Gambia’s President, Adama Barrow has promised his government will not disappoint the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. President Barrow was speaking during the Commission’s 30th Anniversary held at Kairaba Beach Hotel, Kololi, Gambia.

“We will not disappoint you,” President Adama Barrow said.

“The dark days of The Gambia are over,” he added.

President Barrow in his opening statements to hundreds of participants from all over the African Continent reassured his government will remain committed to human and peoples’ rights.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights was established 30 years ago with its headquarters in Banjul.

President Barrow said the Gambian people have recognizsed the support of the Commission despite the unsupported attitude of the former government. He mentioned the international treaties that his government recently signed at the UN General Meeting, key among them was the abolition of the death penalty noting that plans are underway to enact the convention on torture among other things. He also spoke about his Government’s plans to legislate the Human Rights Commission in the country. He added that the signing of laws alone is not enough, what is important he said is to see that they are enforced.

“We will very soon pass the Human Rights Commission Bill for the first time in the history of our country,” he asserted.

The Gambian leader spoke about a wide range of issues including  plans to empower and work with Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

Pansy Tlakula, the outgoing chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights commended the new government of The Gambia.

“This is the first time in my 12 years work that the Gambia is represented in the highest level,” Chairperson Pansy Tlakula said.

“We have never met the former President Yahya Jammeh,” she added.

She said the decision to establish the commission was made in 1987 and Banjul was chosen to be the headquarters. She commended the role played by the Gambia’s first President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara.

Madame Tlakula in her farewell statements highlighted the human rights tracks of the continent including freedom of expression and freedom association among others.

“During my tenure the human rights landscape has change,” she asserted.

The outgoing chairperson spoke about the gains and challenges of the commission. She spoke about the challenges of terrorism, youth unemployment, climate change and continuous harassment and arbitrary detention of African people among others.

“We are all responsible for the promotion and protection of human rights in Africa,” she said.

The EU Human Rights Commissioner said there is no country that has perfect human rights but the difference is the readiness to address the problems saying the institutions should be strengthen to review them. He commended the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, adding that they are working closely with the commission.

“Human Rights is not about luxury but putting in place strong policies,” he noted.

He said he is inspired by 30 years of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Meanwhile, 4 new African Commissioners were sworn-in to take office.

There is a widespread misconception in Africa and the Gambia in particular that after election, citizens should forget about politics and work together for national development. It is common to hear politicians claim that politics should be set aside after Election Day as if politics is a commodity or a one-time activity for one day. Therefore one of the fundamental reasons why there is poor leadership and bad governance in Africa is because of these huge misconceptions about politics.

The effect of this misconception is that it disempowers the people while empowering those in power simply because the people disengage. This is why those that are in power are always the very ones who spread this misconception. The correct understand should therefore be that politics actually starts on the day after elections. This is the time when the citizens must begin to engage and hold the newly elected government and officials to account to ensure that they deliver according to their campaign promises and manifesto for the rest of their term.

The political dispensation in the Gambia is democracy. This is the system where all citizens participate through various decision-making processes and institutions for the efficient management of the affairs and resources of the country. In this environment, some are right holders as citizens, while others are duty bearers as public servants.

The duty bearers or public servants are provided with resources from our taxes to perform functions that are aimed at promoting and protecting our human rights and satisfying our needs through the provision of opportunities, goods and services. Public servants are expected to refrain from the misuse of public resources and abuse of public office that will injure the rights and welfare of citizens. Democracy creates a checks and balances system otherwise called the rule of law.

For that matter, democracy therefore is a daily battle to ensure that duty bearers perform their functions efficiently and effectively. It is a daily battle to ensure that there is no abuse of power or misuse of public resources by public servants. It is a daily battle to ensure that when human rights are violated or there is abuse of power then there is redress or accountability immediately and in full. Democracy requires transparency to ensure that all decision and actions of duty bearers are exposed to the public to ascertain that there is no abuse or violation.

