By: Mama A. Touray

Graduates of the Gambia Songhai Initiative shared their testimonies with The Fatu Network on the impact of their 12-month in-campus training on their lives.

This year-long training, under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, aims to equip young people, women, returnees, and marginalized groups with skills in an integrated farming system.

The program covers areas such as agroforestry, poultry production and management, animal husbandry, horticulture and vegetable gardening, business planning, and other entrepreneurial skills.

Fahinta Mbaye, a resident of Niamina East in the Central River Region, highlighted the impact the training had on her.

“I am beyond excited. There were challenges I encountered when I came here, but with patience, I was able to overcome them. I have also learned a lot that I never knew before, such as gardening and poultry farming, among other things. Anyone who graduates from here will not regret it because you will be able to create a job for yourself,” she said.

Louisa Mendy also shared how the year-long training impacted her.

“I can stand firmly and say that I can do anything I have learned here by myself. GSI has trained me in many things beyond gardening and compost making. It has also taught me laundry, cooking, and discipline,” she stated.

While many graduates emphasized how the training improved their agricultural skills, Mario A. Mendy shared a different perspective on its impact.

“I served in the military for fourteen years, and now I have completed this year-long integrated training. When I return to the campus, I will share the wealth of experience I have gained. Being in Chamen for one year has changed me significantly, especially my temper and behavior. The way I used to act in town and towards my comrades has changed significantly due to the high level of discipline at GSI,” he explained.

The coordinator of the Gambia Songhai Initiative, Mbaye Saine, encouraged young people to apply and take advantage of the GSI program.

He added that GSI, under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, will continue to empower young people to ensure they acquire the skills needed to make a difference in their lives.

“I know we are facing challenges as a country in terms of employment, livelihood, and food security, but these young men and women who have graduated are well-trained to start earning a living for themselves and their families,” he said.

Mbaye assured that GSI will continue monitoring the progress of the graduates and supporting them whenever the opportunity arises.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, outlined the objectives of the training program and its source of funding.

“This is a very practical agricultural training center run by the Ministry of Youth and Sports that trains young people annually. We have graduated the eleventh batch, and the twelfth batch of seventy-four students, mostly from rural areas interested in agricultural activities, are set to begin their year-long training,” he said.

Explaining the source of funding, he added, “The government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, fully funds the activities of these young people, including their residency, free accommodation, feeding, and some medical expenses for a full twelve months.”

As they return home, the graduates were provided with wheelbarrows, watering cans, and other agricultural materials to encourage them to apply the knowledge they have gained.

Karpowership has officially handed over a newly constructed guardroom to The Gambia Navy, highlighting its commitment to its corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The ceremony was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including His Excellency Ambassador F Turka Oba, Lieutenant General Mamat OA Cham (Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces), Lord Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy Mr. Lamin Camara, Commander Sambou Barrow Chief of Navy Staff, Turkish Military Representatives, Karpowership representatives, Commercial Operations Director Mr. Emre Durmusoglu and country Director Omar Njie.

The handover of the guardroom marks another step in Karpowership’s efforts to support the Gambia Navy. It will serve not only as a structure but as a symbol of its commitment to the security and well-being of the nation. The facility is built to support the brave men and women who serve in the navy, protecting the Gambia waters and ensuring the safety of its shores.

Karpower’s CSR projects are meticulously designed to improve the lives of the local communities. Through its One World philosophy, it has run hundreds of programs across areas including education, healthcare, environment, social equity, and youth welfare, investing in communities as a valued partner of The Gambia.

Karpowership has been supplying nearly 40% of The Gambia’s electricity demand for close to 8 years and continues to demonstrate its dedication to fostering sustainable development within the communities.

By Alieu Jallow

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Seedy Muctarr Touray, has issued a stern warning that all vehicles operating without number plates will be impounded and subjected to heavy fines. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Police Crime Unit today, where he emphasized the police force’s commitment to curbing lawlessness on the roads.

IGP Touray emphasized that, effective immediately, any driver or commuter who wishes to enjoy the comfort of their vehicle without discomfort must ensure their number plate is fixed.

“From here today, any driver or commuter who wants to enjoy the comfort of their vehicle without causing discomfort to innocent children who should be transported to and from school, please ensure your number plates are on your vehicles. Failure to do so will result in the car being impounded, and there will be a heavy fine on the spot before you can retrieve your vehicle. This is no longer a warning or an appeal; it is a directive. Our expectation as members of the police force in this country is to be supported by everyone, especially members of the security fraternity. Often, we are the ones who abuse this particular matter,” he warned.

