By Mama A. Touray

In the face of significant criticism regarding the 2025 budget estimate presented to the National Assembly by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedia Keita, the Minister of Information, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay has described the budget as ‘almost balanced’.

Despite the budget being tabled late before the National Assembly, Dr. Ceesay stated in an interview on West Coast Radio’s Coffee Time programme that the budget should be viewed in a broader context.

“Let’s look at the budget in a bigger picture, for the first time in ten years the budget deficit is 0.1% of GDP. [That] is nearly a balanced budget. Normally, we talk about the budget deficit that is our cost far outweighs what we expect in revenue”.

Ceesay further emphasized that “for the first time in over a decade, the Minister of Finance and the Government of The Gambia have really exercised prudent fiscal gymnastics in the sense that now we have 0.1% of GDP, almost D198 million is the deficit. That is almost a balanced budget”.

“Within the European Union, they aim for at least a 4 to 5 per cent; that is what is accepted of a budget deficit of a GDP. In The Gambia here, we are doing 0.1% and the overall budget is 52 billion dalasi for 2025. Thirty-seven billion is government local fund and the rest will be sourced through loans and grants”.

Dr. Ceesay argued that the 2025 budget focuses more on output than input, saying: “This budget is a pilot called the program-based budgeting, [and] that is to say it focuses more on outputs than inputs. While inputs include fuel and operational aspects such as vehicles, the focus is primarily on outputs like social services, healthcare services, and education.”

He added that the Government is aligning NDA’s budget to the national development plan so that they can focus more on output than inputs.

Regarding the estimated GDP, he stated, “we are expecting that The Gambia’s GDP to grow by 6% in 2025, up from 5.2%, and inflation has decreased from 18% to 9%. The Central Bank’s mid-term target is 5%. This is a huge economic success considering global trends across the world.”

By: Dawda Baldeh

Farmers in Gambia’s North Bank Region have raised concerns over this year’s poor groundnut harvest compared to last year’s bumper crop. These concerns were voiced during the presidential tour in the region held on Monday and Tuesday.

“This year, the groundnuts are not good, and the harvest is very poor. We are farmers, and this is worrying because groundnuts are our major source of income,” said Modou Lamin Sarr, a resident of Bantanding Wolof in Jokadou. Several speakers echoed these worries and called for government support for farmers in the North Bank Region. According to Sarr, the youths in his area are actively engaged in farming, but this year’s harvest shows little promise.

Anta Secka, a ward councilor in Jokadou, added that some farmers have been experiencing nightmares since they began harvesting their groundnuts due to the poor yield. “I am calling on the government to help farmers,” she said.

Salieu Jallow, a seasoned farmer, shared similar concerns about the disappointing groundnut harvest, describing it as a major setback for farmers. He also called for better pricing for groundnuts, while acknowledging the significant government subsidies on farming inputs.

Sankung Dampha, the National Assembly Member for Illiasa Constituency, recognized the government’s ongoing support for his constituency but pleaded for additional assistance due to the disappointing groundnut season. Despite the poor harvest of groundnuts, Dampha noted that crops like rice, maize, and coos had yielded a bumper crop this year. “We only have problems with groundnuts this year,” he said.

Chief Fabala Kinteh also advocated for increased support for farmers, especially in light of the current poor groundnut harvest.

Fatou Bah, a female councilor in the Sabah Sanjal Constituency, raised concerns about the challenges faced by women, particularly vegetable growers, such as the lack of access to markets, adequate water, and cold storage facilities.

In response to these concerns, President Adama Barrow reassured farmers that his government is committed to supporting them, stressing that agriculture is the backbone of the country. “We will support the farmers because if we farm, we can feed ourselves and earn income from it. My government will not sit and watch the farmers suffer. We will conduct assessments to determine how we can quickly help farmers,” he explained.

President Barrow further assured the farmers that his government is working tirelessly to modernize agriculture in the country to help achieve year-round food security.

By: Alieu Jallow

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Lamin Dampha, has formally debunked claims circulating in society and on various social media platforms regarding the licensing of any agency for worker recruitment under the much-anticipated Gambia-Spanish Circular Migration program.

The Gambia-Spanish Circular Migration initiative aims to facilitate a structured migration route for Gambian workers, specifically targeting employment opportunities in Spain. However, as excitement for the program grows, so do misunderstandings and misinformation surrounding the initiative.

In a special episode of Coffee Time on West Coast Radio, PS Dampha emphasized that the ministry has not authorized any agency to recruit workers for this migration program.