In light of the above, politics is therefore a daily activity of a person and society. This is because through politics society determines the cost of bread or the creation of jobs. It is within politics that society determines the cost of school fees or fares. It is politics that determines if there will be electricity or good roads or not. It is politics that determines whether citizens will have security in their society or not. It is politics that determines if families will have breakfast, lunch and dinner or not. Politics determines whether citizens will be free or oppressed.

The cost of bread in your street corner shop is determined by the kind of president and parliament you have elected. This is because it is the Executive and the Parliament that sets the laws on taxation and overall management of the economy that eventually determines the cost of flour, the operation of a bakery and the transportation of bread to shops in the community. It is the government that sets fuel prices, electricity tariffs, and taxes and also builds the infrastructure necessary for movement of goods and people that ultimately affect prices.

Hence the kind of economy a country has and the cost of goods and services in that country are all determined by the kind and quality of leaders and institutions in that country. If there is a leadership that is efficient and understands how to build a viable economy then the provision of goods and services will be affordable, efficient and of high quality. If the decision-making process is open, participatory and accountable it means citizens can influence policies and institutions to ensure better economic management and well being. But when there is no such leadership this is when such a society will remain poor. Since independence the Gambia has been poor because there has been no such visionary and efficient leadership.

But the reason why there is also no such visionary and effective leadership is because the masses of the Gambia have not been able to hold our governments and leaders to account. Our level of participation has not been qualitative enough. It is one thing to have many political parties and many politicians with a high level of participation by supporters. But so long as such participation is not qualitative in terms of how those citizens understand the role and function of a president and government then there will be so much activity but with little effect. This has been the tragedy in the Gambia and Africa since independence.

Citizens further disempower themselves when they hold that politics is not for all times. It is even more insidious when citizens do not know their rights and duties as citizens. This is why I always expand the proclamation of Thomas Sankara to say that a citizen without political education is either a criminal or a victim. This is because when a citizen lacks political awareness, as a public servant he or she can abuse his office by being corrupt or violate human rights. On the other hand if he is a mere private citizen he can aid and abet a bad leader unknowingly or merely fails to stand up to defend his rights as a citizen. Thus as a public servant such a citizen is a criminal, while as a private citizen he is a victim.

Therefore Gambians and Africans must rise up to understand that democracy is a daily battle, to win or lose every day. If we win the battle on any day then we enjoy the protection of our rights and fulfillment of our needs manifested by the provision of opportunities and services by public and private institutions and the prevalence of transparency and accountability. But if we lose the battle any day then we face rights violations, corruption, abuse of power and oppression.

God Bless The Gambia.

Madi Jobarteh

By Yunus S Saliu

As part of their efforts in cultivating a stable and safe democratic environment in The Gambia to enable all citizens participate fully in the governance and development process of the country, the officials of the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) are currently on a twenty-six day massive awareness campaign on Democracy and Responsible Citizenship within the communities of Jarra and Kiang in Lower River Region of the country.

The twenty-six day campaign is part of the NCCE’s lined up activities on Democratic Governance and Civic Rights and Duties of Citizens in a Democracy.

According to Yusupha Bojang, acting program officer at NCCE, this campaign, he said “will help address some of the illusions about democracy and the notion of the new Gambia, which is causing certain irresponsible behaviors which could affect the peaceful coexistence in the country if not addressed.”

Addressing the citizens in various meeting held in Sukuta, Njoba Kunda, Darsilami, Nyawulurung and Welingaraba all in Jarra East district, the senior civic education officer at NCCE, Ansuman Yabo dilated on NCCE’s mandate.

He informed the communities of the Jarra East that the Phase I of the campaign after the December 1 presidential elections started in Kombo South while the Phase II took place in Foni Bintang Karanai district in West Coast Region. This time around, he said the campaign which started in Jarra East is the Phase III “and it is democracy that gives opportunity to people to sit and discuss about the welfare of its nation freely,” he stated.

Yabo described democracy as a form of government under which the laws and structures of government lies ultimately in the hands of the citizens. He noted that democracy does not mean insulting the leadership, putting false information against government, mismanaging public funds just to mention a few.

He went further to say that democracy does not mean bad rule unless bad rulers introduce bad rule into their governance system while stressing that democracy works through collective decision.

