By: Sanna Jallow 

Three Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) National Assembly aspirants have today 7th March submitted their nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). Among the candidates are Momodou Jane for Serrekunda West Constituency, Momodou I Cham for Jeshwang Constituency and Ebrima Nyang for Latrikunda Sabiji Constituency.

Momodou Jane from Serrekunda West Constituency was the first to tender his nomination papers, unfortunately, his documents were incomplete. The ICE has given him a chance to go back and bring the complete documents before 5 pm tomorrow (8th March 2022).  

“This is not the first time IEC is giving me the chance to go back and put my papers together and submit the completed documents, it happened to me in 2017 during the parliamentary election. I have an agenda for this year, but I will not reveal it until I collect my acceptance letter from the IEC,” he said.

The second candidate to present his nomination papers was Momodou Cham popular known as MC Cham Jr, for Jeshwang Constituency, after submitting his papers he promised that if elected he would support the people of his consistency and take them out of the night mere they are suffering.

“If I win, I will support the women and youth of the Gambia as I will not only be in the National Assembly to represent the people of Jeshwang constituency,” MC Cham said.

Ebrima Ngang who seeks to represent the people of Latrikunda Sabiji said he is trying to join the race for the second time. He noted that if he wins this year’s parliamentary election the first thing he will fight for as a National Assembly Member is to end hate speech among politicians and provide term limits for elected offices.

He indicated that he will also continue supporting the young man and women of Latrikunda Sabiji as he was doing before. 

The Gambia for All Party (GAP) was on the nomination schedule but no member of the party showed up at the IEC.

By: Sanna Jallow 

The First Female Aspirant for Serrekunda West Nenneh Freda Gomez has faithfully promised to be the voice of the people when she gets elected to the National Assembly in April of 2022.

She made this promise after going through her nomination process over the weekend. Nenneh will be running for a parliamentary seat under the ticket of the Citizens’ Alliance (CA) Party. 

“Being the first female aspirant to represent Serrekunda West Constituency is a great achievement for me. Women are underrepresented and it is time for us to fight for our rights,” she said.

She further noted that only the National Assembly has the mandate to approve budgets from taxpayers’ money. Therefore, she will ensure she debates well during budget hearings so that the people of her constituency and by extension, the Gambian people will be well catered for.

Famara Mamburay also submitted nomination papers for Bundung ka Kunda Constituency in the Kanifing Municipality.

He expressed confidence that the people of Bundung ka Kunda Constituency will vote him in when his nomination papers are approved by the IEC because he is ready to work for the people of the community.

The community he says currently faces several challenges including poor road infrastructure and lack of water. The community he further notes has had these challenges for 57 years without any solutions.

The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (GSIC) has through its president advised Muslims to remain unified, enhance social harmonisation and Islamic cohesion in the country. This comes at a time when the country is braced up for the 2022 National Assembly Elections, with the nomination process already in progress.

Sheikh Essa Foday Darboe is the council’s president, he was reminding Muslims that Friday 4th March 2022 marked the 1st of Sha’aban, the 8th month of the Islamic calendar 1443H, the month preceding Ramadan.

“…the council takes this auspicious opportunity to kindly advise the Gambia Muslim community to remain unified in their ranks and [make] efforts to enhance social harmonization and Islamic cohesion in the country.”

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which begins with the sighting of the new moon. During this month, Muslims worldwide are obligated to abstain completely from food, drink and sexual relations from dawn to dusk, culminating in a release of restrictions at sunset. The fast, as per the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is broken with dates followed by a meal which varies from culture to culture.

Fasting is observed as an act of obedience to God, one for which He has reserved special blessings. The fasting person is rewarded manifold for all good deeds. In addition, according to a saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whoever fasts and prays during Ramadan with pure intentions will have their past sins forgiven.

By: Sarjo Brito

Lamin Waa Juwara, former leader of the National Democratic Action Movement and veteran Gambian politician has died, his family has confirmed. The Niamina Dankunku native, known to many as Mbarodi was 79. 

