By: Alieu Jallow

In The Gambia, women are primarily responsible for growing vegetables for local markets. However, they encounter several obstacles in the process that require immediate attention. Despite these constraints, gardening remains a reliable source of income for many rural and urban women and their families. Some even use the proceeds to pay for their children’s education and healthcare. Unfortunately, a lack of market access, water, and storage facilities threaten these benefits.

To address these challenges, the Women Farmers’ Association held a meeting on October 5th with JFR Trades’ founder and CEO. The group discussed strategies to improve market access and storage facilities, which have been a long-standing dilemma.

Mohamed Jaafar, a young Gambian entrepreneur, expressed his willingness to support the women farmers and improve their status quo.

“I will believe in these women and their potential to feed the entire nation if supported. As such, I am willing to work with them to support them by providing a market for them,” Jaafar said.

Jaafarr stated that women farmers can prevent or stop products from Senegal if they can assure the government of sufficient production.

“You can put a stop to products coming from Senegal if you work hard and produce enough for the people. This way, the government will be willing to put a moratorium on goods coming from Senegal and we will eat what we grow and trade our goods in dalasis without needing foreign currency,” he said.

Jaafar called on the women to grow as many potatoes as they could this season to scale up their productivity and income.

Yama Njie, the president of CRR North Women Farmers Association, expressed her association’s willingness to partner with Muhammed Jafarr to produce enough food for self-sufficiency.

“I wish to extend the zeal and readiness of the women farmers CRR north to work with you to feed this country, thus achieving the dream of food self-sufficiency. We have the powers and fertile land to make it happen, so we will want to rally behind your support to make this happen,” Njie said.

Ndey Jarju, representing women farmers in the Lower River Region, emphasized the significance of partnerships in providing a ready market for their products before harvest.

“Access to market has been a great challenge for us which limits our production level but having the backing of your support to provide us with a market for produce will motivate us to go the extra mile to cultivate a larger portion”.

Ousman Ceesay, the secretary of the West Coast Women Farmers Association, emphasized the importance of formalizing the partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding between the JFR company and the women farmers.

“After this meeting, we will form a task force, set out recommendations and sign an MOU to foster a greater working relationship that enhances a good food value chain as aim to add value to our products,” Ceesay said.

Fatoumatta Jarju from the North Bank region and Hajula Jarjusey from the Upper River region share similar views, highlighting that their members support the government’s and Jafarr’s goal of achieving self-food sufficiency.

The stakeholders have decided to hold weekly meetings to identify their strengths and discuss the issue of fluctuating market prices, reaching a consensus on the matter.

By: Alieu Jallow

Bala Garba Jahumpa, who previously held the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs during the Jammeh regime, has said the ongoing local government commission of inquiry is unjust towards the people of Basse following the commission’s recent findings of the Basse Area Council misusing millions and hundreds of thousands of funds.

“This is the highest form of injustice to the people of Basse, and we could take it up as citizens of the nation to the courts…,” he said.

The politician, who has held various ministerial positions, has spoken out against the government for failing to implement the recommendations of several commissions, including the Janneh Commission, Faraba, Constitutional Review, and the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission (TRRC).

He has criticized the lack of transparency regarding the sale of Jammeh’s assets and demanded answers about the proceeds. He emphasized that the luxurious assets should not have been sold cheaply and that the whereabouts of the proceeds remain a dilemma.

“Where are the assets that [Jammeh stole] they allegedly claimed to reclaim? Where are the assets? The National Assembly is still insisting on seeing the list. What is there to hide? Bring the list to the National Assembly,”. Jahumpa said.

Mr Jahumpa outlined that there was no need to set up a commission if the asset recovery was done publicly.

“I mean what are all these commissions [for]? All the monies [that were] spent on these commissions, and nothing comes out of it.  The results are zero. Do we want to continue like that as a country? No! We must take our stances on these commissions with zero results”.

Mr. Jahumpa believes that commissions are not inherently negative, as they are recognized in the Gambian constitution as a necessary measure.

However, he shared concerns about the frequency of commission initiation and the excessive expenditures associated with them, which often result in little to no tangible results.

Mr. Jahumpa emphasizes that the Barrow government should prioritize the desires and goals of the Gambian people, rather than resorting to commissions as a default solution.