Alkalo Jarra Sukuta Sambou Saidykhan, VDC chairman Alhagie Sulu Saidykhan, Koba Saidykhan, Imam Morikebba Saidykhan both from Jarra Sukuta commended NCCE for educating them on democracy and what it entails.

Ms Ndey Tapha Sosseh, former President of The Gambia Press Union has been appointed as Advisor to the Ministry of Information and Communication Infrastructure (MOICI).

Ms Tapha Sosseh was the Editor In Chief of the Daily Observer Newspaper before she became the President of the country’s press union.

She spent almost a decade in exile when she issued a fitting response to the ‘insulting’ remarks of the former President Yahya Jammeh on the state television about the death of Deyda Hydara, a defiant Gambian media proprietor who was murdered in cold blood. She made a press release to respond to the disrespectful comments of the former president. The publication of the said press release on the local newspapers led to the arrest of six journalist including two media chiefs who were sentenced to jail.

The former press union president has recently returned to the country. Her appointment was announced by the Minister of Information and her role includes advising the minister and working to ensure the free flow of information.

“We have recruited an adviser, Ndey Tapha Sosseh,” Minister Demba Ali Jawo said.

“Her main role is to advise the Minister on the formulation of a comprehensive National Communication Strategy and to support MOICI in the process for a legal reform of media laws and communications policies,” he added.

Minister DA Jawo told journalist that the advisor has been recruited with support from Article 19.

Meanwhile, Ms Tapha Sosseh would be working closely with the advisor to the Minister of Justice under the Article 19 agreement with the two ministries.

Surahata Janneh, Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry has dismissed the application made by Amadou Samba, a Gambian business tycoon and close associate of the former president for the discharge of an interim order made against him.

Chairman Janneh in his ruling went through the arguments of both the applicant’s Lawyer Mary Samba and Commission Counsel Amie Bensouda on the application for the discharge of the interim order which he said lacks merit before rejecting it.

Janneh also dismissed the application made by the business tycoon’s attorney that they were not notified prior to the issuance of the order. He further ruled that the applicant is at liberty to apply to the commission to discharge or set aside the orders noting that the applicant shared the same order in clause A of the interim order as that of the families and close associates of the former President. Lawyer Samba has not put forward the determination of the orders.

Chairman Janneh cited the decrees of AFPRC/APRC military junta after taking power through a Coup d’état which lead to the establishment of a Commission of Enquiry to investigate the alleged rampant corruption of the Jawara regime. He said the first Act of the Commission of Enquiry in the Constitution was in 1903 under the colonial era. He added that the recent commission is in consistence with the same line.

According to the Chairman Janneh, Amadou Samba, Muhammed Bazzi and Fadi Mazegi are considered to be close associates of former president Yahya Jammeh, noting that over D200 million and $10,000,000 being government monies are missing which is currently under investigation.

Chairman Janneh who is also a doyen of The Gambia Bar Association further stated that except by the decision of the chairman, all hearings concerning the commission will be made public in the interest of the general public who he said are urged to provide information on assets belonging to close associates being it within or outside the jurisdictions and such information will be treated as confidential.

The Chairman of the Commission further highlighted that Amadou Samba’s application was not for the variation of the interim order but for their discharge, adding that he will determine as alleged by Mr Samba’s attorney as to whether the Commission acted ‘ultra vires’ (beyond one’s legal powers or authority).

Chairman Janneh also cited from the rule of the High Court order and Section 14 of the 1903 Commission Act to give weight to his ruling, noting that the commissioners are not obliged to inform anybody about their duties to hire a legal counsel. He said Mr Samba should have sought for a legal practitioner given that Jammeh was democratically removed from power through a ballot box and that the counsel argument for Mr Samba holds no water.

He said the commission did not see the immunity and liberty of Mr Samba as argued by his counsel in her application and therefore the application failed in its entirety and is therefore rejected.

Counsel Mary Samba at that point after the ruling applied to be availed with the copy of the ruling and record of proceedings but was asked to make her application through the secretariat. She also applied to be given the opportunity to respond to the allegation made by other witnesses against her client.

Meanwhile, the Commission will go for recession till 7 November, 2017 and Mr Samba is expected to continue with his evidence when the Commission resumes proceedings.