“I announce, with a heavy heart and great sadness, the passing of my uncle and stepfather Lamin Waa Juwara (Mbarodi). The Gambia has lost a great politician who sacrificed everything for his country and Niamina has lost a true son. May Allah grant him Jannah.”

The career politician was born in the country’s Central River Region in 1943. His political career began in 1977 when he contested the Sabach Sanjal Parliamentary seat as an independent candidate in the first republic. 

He lost to former Vice President Saikou Sabally. Juwara staged a return in 1992, contesting in his native Niamina Dankunku where he won his first National Assembly bid. He served as a National Assembly member until 1994 when Jammeh came to power. 

The fiery politician formed the then National Democratic Action Movement and led coalition talks which gave birth to the opposition National Alliance for Democracy and Development (NADD). 

After the collapse of the coalition, Waa Juwara decided to join Jammeh’s APRC. Under Jammeh, Waa served as Minister for Local Governments and Lands. He would later be dismissed by Jammeh and jailed for six months. 

Lamin Waa Juwara’s falling out with the former authoritarian ruler was fully documented during his appearance before the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission where he gave detailed allegation of torture meted on him by former Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh. 

Sometimes described by his critics as a Jammeh enabler for joining the APRC, Waa Juwara has always defended his decision, insisting it was part of a bigger plan to unseat the former Gambian President.

By: Christian Conteh

His Excellency President Adama Barrow has pledged his government’s commitment to providing accessible quality education countrywide.

The president made this commitment as he delivered a statement over the weekend at the 14th Convocation Ceremony of the University of the Gambia.

President Barrow noted that the key objective of taking this approach is to break the existing social and economic barriers that hinder progress and quality living conditions.

“My government will remain committed to providing accessible quality education countrywide. A key objective for taking this approach is to break the existing social and economic barriers that hinder progress and quality living conditions.

Another major objective, of course, is to enable the youth to realise and unleash their full potential,” President Barrow said.

The theme for the convocation was, “national unity, patriotism and nation building.”

The president noted that the findings of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission (TRRC) provide enough evidence, indicating that there is an urgent need for Gambians to engage in deep self-examination, and for them to commit themselves to unite the nation and build on their diversity and strengths for the welfare of all citizens.

Education he said must be at the centre of efforts to moderate behaviour, change attitudes and contribute positively to national development and peaceful coexistence.

In the process, he calls on all Gambians to value and sustain the noble tenets of good governance, democracy and the rule of law. All these he said make it necessary to recognise education as a basis for national development.

Formal education plays an important role in nation building, it facilitates access to knowledge and skills, irrespective of socio-economic background and personal circumstances.

Institutions of higher education, in particular, contribute most significantly to character building, besides producing the trained and educated bulk of a country’s workforce.

Nigeria has said it will not allow its nationals to be enlisted to fight in Ukraine where Russian forces are bombing cities and rattling neighbourhoods with gunfire.

This follows reports of alleged recruitment of volunteers in the country to fight on the side of Ukraine.

Nigeria’s foreign ministry said the Ukrainian embassy had denied any role in the alleged exercise.

But the embassy confirmed that a number of Nigerians had approached it indicating willingness to join the war, according to a ministry statement.

The embassy also distanced itself from claims that it was requesting $1,000 (£800) from each Nigerian volunteer for an air ticket and visa.

“Nigeria discourages the use of mercenaries anywhere in the world and will not tolerate the recruitment, in Nigeria, of Nigerians as mercenaries to fight in Ukraine or anywhere else in the world,” the ministry’s spokesperson said.

It comes days after Senegal warned against volunteers enlisting to fight against Russians in Ukraine.

It also ordered the Ukrainian ambassador to take down a Facebook post that had called on Senegalese volunteers to enlist to the war.

BBC

By: Sarjo Brito

The Gambia Ports Authority has in a press statement dated 4th March 2022, said the institution has launched an investigation following damning reports of allegations of corruption involving its staff at the rating unit.

In a report that made the rounds on social media, some of the institution’s employees at the rating unit have been allegedly duplicating paying receipts, resulting in the loss of millions of dalasis.

The Gambia Ports Authority has since reacted to the news, announcing an investigation is underway and that four of its employees suspected of carrying out the dubious activity have been interdicted, pending the outcome of the investigation.