On Friday 29th September 2023, EUCLID University Headquarters at Brusibi announced the Appointment of Prof. Momodou Mustafa Fanneh as the New Vice-Chancellor. Prof. Fanneh, before his appointment to his new job, was the Dean School of Business and Public Administration at The University of The Gambia.

EUCLID University is globally recognized for its commitment to higher education and sustainable development. The University Offers training, Master’s and Ph.D. courses online.

The Director of Communication at EUCLID University described Prof. Fanneh “as a scholar with an illustrious academic background and a vast array of experience in higher education administration. His dedication to scholarly excellence, innovative approaches to education, and a proven track record of leadership make him an ideal choice to steer the university into its next phase of growth and global impact”.

EUCLID’s International Faculty Coordinator and Oversight Council Chairman noted: “Prof. Fanneh’s vision for EUCLID, combined with his deep understanding of the nuances of international academia, makes him the perfect fit for this role. We are confident that under his leadership, EUCLID will continue to scale new heights and solidify its position as a beacon of academic excellence on the global stage.”

Prof. Mustapha Momodou Fanneh is a Gambian Scholar Trained in the United States of America and the United Kingdom. He obtained a Doctorate in Economics at Fordham University, New York, an MBA and MSc. in Economics and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Transportation Engineering. He was a Teaching Assistant and Senior Teaching Fellow at Fordham University and an Adjunct Professor at Rutgers, State University of New Jersey and Lehman College, New York.

He is a Professor of Economics. Until his Appointment, he was the Dean, School of Business and Public Administration (SBPA), University of The Gambia. He is a Senior Trainer and Research Associate at the Center for Policy Research and Strategic Studies (CepRass) and a Senior Researcher and Trainer at the Directorate of Research and Consultancy, University of The Gambia with more than 20 years of research experience. His main research interests are International Trade, Development Economics, Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics.

He worked as a Senior Transport Planner/Economist at the Department of State for Works, Communications and Information, The Gambia, 1996 – 2000. He wrote several papers amongst them the effects of the Structural Adjustment Program on poverty in Ivory Coast, Does the Mode of Financing the Budget Deficit Matter for Inflation? The Case of the Gambia and the effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) and free trade agreements (FTAs) on bilateral trade.

Professor Fanneh worked on multiple consultancies for UNFPA, WFP, ITC, United Purpose, Action Aid, Child Protection Alliance, MoTIE, MoHERST, GBoS and Paris 21, EU, NEA GEF, UNIDO, UNESCO, United Nations Statistics Division’s (UNSD) and One Sight USA.

Professor Fanneh initiated and oversees the numerous graduate and post-graduate programs in the School of Business and Public Administration at UTG. He served as a part-time Lecturer at the Management Development Institute (MDI) and a research supervisor at the West African Insurance Institute (WAII).

While serving as Dean, Dr. Fanneh had been an instrumental figure in the establishment of the SBPA staff association and University of The Gambia Faculty and Staff Association (UTGFSA), SBPA Tutorials Services, and the Center for Policy and Strategic Studies (CEPRASS), which offers trainings for government agencies, the private sector and also conducts research nationally and internationally.

Prof. Fanneh served as Chairman, UTG-UNDP graduate Scheme, Chairman Development of the UTG Strategic Plan 2021-2025, Chairman, Bakau New Town Ward Development Committee, Co-Founder Peace Network, Co-Founder of Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students, Founder of FKF Center for Policy Research and Consultancy. Board Member CMAP-CPP Academic Advisory Board, African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), KENYA and Chairman, Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI) and Graduate School Board Member.

Professor Fanneh is a Member for Transformation of Management Development Institute (MDI) to a Degree Awarding Civil Service Institution, Member for Sustainable Financing of Higher Education in The Gambia, Member for Development of National Research Policy, UTG Center of Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Senate Curriculum Committee, UTG Teaching and Learning Committee, MSME Policy Implementation Committee, MoTIE, Member of UTG Appointments and Promotion Committee (A&PC), Member of University of the Gambia Contracts Committee, Member of UTG Staff Training and Development Committee.

Finally, Prof. Fanneh has made a major impact at the (national) University of The Gambia, leading the development of new programs and training a new generation of economic and political leaders for the country. His dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment aligns perfectly with EUCLID’s core values and mission.

EUCLID looks forward to the dynamic and visionary leadership that Prof. Fanneh will bring to the role of Vice-Chancellor. As the university continues to expand its international partnerships and strengthen its academic offerings, Prof. Fanneh’s expertise will undoubtedly be invaluable.