The world is full of judgment days, but it remains true that justice is the end of nature! Equity being the sum total of life; civility is the sum total of the sacrifices each society makes to sustain itself and self-perpetuate. Civility, kept at a net deficit, the society will collapse. This phenomenon has been consistent throughout the history of mankind.

Civility is not the absence of debates on divergent views by members of the society. It is not the ‘turning of the chic the other way’ and allow injustices in the society; by extension, condoning injustice. In fact, most atrocities and the destruction of many societies came about – not because there weren’t enough good people, but because good people simply said nothing or did nothing!

To contrast opposing views and to engage in passionate debates are healthy for any dynamic society, and more so for a vibrant democracy. Clash of doctrines and strong convictions should only help sharpen our perceptions, open for us new windows for healthier classifications, and spur society’s ingenuity to new heights and possibilities. Such is the case when we enter debates in quest for truth and for the benefit of the society.

In quest to that noble end, it is important to remember that – the ‘profound’ logic, reason and facts with which you made your own classification isn’t absolute. We should be reluctant to render our brother as an ‘unsafe-able’ bigot, a soulless racist or a ‘permanent’ tribalist, to whom our noble classification might be elusive to – NOW.

It is normal for a descent person to find racism and tribalism, and all other forms of bigotry detestable. But without excusing the bigotry, isn’t it also true that each person’s unique journey, experience and level of awareness shapes their perception that brought them to that ‘low point’ and ignobility we so despise?

We can blame nature or heredity for intellectual deficiency, but it is the duty of the society to enlighten its members to dispel ignorance. Instead of honest attempts at erudition and benefit, we often aim at gaining superficial advantages and self-aggrandizement; the common sin of the ‘intellectual’ class.

Not in orations and protestations are we learning anything new; but in careful listening and honest reflection can we learn something from opponents. The path to erudition can be polished by fierce opposition, and even by persons we might find detestable in our own estimates. Even in the emptiness of profound stupidity and ignobility – there can be invaluable lessons to be deduced.

Each man is unique. Our journeys aren’t same. Our trials are different. Some of us might be raised under privileged circumstances, whilst others only know of pain and privation. They could be lonely amidst vibrant crowds; behind their smile might be lurking deep sadness and resentment for the ills and injustices they suffered in private. Their bitterness and fanaticism might only be an outgrowth of their wounded pride, the humiliation in their private lives, and might be their honest cry for respect and acceptance.

The emotional bile they stored is perhaps rooted in circumstances which few souls can endure. So they drag to the public square their ‘righteous’ indignation, and viciously spew it all out in political posture to force the society to hear their cries, sense their rage, and feel the pain of their privation.

It takes strength to offer a political or an ideological opponent a way to save face; knowing it can always blow back on your face. It is still well worth trying – for their is always a chance for every ‘bigot’ or ‘demagogue’ to drop that brutal mask they carry around and let a humane face emerge.

Though we love to project mechanical strength even from behind keyboards, human nature remains fragile and very vulnerable; therefore, the hope for salvation for all the members of our people shall always remain a constant among the variables.

We must not view our opponents as enemies or permanent nemesis. The politics of bigotry can raise in us a dark passion, weaken our bonds with fellow countrymen, but it should never break our resolve to leave behind a better, more just and a more tolerant world for our children.

Civility must not be an option, but the ultimate choice in our political discourse. Our bonds of affection must never perish. We don’t teach virtue by mean ways. So I agree with the Platonic argument that; it is not the business of a good man to punish the bad man. It is most fitting for the good man to stick to his noble ways. But it is also part of civility and the business of a good man to see justice through.

It is best to show genuine interest in understanding the opponent’s views and even their individual stories if they chance to share. To reserve judgment and assume fallibility of your own strong convictions.

We don’t have to agree with people to acknowledge them and be respectful to their views. Acknowledging a bigoted view is not condoning it; but by lowly listening you’ll have a chance to show a better way. We don’t show character in how we agree but rather in how we disagree.