“The GPA Management expresses concern over the trending allegation making rounds on social media that allegedly involved certain staff at the Rating Unit, who are said to have duplicated payment receipts resulting in a loss of revenue,” the statement read.

It further informed members of the public that whistle-blower information raised an issue about signals of the likelihood of leakages. Subsequently, the matter was raised and discussed at a management meeting held on Monday 28th February 2022.

On Tuesday 1st March 2022, a memo was issued constituting a three-member committee, excluding the affected Department, to investigate the drop in shore handling revenue covering from 2020 and 2021 and report back on Wednesday 16th March 2022.

“Apparently, on Thursday 3rd March, an alleged ‘multi-million-dalasis scandal’ broke indicting the Authority. This remains an allegation until proven by the outcome of the investigation. However, four staff suspected of the allegation have been interdicted pending the investigation outcome.”

“Meanwhile, it is instructive for the public to know that the GPA Management has since early 2021 stopped all cash collection at the Ports and all importers have been paying at the Bank (GT Bank). Further to that, arrangements are underway to have the Bank produce the Delivery Order (DO), which is the source document.

This is being discussed with the shipping agencies who normally authorize releases on the DO before payments are made. The Port digitalization project also envisages online payments to eliminate all associated risks.”

“The Management assures the general public of its resolve to get to the bottom of the allegations swiftly and then take the next appropriate steps.”

By: Sarjo Brito

One of the nation’s top Imams, Imam Abdoulie Fatty has reacted to the first-ever appointment of female Cadi’s in the history of the country, describing the move by the country’s Judiciary as a mockery to Islam. The two female Shariah Judges, Fatoumatta Sowe and Mariama Jatta will be hearing matters relating to inheritance, marriages and divorces involving Muslims.

While women rights advocates praised the Judiciary for the historic move, scholars and religious leaders have been divided on the matter. Imam Abdoulie Fatty during his recent Friday sermon called the appointment of the women judges un-Islamic, urging the Judiciary to rescind its decision. 

“If you leave your matters in the hands of women, you will never win. Why would we have to sit here today and allow our Judiciary to willy-nilly appoint women Cadis instead of men? You are laughing at Islam and anyone who laughs at Islam will see the consequences,” the Muslim cleric said.

“Fear God. Those women should fear God and reject those positions if Islam is what they truly studied. Their parents should fear God and ask them to forego those positions. If they are married, their husbands should ask them to reject those positions. Let’s go back to the teachings of the Quran. I call on everyone to speak out against this. Muslim groups, Supreme Islamic Council etc everyone needs to speak out,” he said.

“It is said in Islam that if you cannot correct something with your hands then correct it with your tongue. It is the Judiciary who can correct this with their hands since they always tell us that they are independent. No interference from the president, military, or any other person. 

That whatever decision they take, is what we should all accept. That is where the problem of democracy begins. This is your job Judiciary, to use your hands and remove these women from these appointments. We have men who are more versed in Shariah than these two women. Give them the positions.”

The appointment of female Cadi’s has always generated divided opinion even in other countries, with some schools of Islamic thoughts ruling that the appointment of a woman to judgeship is prohibited.

The leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Lawyer Ousainou Darboe has confirmed that the UDP will not be boycotting the National Assembly Elections scheduled for April 2022 as speculated, but rather will be part of the political parties contesting for the National Assembly seats.

He was answering to questions posed by pressmen during a press conference at the Office of the Secretary-General and Party Leader on Kairaba Avenue.

Lawyer Darboe noted that they will participate in the electioneering process as their nonparticipation will be a disadvantage to the party and its political ambition.

“We cannot boycott the National Assembly Elections, if we do our political presence will dwindle and you cannot sit for five years and not have your political activity ongoing,” Darboe said. 

When they participate and win, he said they will have candidates in governance at the local level to oversee their activities. 

By Sainabou Sambou

The recent spate of abandoning newborn babies is gradually becoming a cause for concern and a national problem. Almost every month, people hear or read about reports of people being arraigned in our courts for dumping their newborn babies in a pit or dumpsite.

