The Military Police wing of Gambia Armed Forces handed over 3 bags each containing 25 big bundles of Cannabis Sativa to narcotic officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency of Gambia (NDLEAG) at the Defense Headquarters in Banjul. The army also delivered a confiscated canoe, an outboard engine, and fuel that were impounded three months ago during one of their routine satellite patrol along the Halahin Bolong.
Continue Reading >>The independent electoral commission (IEC) has announced that two candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections have withdrawn their candidature. Pa Lamin Sawo from Jehwang constituency and Abdoulie Barry from Kiang East constituency have had their request to withdraw accepted by the IEC. Both are independent candidates.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow begins a two-week tour of the country to thank Gambians for giving him another five-year mandate. The Gambian leader left on Saturday afternoon accompanied by cabinet ministers, NPP party executive members, and supporters. President Barrow was received on arrival at the North Bank region by Governor Lamin Saidykhan, senior regional government officials, traditional and religious leaders, and a cross-section of the community. The President is hoping that his meetings with local communities will galvanise support for his party's candidates, facing off against several other independents and the mainstream opposition political parties.
Continue Reading >>Law enforcement officers in the North Bank Region have benefitted from a training program on Iodine Deficiency Disorder. The training is aimed at boosting the 35 officers’ knowledge on the nutritional development of children. The program was orgainsed by the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) in partnership with UNICEF. The Program Manager at NaNA Alieu Kujabi said that the awareness campaign would increase the understanding of the officers on the significance of iodized salt. Senior Program Officer at NaNA Musa Dahaba said 80% of the salt consumed in the country comes from outside and urged health officials to properly screen imported salt for iodine. The Director, Essau Health Region Modou Lamin Fofana said building the capacity of security personnel on IDD would address iodine deficiencies. The security personnel assured their commitment to work with officials of the Food Safety and Quality Assurance Authority (FSQA), and Public Health Officers at the border points to ensure that imported salt is iodized.
Continue Reading >>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 >>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 >>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 >>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 >>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 >>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 >>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 >>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 >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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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