“We have seen an upsurge in interest in the Spanish circular migration program, and we have seen certain things happening—certain information circulating. Every day we receive messages from different people: people claiming to recruit, others saying people are paying, and even rumors that the first group has left. All these things are not true. We have not licensed a single recruitment agency to recruit workers for Spain. We have not licensed anyone,” he stated emphatically.

PS Dampha clarified that the ministry is currently in the process of finalizing the legal frameworks necessary for the program’s implementation, including Cabinet approval and parliamentary ratification. He explained that they are waiting to share the legal instrument with the Spanish authorities and finalize procedural agreements. He noted that this agreement differs from those with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as it will be implemented solely by the government without involving any private individuals. He also urged the public to remain vigilant against scammers attempting to collect money under false pretenses in the name of recruitment.

“This is not true. We have not registered any agency to recruit for Spain. We have also heard these allegations and are inviting the public to share any evidence with us. We have already written to the Inspector General of Police to investigate, and the police are already investigating. If anyone has evidence, let them share it with the ministry or the police so that those responsible can be brought to justice.”

The premature claims of recruitment licenses have raised concerns among potential migrant workers, some of whom allege paying over 50,000 to 60,000 dalasis to unscrupulous agents. In a country grappling with unemployment, the prospect of legitimate employment abroad has encouraged hope. However, the ministry is working with law enforcement to restore public confidence by investigating and prosecuting those exploiting desperate Gambians.

“Send us the evidence, and we will share it with the police because they are already carrying out investigations. We are not the police, but we are collaborating closely with them to speed up the process. This is crucial for us to regain public trust.”

Mr. Dampha further revealed that the Spanish government is expected to share conditions and criteria based on their demand for labor, particularly from their farming community.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Hagie Gai Drammeh Foundation for the Physically Challenged recently delivered a heartfelt donation of basketball equipment to Gambia High School and St. Augustine’s Boys High School.

This thoughtful contribution, organized by Krish Roopnarine and his family from Canada, included nets, rings, and balls, designed to enrich the sporting experience for students at both institutions.

At Gambia High School, where a basketball court was already in place but lacked essential equipment, the donated items were promptly set up, allowing students to enjoy the game to its fullest.

Students expressed their excitement, with one sharing, “We are so happy! Now we can play basketball like professionals!”

Similarly, St. Augustine’s received rings and nets, sparking enthusiasm as students eagerly anticipated their first games with the new gear.

The foundation’s charitable efforts continued on Thursday with the donation of three fully equipped computers to Gunjur Senior Secondary School, aimed at meeting modern educational needs.

In addition, the foundation visited Jalambang to support the family of Gorgi Sowe, who is currently held in The Gambia Central Prison after allegedly injuring his wife’s legs with a cutlass.

To ease the family’s struggles, the foundation provided clothing and school supplies for Sowe’s children, who have been facing significant financial challenges.

Sowe’s wife, now disabled and the family’s sole provider, expressed her heartfelt gratitude: “We never anticipated this assistance. It means so much to us during this difficult time.”

The foundation extended its support to another struggling family in Kongira, Jalambang, where they donated clothing and educational materials.

In an unexpected act of kindness on Kairaba Avenue, the foundation presented a wheelchair to a physically challenged individual, along with another wheelchair and a walker donated to Serekunda General Hospital.

The generosity of Krish Roopnarine and his family has profoundly touched the lives of many in the community.

One recipient shared, “These donations are a blessing. We feel loved and supported when we receive such kindness.”

The Hagie Gai Drammeh Foundation for the Physically Challenged remains steadfast in its mission to uplift the lives of those in need through ongoing charitable initiatives.

By: Michaella Faith Wright

The Agro-Youth Project Gambia has launched an intensive training program aimed at equipping young people and women with entrepreneurial skills in the agro-food sector. The event, hosted at the Horticulture Agriculture Center in Wellingara, brought together participants eager to gain practical knowledge and make meaningful contributions to the country’s agricultural development.

In his opening remarks, Yero Bah, Project Manager of the Agro-Youth Project Gambia, welcomed attendees and expressed gratitude to the General Manager of the Horticulture Agriculture Center for hosting the training. He also thanked project partners and facilitators for their commitment to empowering Gambian youth and women.

“This training is designed to help you acquire lifelong skills in agricultural entrepreneurship,” Bah said. “We selected qualified trainers to ensure the knowledge you gain here stays with you forever. We want you to leave here not only as better agriculturists but also as agents of change in your communities.”