On 3rd March 2022, a newborn baby was discovered at Sukuta Nema, dumped and left to die. It was later discovered that the baby was dead. Eyewitnesses say the baby was dumped there overnight.

According to Bubcarr Minteh one of the eyewitnesses he saw the baby lying on the bare ground in the morning as he went out to the shop to buy himself breakfast.

“I asked the shopkeeper what was going on, he said someone dumped her baby here. Then I went to the land and saw it. I then went to the police station to call the police officers to come and see the baby,” he said.

He further noted that the fire service was also informed about the incident. When they (the firefighters) arrived they informed the Jammeh foundation medical team to check the baby, they waited on them but none of them showed up.

“I don’t know the exact time the baby was dumped here but its body had started going bad, maybe the baby was dumped here overnight,” Bubcarr noted.

“Dumping babies is not good, before you dump your baby you can give it to people because there are people who are yearning to get a child, but they have not had one,” he said.

The dead baby was eventually taken away by the police.

A car accident that occurred in the early hours of Friday 4th March 2022 involving a truck and a van in Pirang, West Coast Region has claimed at least ten lives (10) leaving dozens of others in critical condition according to an eyewitness. 

It is reported that the driver of the van was coming from a neighbouring village in the West Coast Region when his vehicle collided with a truck. 

The eyewitness account states that the truck driver was asleep at the time while his apprentice was driving the truck. Ten people are reported to have been confirmed dead on the spot as others were rushed to Brikama hospital. 

Our source further reveals that the driver of the van was struggling to apply the breaks when he saw the truck coming in his direction, but the brakes as he later learnt failed.

Eleven (11) others were admitted at the Bakau hospital, with some in critical condition. Such accidents are not uncommon in that region.

By: Christian Conteh

Opposition strongman Ousainou Darboe, leader of the country’s main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) has accused the country’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the National Peoples Party (NPP) of what he described as ‘monumental fraud’.

Darboe Esq was speaking during a press conference at the Office of the Secretary-General and Party Leader on Kairaba Avenue.

Darboe said that the country’s electoral body and the governing NPP stole the verdict of the Gambian people. He expressed his frustration about the outcome of last year’s presidential election.

“The IEC AND NPP perpetrated ‘monumental fraud’ on the People of The Gambia and the courts refused to hear us. As I speak the IEC is seating on tons of evidence of this Fraud which they have refused to make available,” he said.

He accused the IEC of extending the registration period for several registration centres, a decision which he says among other things caused the NPP to win the December election.

He further expressed frustration at the rejection of their case by the court on procedural grounds, insisting that they as a party had and still have valid reasons for rejecting the results of the presidential election 

“There were gross violations from registration to voting and the NPP aided by the IEC stole the victory from the Gambian people,” he emphasised.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Gambian Goodwill Ambassador Tijan Jaiteh on Thursday 3rd March 2022 presented sports materials in different categories to the Office of the President. These sports gears were received by President Adama Barrow at State House in Banjul.

The Former Scorpion Captain donated twenty sets of original Umbro Jerseys, one hundred footballs (100) and forty (40) sets of goalkeeping gloves.

Speaking after presenting the sports materials, Mr. Jaiteh told Journalists that the sports gears are meant for the youths. He said the materials are worth over one million dalasis (D1m).

He further assured the president of his commitment to continue supporting the youths in different areas of sports.

Gambia is among 141 countries that voted in favour of the “immediate, complete and unconditional” withdrawal of Russian military forces from Ukraine. The voting took place on 2^nd March 2022 at United Nations General Assembly.

Generally, 5 countries voted against while 35 abstained from voting. The countries that voted against the motion are Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Syria and Eritrea.

In Africa, Eritrea is the only African country that voted against the resolution.

17 African countries abstained from voting: South Africa, Algeria, Uganda, Burundi, Senegal, South Sudan, Mali, Mozambique, Sudan, Namibia, Angola, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, Central Africa Republic, Madagascar, Tanzania and Congo.

All other African countries voted for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine.

Uganda said it abstained from the vote to uphold “neutrality” as the incoming chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (Nam).