Now, I have to admit, there are times that I’m betrayed by these clear reasons and equanimity of civility I’m proposing. For example; I’m easily stupefied whenever it’s suggested to forgive murder by subverting justice – in the name of God, religion or in the interest of the nation. On hearing such, the words that flows to my lips are often profane and vindictive. It’s a fleeting thought, but nevertheless a personal low point of my own struggles with civility. I hope to also improve.

Justice is the highest virtue of every descent society, and to impart it – is the noblest act by its members. We should remain unapologetic in submission to this higher law, nor shall we be charitable to support its subversion; but with civility shall we still engage one another in its discourse.

When truth is imparted, it is enough that it is stated with clarity and precision. Truth and reality are self-dependent. Beating of chest and stomping of the ground will add naught to their intrinsic worth.

Arguments, in essence, aren’t to convince oneself and like minds. The aim of an honest argument is to win over hearts and minds for the course of justice; to seek converts to a higher calling; or to seek a common ground with opponents for the betterment of the society. If our highest course is to see justice through – the principles that escorts its delivery must remain stern and uncompromising, yet the methods – most be civil, charitable and gentle.

With civility, love and empathy we will appeal to the better angels of our nature. Never underestimate your input of goodwill no matter how meager. The trajectory of a nation can be tilted in a single act of charity; the faith of the people can be restore by a single staunch man of goodwill; and you, dear reader, with your civility, can touch a life with a single word of love.

One of Gambia’s longest serving politicians, Halifa Sallah, National Assembly Member for Serrekunda and Secretary General of Peoples Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism PDOIS has told journalist at a press conference that his party has not served 30 years in the country’s politics for nothing.

Speaking to journalist at a congested conference hall full of party militants, the veteran politician made highlights of his recent trip to Europe particularly London where he met with MPs at the House of Commons and House of Lords, Labour Party, had meetings with African Caribbeans, Diaspora Gambians, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, technocrats, university lectures and an interview with BBC among others. He added that he also visited Belgium where he visited the House of Commons and Senate.

The press conference was opened with revolutionary songs sang by a women’s group from Wuli.

“We have not served 30 to 40 years of our lives for nothing,” Halifa Sallah told journalists.

He added: “We want to live a life fit for human beings”.

SG Sallah said Gambians with conscience know the need for damage control otherwise they will end up harming their own people by focusing on trivialities rather than the larger picture. He cautioned the people who are putting the image of the country in disrepute to stop making them scapegoats. He referred to them as ‘haters’ who would achieve nothing but the very opposite of what they are looking for.

“We need a new Gambian to be born who will be able to tolerate what does not favor one’s position,” Halifa Sallah said.

“You must be able to distinguish divergent views from malicious views,” he added.

Sallah said the new Gambian must be ready to face the battle of ideas between truth and deception without holding contempt.

“The message to our party members was PDOIS has emerged on one purpose for Gambian people to take charge of their destiny,” he asserted.

He said the role of the party is to liberate the people starting with the liberation of the minds. Party members, he said were told not to be confuse by those who failed to distinguish between liberation and cheap populist popularity. It is their duty to travel the length and breadth of the country to tell people that sovereignty resides in them.

“We told them that the measure of success of PDOIS is not the number of seat we have in the national assembly but it is how many people we have manage to liberate to know that they own the Gambia so that they become indomitable and nobody on the face of the earth will ever make them slaves,” he pointed out.

The NAM for Serrekunda said they were the only party in the first republic that has educated the country about a sovereign constitution, sovereign republic and a sovereign people.

SG Sallah spoke about the rejection of ministerial posts offered to them after the military coup in 1994 as they would never be part of any government that crucify the sovereignty of their country and its people. He spoke about the role they played to push the junta to restore republican constitutional status to go to election in two years. He added that they were taken to jail in the process but nobody came out to the streets in their defense.

“All of them were in their comfort zones but we struggled until the country restores the republican sovereignty and conducted election then all of them decide to take the lead,” he asserted.

The veteran politician said some of their party members contributed in helping these politicians to hijacked the narrative to accused their party of making a bad constitution. He explained that the constitution was suspended when the coup occurred and decrees were put in place. He added that they were not given the narrative but instead of bringing bad constitution as if they were the ones ruling the country.