IGP Touray stressed that unregistered and unmarked vehicles pose a serious security risk, as they are frequently used in criminal activities, including armed robberies and hit-and-run incidents. He stated that law enforcement officers have been instructed to take immediate action against violators.

“You may have a number plate fixed in front of the car, but at the rear, you deliberately remove it with the simple pretext of saying it is damaged or broken. This will no longer be accepted, and clear instructions have been given to officers of the mobile traffic unit to ensure these directives from the Inspector General of Police are implemented to the letter,” he stressed.

This move comes amid rising concerns over criminal activities involving unregistered vehicles, with the police determined to tighten control over road safety and security.

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Seedy Muktar Touray, in today’s press conference addressing recent security concerns, including the alleged robberies at Access Bank and ElHella shop in Banjul, emphasized the GPF’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the country’s security.

In his statement, he said: “The Gambia Police Force has been maligned, ridiculed, and sent to tatters. Many things have been said about us. We accept this in good faith, and we’re not apportioning blame to anyone, because that’s what we signed up for. If we are unable to protect the lives and property of this nation, let me be on record – I, Seedy Muktar Touray, will be the first to tender my resignation to the executive, saying I have failed in my duties and am relieving myself of my responsibilities.

The management of the Medical Research Council Unit Gambia (MRCG) has issued a response following the beginning of a sit-down strike by its staff members.

The strike, which began this week, was initiated by employees demanding better working conditions, improved salaries, and enhanced job security.

In an official statement, the MRC management acknowledged the concerns raised by the staff and expressed their commitment to addressing these issues through constructive dialogue.

In response to the situation, the management requested that employees sign log sheets and document their work activities to facilitate the implementation of policies for days worked.

The MRC leadership expressed their gratitude to the staff members who continued to report to work during the strike, recognizing their dedication and commitment to the organization’s mission.

The sit-down strike has drawn attention to the underlying challenges within the organization, and the MRC leadership said it is hopeful that open communication and mutual understanding will lead to a swift resolution.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Mayor of Banjul City Council (BCC), who is also the President of REFELA Africa, has inaugurated a borehole in Kerr Bamba in Sabach Sanjal constituency.

This borehole, part of her ongoing nationwide REFELA projects, has brought joy to the residents of Kerr Bamba, who described it as life-changing support. They commended Mayor Lowe and her partners for the initiative.

The inauguration was attended by esteemed personnel, villagers, and neighbors who gathered to celebrate the moment together.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Banjul City Council (BCC) has threatened legal action against Hisense over alleged unauthorized dumping of what was classified as “expired food products” in Banjul.

Speaking exclusively to The Fatu Network, BCC Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe said individuals allegedly from Hisense attempted to dump waste at the city’s dumpsite without proper clearance from the Food Safety and Quality Authority (FSQA). “We are setting an example on this…we will take them to court. No one will do this and go free,” she stated.

The BCC mayor had earlier shared images of the alleged unauthorized dumping along the streets in Banjul on her Facebook wall. Mayor Lowe called on business owners in the city and Banjulians to be law-abiding, saying “Now Banjulians will not allow this to happen. We want our city to be clean and safe.”

Efforts to reach Hisense for comment were unsuccessful by the time of this publication.

By Alieu Jallow

Amadou Bojang, commonly known as Amalie Taal, a 31-year-old man from Kombo Mandinary, tragically lost his life on Sunday, February 9, due to electrocution while attempting to repair an overhead water tank in a nearby residence. The incident has left the local community in mourning and highlights the critical importance of electrical safety measures.

A close family member, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Fatu Network that the victim was performing maintenance on the elevated water tank when he inadvertently came into contact with a live electrical wire at around 16:30–17:30. The sudden shock rendered him unconscious, and he was later pronounced dead upon the arrival of the fire and rescue services.

Additionally, the family member expressed sorrow, describing Amadou as a hardworking individual dedicated to serving the community.

“This young man—what he did for the village, I can’t say he is unmatched, but he is among the few. He participated in every community initiative, including mosque work, for free. This is why the young people are deeply saddened.”

He further highlighted that this is the third time such a tragic incident has claimed the life of a young person in their village, calling for improved safety measures by the National Water and Electricity Company Limited (NAWEC).

“NAWEC needs to reassess the electricity system in The Gambia because I don’t understand why this keeps happening. In other countries, such as Senegal, when such incidents are about to occur, the electrical system automatically shuts off or diverts the current to prevent electrocution. But in our country, there have been several reported cases of electrocution, so the system needs urgent improvement,” he stated.

The untimely death has sent shockwaves through Kombo Mandinary, especially among young people, as Amadou had trained and mentored many of them to gain meaningful employment. His tragic loss serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers associated with electrical work.