Bah emphasized the practical nature of the training, encouraging participants to actively engage with the facilitators and apply the lessons to their work. He added, “Gambia is a small country, but we can achieve big results if we focus on agriculture and work together.”

Samuel Demba, Central Manager of the Horticulture Agricultural Training Center, urged participants to take agriculture seriously, noting the growing importance of the sector in addressing food insecurity. “Agriculture is hard work, but it’s essential for our nation,” Demba said. “Let’s put more effort into practical farming, work as a team, and change the narrative to produce more and make a difference.”

Samba Njie, a facilitator specializing in marketing agricultural entrepreneurship, highlighted the challenges faced by farmers in meeting market demands due to a lack of tools and value-added production. “As agriculturists, it’s important to understand your audience and focus on what brings you financial returns,” Njie said. He also encouraged participants to embrace technology to enhance productivity and meet market demands effectively.

The training, which focused on the practical aspects of agriculture, concluded with participants being divided into groups to implement hands-on lessons. The program is part of a broader effort to engage Gambian youth and women in agriculture, fostering resilience and economic growth in the sector.

By Alieu Jallow

Ballo Saidykhan, a corporal in the Gambia National Army assigned to the 2nd Infantry Battalion in Farafenni, was among the group of soldiers who were arrested, tortured, and detained following the alleged coup in November 1994.

As the memory of the November 11, 1994, tragedy continues to haunt the victims and survivors, Ballo Saidykhan spoke with The Fatu Network about his ongoing struggle for justice and the impact of unemployment on his life.

Despite nearly three decades since that day, Ballo faces significant challenges, sharing his heartbreaking experience of being jobless for over thirty years.

“I have been jobless for the past 30 years. I was arrested, tortured and detained for more than eight months and released after the Court Martial found no evidence against me, but [I] was subjected to frequent arrests and interrogations and later was forced to relocate back to my hometown in Jarra Kanni Kunda. Since then, [from] 1994 to date, I [have] not [been] employed,” he said.

Ballo expressed frustration that despite submitting several applications, whenever one reaches a desk and he walks through the door, a shadow from his past seems to follow him.

“During Yahya Jammeh’s era, anytime I apply for a job, if my name appears, I am rejected immediately. It seems that my name was circulated everywhere.

“In 2003, I secured a job at the APRC General Hospital in Farafenni as a chief security officer and in 2004 when Yahya Jammeh was on his nationwide tour, as he was shaking hands with people when he got to me, he asked the officials what I was doing there only to be told that I am the chief security. He told them this guy was UDP and an opposition, and then I was forced to resign. Since then, I have been without a job,” he said.

Mr. Saidykhan expressed frustration with the reparation process, noting that the 1% allocated to them serves only as a delaying tactic and does not fully implement the recommendations made by the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission.

He urged the government to address the plight of those who have survived the trauma of dictatorship, including men in uniform who were unlawfully arrested, tortured, detained, sentenced, dismissed from their jobs, and barred from the system.

By Mama A. Touray

The Managing Director of Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), Ousman Jobarteh, announced that GPA will procure two ferries using a $20 million grant provided by the African Development Bank. Jobarteh made the remarks at the quarterly press conference organized by the Ministry of Information at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo.

“Regarding the ferries, the African Development Bank, as part of their support in conducting a climate risk assessment, provided a $20 million grant in December 2022 to fund activities that will add value to the main project,” he told the press.

Jobarteh added that the African Development Bank advised expanding port infrastructure in Banjul while implementing ancillary activities, such as improving the ferry service, to enhance the project’s overall impact.

According to Jobarteh, the $20 million grant is allocated to four components, including the purchase of ferries and the widening of the main road leading to the port.

“The $20 million grant from the African Development Bank is financing the acquisition of one new ferry. The government has also decided that the Gambia Ports Authority should procure a second ferry. Additionally, the grant will fund other components, such as the expansion and support of the main road connecting the Banjul Highway to the ports,” he explained.

Jobarteh further stated, “The third component involves developing an integrated national transport master plan for the Ministry of Transport. The fourth component focuses on technical and capacity development for the Ministry of Transport, as well as mainstreaming gender into project implementation—particularly targeting women to increase their employment opportunities.”

He emphasized that these four components are designed to ensure that, by the time the port infrastructure is completed, these supporting activities will enhance the value and functionality of the ports.