Nam is a forum made up of 120 developing countries to assert their independence from the competing claims of the two superpowers.

In a tweet, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Adonia Ayebare, said the country will “continue to play a constructive role in the maintenance of peace and security both regionally and globally”.

By: Christian Conteh

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has revealed that it will allow National Assembly Candidates in the upcoming elections to review their nomination papers and make the requisite changes if need be.

This is in line with the High Court Decision in the case of Dr. Ismaila Ceesay of the Citizen’s Alliance Party VS the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and a similar case, Mai Ahmad Fatty of the Gambia Moral Congress VS the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

On both occasions, The High Court in Banjul ruled in favour of the petitioners. The courts said the decision by the country’s electoral body was a contravention of the Electoral Laws.

“If you don’t fulfil all the requirements when you submit your nomination papers, we shall inform you immediately. You will then have the opportunity to go back and make the necessary corrections and present them on the 12th and 13th March 2022.”

According to Sambujang Njai the Commissions Chief Electoral Officer, it is not their intention to object or reject the nomination of any candidate. However, candidates he said must fulfil all the requirements.

By Sanna Jallow

Fishermen at Brufut fish landing site have blamed the scarcity and high price of fish on the presence of Chinese fishing vessels which they alleged are destroying their fishing nets at sea.

The Gambia, a land blessed with beautiful and navigable river for fishing is faced with shortage of fish in the market. This has resulted in price hiking of fish. Fish is part of the staple foods in the Gambia and also as an income generating avenue for many.

Dam sarr, a fisherman accused the Chinese fishing boats of destroying their fishing net which is making their work difficult and thereby not being able to catch enough fish to meet public demand.

He lamented that fishing is their source of income from which they feed their families and also take care of other needs.

Mariam Colley, a dry fish seller at the Brufut fish landing site, said life has been difficult for her since the landing site started facing scarcity of fish for the past few months, noting that her source of income has reduced drastically, making it difficult for her to pay rent and her children’s school fees.

Fishermen and fish vendors at the Brufut fish landing site called on government to come to their aid and settle the problem between them and the Chinese fishermen, disclosing that they are losing millions of dalasi.

The recent shortage of fish has left both fisherman, vendors and consumers in difficult times especially in this moment of Covid-19 pandemic.

It is evident that such a situation adversely affects the lives and livelihood of fishermen, traders, retailers and consumers in the Gambia, and it also makes life difficult for most households in the country.

By Dawda Baldeh

The NAFANTA foundation in collaboration with CHAFFINCH TRUST, a charitable organization in the United Kingdom, on Wednesday 2nd March 2022 handed over to the Ministry of Health of The Gambia a 40-feet container of medical items worth over Seven Million Dalasis (D7m). The handing over ceremony was done at the Central Medical Store in Kotu.

The health items presented to the Ministry are to be distributed to various health facilities across the country. The items include intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, wheelchairs, chairs, face-masks, mattresses, bandages amongst other.

Speaking at the presentation, Buba Darboe, Program Manager at the Ministry of Health described the donated materials as “life saving,” noting that it would help to better strengthen the health sector. He confirmed that the materials donated are of high quality and can last longer. “This partnership is very helpful to the ministry and the Gambian people at large,” Buba Darboe said.

He said the ministry was glad to receive the materials and assured the donors that the materials will be used for the intended purpose. “These medical items are highly demanded at this time,” he stressed.

Alastrair Smith, CHAFFINCH TRUST representative, said the materials they donated to the Health Ministry are meant to better strengthen the health sector and to make quality health accessible to all Gambians.

He assured that the foundation will continue to offer humanitarian assistance to the health sector.

Modou Faye, Nafanata Foundation (CHEEPP CHARITY UK) also speaks on behalf on the foundation. He said the foundation’s objective is to help the needy and also to continue on the support that NAFANTA has been offering to Gambians before her death.

He gave assurance that this will not be the last time the foundation will support Gambians especially the health sector.

Mr. Faye expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for facilitating the shipment of the container to the country.

Fatou Samateh, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Health said the donation was timely, expressing the ministry’s appreciation to their partners; adding that the government cannot do it alone.

