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.