By: Alieu Jallow

In recent years, many young people have been motivated to migrate irregularly to Europe in search of socioeconomic progress.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), between 2014 and 2018, over 35,000 Gambians arrived in Europe through irregular means, while others along the Central Mediterranean Route in Africa have chosen to return voluntarily.

Musa Gako, a tourist taxi driver in Senegambia, shared that he embarked on a risky journey to Europe with the hope of improving his economic status and providing for his family.

“I needed a change to change my economic situation following family pressure,” he told The Fatu Network.

Apart from being a tourist taxi driver, Musa also sells coffee at the beach and shares his aspirations of a better life. He wanted to follow in his friends’ footsteps and make the journey to Italy through the Mediterranean Sea. In 2016, he left The Gambia and travelled to Libya via Dakar. However, he returned voluntarily in 2017. According to him, he was imprisoned for two months but his family was able to secure his release by paying a ransom.

“I was imprisoned for two months, but then my mom paid the ransom. [From there] I proceeded to the capital and had to do some petty jobs just to make money to pay for my crossing. So, [on] one bad Sunday, we were caught by the Libyan police at a checkpoint and sent to the detention centre where I was kept until IOM facilitated my return”.

Musa mentioned that the reintegration package he received, which amounted to D53,000, was not enough to purchase a taxi that could sustain his livelihood. Despite this, he decided to save the money in his account until he met an elderly tourist who generously provided him with additional funds to buy the taxi he currently operates.

“The beach was my place before leaving so when I came back, I went back there and used a friend’s car to drive tourists around until I met an old white man who later supported me with some cash to buy the taxi I’m using today,” Musa said.

When asked if he still wants to take the risky journey, Musa replied that the situation has changed since he felt pressured before. Nonetheless, he still believes that in order to succeed in life, he needs to go to Europe – a dream he strongly desires. He emphasized that the government is not providing a supportive environment for young people to thrive.

By: Alieu Jallow

The Jerma Tourist Taxi Drivers Association in Senegambia has requested the removal of Minister of Tourism Hamat MK Bah due to a perceived lack of action in promoting development and growth in the tourism industry.

The Gambia’s tourism season is heavily dependent on European visitors seeking warmer climates during the winter months, leading to fluctuations in arrivals and challenges for businesses to maintain a steady income throughout the year.

The Jerma Tourist Taxi Drivers Association urges the President to appoint a creative and innovative individual to lead the sector.

Lamin Njie, a taxi driver, emphasized the need for year-round tourism and called on the Ministry of Tourism to be more creative and innovative in marketing the industry.

“We are tired of every year seeing the minister laying foundation stones for tourist sites without anything happening. I think Hamat MK Bah should be relieved from his portfolio because he does not know our challenges nor even do something to address them,” Njie said.

Mr Njie also expressed disappointment over drivers not receiving any benefits from the 100 million COVID-19 funds allocated to the Ministry of Tourism for distribution.

Meanwhile, Pa Njie, a tourist taxi driver controller, pointed out that tourist sites are in dire need of renovation and upgrades as most of the facilities and structures are outdated or dilapidated.

Mr Njie emphasized that tourists often question the relevance of visiting these places, noting that they have remained the same for over a decade.

“From day one, there is no development and no changes and most of the sites are worn-out, and I feel shy to drive and escort tourists to Kunta Kinteh because there is nothing significant in there. The island is submerging into the river, and nothing is being done to revive the place”.

Njie mentioned that they have no choice but to transport tourists all the way to Fataala Park in southern Senegal due to uninteresting and poorly managed destinations in the country.

The Gambia’s tourism industry mainly revolves around beach tourism and wildlife reserves. Therefore, expanding the range of tourism products and targeting niche markets such as cultural, eco, and adventure tourism can attract a broader audience and increase their length of stay.

However, Abdou Sonko, the Secretary of the Jerma Tourist Taxi Association accused Hon. Hamat NK Bah and his senior management team of embezzling funds allocated for the tourism sector’s development. Sonko believes that Hon Bah’s actions are detrimental to the industry. He criticized the ministry’s “All-inclusive initiative for tourists,” claiming that it is not beneficial for young people trying to make a living, as they are left to scramble for leftovers from hotels.

“We want Hamat to resign because he is not doing enough to empower the youth to work and the all-inclusive which he proclaimed is here to stay will put us off business which will force most of us to embark on the back way,” Sonko said.