Rene Geofrey Renner, Chairman of Ministry of Health’s Donation Committee also thanked the donors for the gesture. He promised they would distribute the materials to the beneficiaries, noting that the role of the committee is to maintain accountability.

“As a committee, we make sure that every donation received gets to its beneficiaries. This committee was set up to enhance transparency and accountability in handling medical donations.” He commended the donors for the initiative and called on others to emulate them.

The NAFANTA Foundation was formed to promote Awareness of Anxiety and Depression in societies and to contribute to supporting the health and wellbeing of vulnerable people in deprived communities.

By Amara Thoronka

As the April 9^th National Assembly Election draws close, Interparty Committee (IPC) – an interparty forum in The Gambia, has called on all political parties that would be contesting in the forthcoming assembly election to award symbols to women, youths and persons with disability (PWDs) to enhance fair representation in the lawmaking body of The Gambia.

The call was made in the press conference held on 1st March 2022 at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center by IPC and their partners: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and National Democratic institute.

Co-chairperson of IPC, Hon. Musa Amul Nyassi, said the body was established to promote interparty dialogue and co-operation tailored toward promoting peaceful political dialogue, credible electoral processes, national unity, democracy and peace in the country.

“Since its formation, the IPC has facilitated constructive conversations among political actors on reform issues and helped in diffusing political tensions, particularly during contentious electoral processes and reform initiatives”

“We are advocating and encouraging more women, youths and persons with disability to vie in the forthcoming national assembly and local government elections. We are also appealing to all Gambian voters to consider voting for those women, youths and persons with disability who will be nominated by political parties or vying as independent candidates. This is the right thing to do if our democracy is to be inclusive and become stronger”

Hon. Nyassi disclosed that during the June 2021 quarterly breakfast meeting in Masankoko, Lower River Region, political party leaders committed to elevate more women to party leadership positions by nominating more women to vie for elective seats, thereby contributing to Gambians efforts of achieving at least 30% gender quota in national assembly and local councils.

He added that the inclusion of women, youths and persons with disability in decision-making is a fundamental human right and an issue of social justice, especially in a country such as The Gambia where the largest population and registered voters are both women and young people.

In his contribution, Project Manager of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Thomas Kimaru noted that the UNDP will continue to promote good governance and development in The Gambia.

Lala Touray, Senior Program Assistant of National Democratic Institute also reiterated her institution’s commitment to enhancing inclusive governance in the country.

It could be recalled that, recently, a constitutional amendment bill seeking to reserve 15 seats for women in the National Assembly failed to pass into law on procedural grounds. The tenure of the fifth parliament of The Gambia ended on 28th February 2022. As nomination of candidates for the April 9th assembly elections begins in few days, rights and gender activists await to see the fate of women, youths and PWDs.

People living in Nyamanarr, Upper River Region (URR) of The Gambia are to experience power supply for the first time in 145 years.

This comes after the commissioning of the first Solar Green Mini Grid plant in the said area by Unique Energy, with an estimated cost of D54 million.

The Commissioning of the 120-kilowatt peak power solar PV mini-grid in Nyamanarr took place on 25 February 2022. The commissioned Distribution and Generation Network is expected to bring clean, reliable, and metered renewable energy to the doorstep of the people of Nyamanarr for the first time in over 145 years, a population of over 6500 people benefiting more than 200 households and businesses.

The D54 million mini-grid plant is financed by the Unique Energy and Unique Solutions under the Unique Group of Companies with part grant from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) through the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) with support from the government through the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, PURA and GIEPA demonstrating the theme of the inauguration, promoting energy for all through Public Private Partnerships.

Unique Energy as part of its contractual and funding obligations, have invested over 43 million Dalasis over the past 2 years towards the infrastructure being inaugurated today consisting of a land size area of 4050 square meters donated by the village of Nyamanarr, a generation and distribution network of  over 130 poles with GPS mapping and power lines covering the whole village, a 120kwp PV plant with 310 Panels, Inverter systems, 192 Batteries for storage with a combined capacity of 576 KWh providing electricity 24/7 right around the year and over 40 solar street lights across the village, house wiring for houses and businesses, system monitoring tools, prepaid single and 3 phase smart meters, first class billing and vending platforms. The other equipment and infrastructure such as the office Sales and residential unit, first class smart fire detection and alarm system and the new access road leading to the plant, taking the total project and investment cost to over 54 million Dalasis in this first phase.

