technical challenges cannot reasonably justify the level of outrage, alarmism, and politically charged narratives being amplified in some quarters.The Government is therefore urging political actors, media platforms, activists, and members of the public to exercise restraint, patriotism, and responsibility in their public commentary. Constructive criticism is welcome in every democratic society, but the deliberate politicisation of temporary national challenges for narrow partisan gain does not serve the interests of the country or its people.National development cannot thrive in an atmosphere poisoned by misinformation, constant negativity, and manufactured outrage. Progress requires unity, stability, responsible citizenship, and a shared commitment to national interest above political opportunism.The Government reassures the public that efforts are ongoing to stabilise the electricity supply, strengthen service delivery, and continue advancing the country’s development agenda. Citizens are encouraged to rely on official channels for accurate information and to reject the spread of false and misleading content designed to create unnecessary panic and division.

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PRESIDENT BARROW HOSTS TIBU AFRICA AS MOROCCO GROUP LAUNCHES FIRST ANGLOPHONE PROGRAM IN GAMBIA

The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, on Tuesday received Mohamed Amine Zariat, President of Tibu Africa, at the State House. Tibu Africa is a Morocco-based sports organisation specialising in sports education, empowerment, and socio-economic inclusion of youth, women, and children across Africa. Mr Zariat launched the first Tibu in The Gambia, marking the first in Anglophone Africa.The President of Tibu Africa, Muhammed Amin Zariat, was accompanied to the State House by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, and the Tibu country representative, Ebrima Manneh.Speaking to journalists after their audience with President Barrow, Mr Zariat disclosed that Tibu Africa was founded in 2011 to promote sports education and empower women and youths.Mr Zariat added that Tibu Africa plans to expand its activities in The Gambia, targeting schools across the country to give young people opportunities to pursue careers in sports education.The Tibu Africa President also praised the Gambia-Morocco friendship, which inspired this partnership, and expressed particular thanks to King Mohammed VI and President Barrow for their patronage.To further strengthen this partnership, Mr Zariat announced plans to establish a basketball court in The Gambia in December. He also extended an invitation to the President to attend the next Education Through Sport summit, to be held in Casablanca next year, where The Gambia will be the guest country.Finally, Mr Zariat expressed hope that The Gambia will qualify for the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Morocco.

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GRA DOUBLES REVENUE TO D25.3B IN 5 YEARS UNDER DARBOE

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has significantly improved its performance over the last five years, thanks to good management, strong leadership, and new ideas. Their revenue has increased from D12.7 billion in 2021 to an impressive D25.3 billion in 2025. This success has come from the efforts of Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe and his team, who transformed an authority that used to struggle to meet its goals.The 2026 GRA awards celebrate the biggest and most compliant taxpayers of the year. They also highlight the GRA as an institution that consistently exceeds expectations.Yankuba Darboe has been leading the GRA since 2014, six years after it was created by combining the central revenue department with the customs and excise departments. His leadership has brought about changes that have greatly improved how revenue is collected and taxed in The Gambia.With a dedicated team and support from a government focused on development, Mr Darboe started reforms that doubled and even tripled revenue in a short time. This earned him praise from the government and his colleagues.President H.E. Adama Barrow has been inspired by Darboe’s achievements and has attended every taxpayer award night to recognise and appreciate his leadership and contributions.Colleagues at the GRA also admire Darboe for his leadership skills, passion for success, and commitment to exceeding targets.Despite this success, Mr Darboe remains humble and sees these achievements as motivation to keep improving. He believes in always finding new opportunities and welcoming innovations, without creating more pressure on taxpayers. His main goal is to expand the tax base, rather than raise tax rates for the people.As they celebrate another successful year, the GRA leadership and team are confident in their ability to continue meeting and exceeding targets, supported by new technologies and systems. The future looks bright for them.

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