“When all parties lost hope we decided to work with them to create coalition in 2006, 2011 and 2016 we managed to uproot power that was entrenched, a self perpetuating regime that nobody thought would be uprooted on the 2nd December 2016,” Sallah asserted.

“That is PDOIS’s history,” he added.

The PDOIS Secretary General emphasized that the people are more important than their presidents, national assembly members and councillors because they are the ones who elected them and can unseat them if they want. He talked about the plans of the party to embark on membership, citizenship and law educations. He defined regime change in the context of constitutional, electoral and institutional reforms among others.

SG Sallah argued that system change is not attainable in the transition as the country imports everything it consume for 52 years which he said cannot reverse within 3 years but added that the next stage of the struggle should be system change.

He spoke about the Attorney General coming with a bill to establish constitutional review committee to the National Assembly.

The NAM for Serrekunda spoke about the problems of detention without trial saying no government is fit to govern that fails to protect its citizens whether they are civilians or military personnel.

SG Sallah in response to allegations on the press release from the Office of the President labelling him as someone who finds it easier to criticize than take responsibility, he highlighted some of the things he did during the impasse such as his meeting with the Inspector General of Police and security heads to provide protection to the president elect Barrow and public institutions.

He spoke about talking to the Central Bank Governor and heads of government departments to secure documents and prepare for a new government. He went on to say that he helped prevent the tampering of important documents and looting that normally happened when there is power vacuum as Jammeh left the country while the president elect was in Senegal at the time.

The Press conference ended with Sallah singing revolutionary songs with party militants.

By Alieu Ceesay

The President of The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) Lamin Kaba Bajo has called on football stakeholders to remain united for the development of Gambian football. Bajo was speaking on Friday during a press conference convened to react to allegations made a month ago by a group of individuals who called themselves concerned stakeholders.

Speaking openly on the allegations for the first, the former Sports Minister began by refuting and dismissing, in the strongest possible terms, the allegations made against the Federation by Lamin King Colley and those he called “some so-called stakeholders” in a tersely arranged press conference on September 17, 2017.

The allegations made by the ‘concerned stakeholders’, most of whom, he said, are non-members of the GFF, are not only lies perpetuated by power hungry disgruntled individuals, but a part of their continuous smear campaign against the leadership of Lamin Kabba Bajo since he assumed office three years ago.

“Mr. Bajo took over the leadership of Gambian football at a time when the country was banned from all categories of football competitions as a result of the deliberate decision by previous administration to use ineligible players in a CAF U20 competition. His first action was to prevail upon on both the continental and global bodies to lift the ban, which was duly lifted.

This happened at a time when the fortunes of Gambian football was going down as a result of administrative malpractices and the President set himself on a pedestal to build the structures from the grassroots for sustainable development,” the GFF ExCo said in a statement read by the President Bajo.

Bajo, who was elected in 2014 said, despite the efforts of the current Executive to open up and bring everybody onboard, there has been smear campaign against the executive by a small group of individuals who consider themselves as God sent to manage football in the country.

“This is evident by the incessant negative postings and comments on the social media, print and electronic media. This campaign of theirs has further escalated into unsubstantiated allegations of corruption and mismanagement, and incompetence from the same few individuals who are fighting for a common group interest, which is to bring the former executive into office.”

A seeming unhappy Bajo added, “It is not entirely a disappointment when one of them, Lamin King Colley, a former executive member of the then GFA unveiled his true colors in responding to a question from a reporter who accused him of a personal vendetta, driven by his greed, due the Federation’s decision not to endorse his candidature as a GNOC Presidential aspirant.

For Colley to unequivocally state that his mantra is; You Do Me, I Do You, which has been trending on Facebook ever since with the #YouDoMeIDoYou, is a confirmation of our long-time held believe that these people are fighting individual and group interests rather than national interest.

The current Executive Committee, he told reporters inherited the FIFA approved Goal Project No.4 of US500, 000.00 from the Kebbeh administration for the rehabilitation of the dilapidated facility. Shortly after assuming office the FIFA Development Officer visited the Gambia to discuss with all matters relating to the GFF’s relation with FIFA and the management of the approved FIFA Project.