The grand launching of the billing prepaid platform “Lerral” Energy on the Go” or “Lehri” as they say in Myanmar also took place during the commissioning.

Acting Executive Director ECREEE Mr Bah F.M. Saho said, expressed hope that such development would be the beginning of Gambia’s mini grids revolution, assuring that they will continue to partner in order to enhance energy sufficiency and stability in the country.

Representing President Adama Barrow, the Minister of Energy and Petroleum Hon. Fafa Sanyang stated, “It is therefore very clear that The Gambia has significant solar energy resources which can be deployed via solar PV plants and other renewable energy solutions. Thus, in accordance with the Roadmap (2021-2040), part of the contingency plans to ensure Universal Access in 2025 as indicated is through the increment of solar PV plants and to have 35% of Energy generation in country to be through renewables by 2030”.

Electricity availability has a direct impact on quality of education and as part the Unique Group’s corporate social responsibility agenda, a WIFI zone for Nyamanarr Lower Basic School was installed at no cost, a 40-inch TV with a satellite decoder was also donated the school library, 3G and 4G android tablets, apple iPads, Electric Water dispenser, Electric Kettle, Electric Fridge, Deskjet printer and accessories, fans were also donated.

As part of the celebrations for the inauguration, Unique Foundation provided a mobile Medical caravan with first class equipment offering free health diagnostics services such as- Mammography (Breast Cancer Check-up)- Hepatitis B- Gynaecological and prenatal consultation- Ultrasound (Abdomen, uro-genital, gyneco-obstetrical)- X-ray- Glycaemia (Blood Sugar) to the people of Nyamanarr and the Basse Region. The event was done in partnership with Radiologie Mobile Zatifa, Africmed, Gambia Red Cross Society, Trust Bank and Access Bank.

Unique Energy hopes that the inauguration of The Gambia’s first Green Solar Mini-grid plant will open doors for many more opportunities in promoting energy for all through public private partnerships including the creation of much needed jobs for our young people and impacting thousands of ordinary Gambians in taking advantage of clean renewable energy sources.

Commenting on the 54 million Dalasis project, Papa Yusupha Njie Chairman and CEO of the Unique Group pf Companies said, “we hope the inauguration of The Gambia’s first Green Solar Mini-grid plant will open doors for many more opportunities in promoting energy for all through public private partnerships including the creation of much needed jobs for our young people and impacting thousands of ordinary Gambians in taking advantage of clean renewable energy sources.  We take this opportunity to thank His Excellency the President, Adama Barrow and his entire government especially the ministry of Petroleum and Energy and his team under Honourable  Fafa Sanyang for creating the enabling environment allowing companies like the Unique Group of Companies to leave a mark in the energy landscape and making us partners in development along the way”.

By: Christian Conteh

The Chairperson of Gambia’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has reiterated the call for urgent reforms in the country’s electoral system, revealing that the commission spent a whopping 2 million dalasis (plus) per candidate just for ballot drums in the December 4th 2021 presidential election. Suggesting it might incur a similar cost in the upcoming National Assembly Elections. 

Alieu Momarr Njai was speaking during a training session organised by the commission for civil society actors and the media, the training took place on Wednesday 2nd March at the GTHI Conference Hall in Kanifing.

Mr Njai noted that the commission has to migrate to paper ballots and leave behind its old system of marbles/tokens and drums. Paper ballots he says are cheaper and more accurate. 

“Those who have been out of the country can attest to it. The papers will have all the names, symbols, pictures and details of candidates, all you need to do is tick or thumbprint, it is that simple,” he said.

With one ballot drum costing about D 1,200 conducting elections using marbles and drums is quite an expensive system, Mr Njai noted.

This is not the first time the commission is suggesting a move from the current electoral system, they made the same call ahead of the December 4th 2021 presidential election.