The Jerma Tourists Association, consisting of 120 young people, aims to improve the tourism sector and alleviate poverty by creating more job opportunities.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Madi Jobarteh, a human rights activist, has expressed concern in response to the recent comments made by President Adama Barrow regarding Gambian democracy and emphasized that the president does not possess the authority to silence or order the arrest of any citizen through the Inspector General of Police.

During a recent visit to his supporters in Niani, President Barrow expressed concern about the state of Gambian democracy and promised to instruct the police chief to detain individuals who make statements intended to incite violence.

However, activist Madi Jobarteh criticized the president’s plan, stating that it is concerning to see the government attempting to silence its citizens. Jobarteh argued that the president has no authority to suppress free speech.

“It is indeed highly worrying that Barrow is speaking about silencing and detaining citizens simply because in his mind people are engaged in empty talk while he is working.

“It is important for one to put it to Adama Barrow that he is neither the lord nor the owner of the Gambia; hence he has no power to silence any citizen. Similarly, he has no authority or powers to order the IGP to attest or detain any citizen,” Madi said.

Madi further described President Barrow’s comments as “a bunch of irresponsible, dangerous, and self-delusional gibberish that must be confronted”.

He called on the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda Jallow to educate President Barrow about the content of the constitution because his comments violate his oath of office.

“I hereby urge the Minister of Justice as the government’s chief legal advisor to guide Adama Barrow about the contents of the Gambia Constitution and other laws, as well as the Gambia’s international obligations.

“It is pertinent that Minister Dawda Jallow advised Barrow to understand what a democratic republic is and what is the rule of law and human rights. Jallow needs to educate Barrow to realize that his comments violate his oath of office, hence contravene the constitution, which are grounds for impeachment,” Madi said.

He also called on the National Assembly to advise the president on matters under his responsibility.

By: Alagie Cherno Suwareh

Result-Based Financial reporting, also known as Performance-Based Financing, is a systemic approach designed by the Ministry of Health, emphasizing results in terms of both quantity and quality of service outputs. It involves empowering health facilities as autonomous agencies dedicated to achieving health-related goals and benefiting their staff.

Fortunately, Brufut Health Center has celebrated three consecutive successes, consistently ranking at the top of Result-Based Financial Reporting. In an effort to keep partners informed, the hospital staff engaged with the Brufut community through the Brufut Village Development Committee, women representatives, and other channels.

Omar Dampha, the officer-in-charge, highlighted the transformative impact of RBF on Brufut Health. The introduction of RBF has significantly enhanced the facility’s performance, placing it at the forefront of excellent performance among health facilities benefiting from the project for three consecutive times.

The benefits of RBF have facilitated the refurbishment of the health center’s infrastructure, ensured the availability of medicines, and improved the quality of service delivery. Dampha emphasized the importance of community ownership, stating, “We want the people of Brufut to take ownership of the project because the higher the turnout, the more rewards we will receive to enable us to undertake more development and continue to excel.”

Kebba Omar Jaiteh, a community health adviser to the Brufut VDC and a retired health expert at the World Health Organization (WHO), expressed delight at the success of the campaign in raising awareness among the people of Brufut to utilize the hospital.

He highlighted the significance of community engagement in strengthening the relationship between the health center and the community. Jaiteh emphasized how RBF could help minimize maternal and infant mortality rates and morbidity rates.

He urged influential figures such as council members, imams, pastors, etc., to join the campaign, especially in encouraging pregnant women to visit Brufut Health Center, where quality service delivery is guaranteed. He concluded by assuring that the two parties would continue to collaborate to serve the community with quality service delivery.

Fatou Bojang, accompanied by her new baby, praised the care she received during her recent delivery, noting a significant improvement compared to her previous experience. She emphasized the quality of service and the comfort of the labor ward as a testament to a smooth and safe delivery.

Another woman, Binta, who had not experienced hospital delivery before, encouraged women to visit health centers for delivery, highlighting the incomparable difference in safety. “My baby has recovered thanks to the service we received here at Brufut Health Center.”

In a conversation with Sarjo Fatty, a senior Community Health Nurse Midwife, she shared her experience before the implementation of RBF. “It was very challenging for us as midwives, and we did not receive enough antenatal care.”

With performance-based financing conducted every three months, the staff of Brufut Health Center and community representatives are optimistic about maintaining their excellent service delivery to patients, regardless of tribe, religion, gender, age, or status.