By: Dawda Baldeh

It has been exactly five months since the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Haddy Jatou Sey, resigned from her role over a dual citizenship controversy. Since then, the ministerial position has remained vacant, raising concerns about the delays in appointing a new minister to lead this crucial sector.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network, Ismaila Ceesay, the President of The Gambia Teachers’ Union (GTU), urged the government to expedite the process of appointing a new minister. He warned that the prolonged vacancy has had significant negative consequences for the country’s most vital sector.

According to Mr. Ceesay, the absence of a minister compromises the ministry’s ability to secure necessary funding and support.

“The absence of a minister means there is no dedicated advocate to highlight the needs and priorities of the education sector,” he explained, adding that the situation affects the ministry’s budget, as it may not receive the level of attention or understanding required by the cabinet. This could result in inadequate funding for essential programs.

For Mr. Ceesay, a minister’s appointment would ensure the ministry’s proposals are adequately defended before the cabinet.

“Without this representation, critical budget items may be overlooked or dismissed without thorough justification, potentially leading to funding reductions in essential areas or misalignments with the ministry’s strategic priorities,” he emphasized.

Custodianship of Regulations and Policy Development

The GTU President reiterated the critical role a minister plays in safeguarding educational regulations and policies.

Policy Communication:

“The recent completion of the Midterm Policy Review highlights the importance of ministerial input in shaping policy decisions. The lack of leadership in this area hampers the effective communication of insights and expertise necessary for implementing policy changes, resulting in difficulties in aligning the ministry’s vision with revised policies,” he said.

Strategic Direction:

Mr. Ceesay explained that the void created by the absence of an authoritative figure weakens the strategic direction of the ministry. This affects stakeholders and educational institutions striving to align their objectives with the ministry’s goals.

Role in Budget Development

He also highlighted the crucial role of the minister in the budget development process, including:

Prioritization of Needs:

“The minister typically identifies and prioritizes the needs within the education sector. Without their guidance, inconsistencies may arise in budget allocations, leading to the potential underfunding of critical areas. The presentation of the education budget in the cabinet, currently handled through an intermediary, may further result in inadequate outcomes,” he noted.

Reforms in Basic and Secondary Education

Mr. Ceesay noted that recent updates to the education policy necessitate urgent revisions to the strategic plan, incorporating new inclusions such as:

• Education in Emergencies and ICT in Education to mitigate the impact of COVID-19
• Mainstreaming Education Intervention Strategies in Schools (MEISS)
• Foundational learning strategies
• The new scheme of service

“These developments require immediate political leadership and guidance for effective implementation. Without this, efforts to address educational needs may become fragmented, causing serious implementation gaps,” he explained.

For him, the absence of a duly appointed minister for basic and secondary education creates significant challenges that impede progress across various strategic reforms and initiatives. These include securing the needed budgetary support for the ministry.

“The absence of a minister is not a positive indication at all from the government, considering MoBSE as the biggest sector in the country,” he said. “Honestly, it is unfortunate that the sector is without an appointed minister.” He advised the president to urgently appoint a new minister for basic and secondary education.

Impact on Teachers and Students

Mr. Ceesay highlighted that the recruitment, training, and retention of teachers often depend on the leadership and vision of the education minister.

“The absence of these can lead to a lack of strategic direction, leaving existing educators feeling unsupported, which could result in morale issues and increased turnover rates,” he emphasized.

He concluded that appointing a new minister is urgently needed to oversee adherence to national standards and ensure accountability measures for schools.

“Without this oversight, there may be inconsistencies in educational quality, curriculum delivery, and performance assessment,” he added.

By: Mama A. Touray

At the monthly press conference organized by the Ministry of Information, the Managing Director of the Gambia Ports Authority, Ousman Jobarteh, stated that the extent of repairs needed for the Kanilai ferry has far exceeded their expectations, though he remains hopeful it will be operational by March 2025.

Jobarteh shared this update at the press conference held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo.

“The Kanilai ferry is undergoing major repairs and is currently at the Banjul shipyard. We had initially expected it to be operational by now, but we realized that the extent of work needed for repairs far surpassed our expectations. Once the ferry was dried up and the metalways were stripped, we noticed that the submerged portion of the ferry was mostly fabricated parts,” he said.

He continued, “What we observed was significant erosion in almost all the longitudinal and transverse sections in the bottom area. This requires extensive repairs, but we are hopeful that by the end of the month, the commissioning engineer will be on the ground, and by March 2025—which may seem far away but is not really so—the ferry should be back in service.”

Jobarteh added that currently, only the Kunta Kinteh ferry is available to provide service between Banjul and Barra.