“After the visit of the FIFA Development Officer, the Executive deemed it fit to replace the identified Consultant who was then an employee of Gamworks with Francis Jones Associates a well know Consultancy Firm in the Gambia. The GFF sought and received approval for the above from FIFA accordingly.”

The most responsive contractor Shrecji Development Enterprise was recommended by the consultant who was approved by FIFA. FIFA, he added, later signed a Formal Contract with Both Francis Jones Associates and Shrecji Development Enterprise.

“All payments to both firms are made directly to them by FIFA as per the contract. FIFA deals directly with the Consultant on the physical implementation of the project and the GFF’s role were only to see that works progress as planned and attend to site meetings.

FIFA Development Officer for West Africa, Mr. Sampon Kaplan formally Handed-Over the reconstructed NTTC to the GFF at a formal Ceremony in November 2015.”

On the GFF Football Hotel and NTTC project, Bajo clarified that it was conceptualized when the current executive engaged FIFA on ways to make it operational after the successful completion of its reconstruction and refurbishment.

The facility had a major face lift and lacks the required furniture, fittings and equipment as all the former were unusable most of them dated 2004. FIFA informed GFF that there exist a funding opportunity under the Win but only for Income Generating Projects.

GFF conceptualized the Football Hotel project based on the following: The Football Hotel will save money by accommodating national and other teams at a lower rate compared to local hotels; the Football Hotel can target other customer segments to fill up the rooms in periods when no teams are residing therein, and to generate income which can be used to finance the facility and eventually be re-invested into the development of football; and the NTTC shall be the home of the GFF technical Department and Centre of Excellence for Grassroots Football Development.

The GFF boss strongly rubbished the stakeholders allegations that the elections were not free and fair.

“Regarding KMRFA, the GFF received a petition from a group of stakeholders faulting the notice period given for the congress. The notice period given was barely 48 hours contrary to their constitution which dictated a notice period of one month.

Based on this argument, the GFF directed that the congress must be held in accordance with the constitution of the RFA, failure of which the outcome of the proposed congress will not be recognized by the GFF. The executive of the region ignored this directive and proceeded with the congress in the absence of some key stakeholders. It is in this regard, that the GFF has not recognized the current executive elected in the said congress.”

He also spoke on the Soma Mini Stadium Development Project. “It was during the tenure of the current GFF Executive that the FIFA Soma Mini Stadium (in Lower River Region) Artificial Turf Project was implemented. The GFF Executive sought and secured CAF Financial Package of $125,000.00 for the further development of the Soma Mini Stadium.

The First Phase of the project includes putting up of the Perimeter Fence of the Artificial Turf, completion of the main fence of the Mini Stadium, extension of pipe borne water supply service to the turf, and the erection of the First Phase of a 15,000 capacity Pavilion.”

Expansion of the National Leagues He revealed that with effect from the 2017/18 season, all the regional champions will compete for the 3rd division for qualification to the 2nd division.

By 2020, the leagues will have a national character, with clubs from the entire country competing in all the divisions.​

National Team Coaches The National Teams coaches’ (U23, U20, U17 and Goalkeeper Trainer) appointments, Bajo went on were sanctioned by the National Sports Council under the Chairmanship of Mr. Lamin King Colley in which they promised the GFF that the NSC will provide D100, 000 monthly towards the salaries of the local coaches and the GFF to administer them and be responsible for their entitlement benefits and taxes.

“Since their appointment in April 2016, the National Sports Council under the Chairmanship of Lamin King Colley hasn’t provided a single butut as per the agreement. Thus the GFF has since been footing the bills for the salaries and other benefits of the said coaches.”

The Senior National Team Head Coach, he added, like the above is appointed by the National Sports Council (NSC) and he signed his Employment Contract with the Executive Director of the NSC under the Chairmanship of Mr. Colley.

“His salary up to July this year was paid by the MGI on behalf the NSC. Since the termination of the International Gateway Contract by the government of the Gambia, neither MGI nor the NSC has paid the salary of the coach. A letter to the NSC on this issue is yet to yield any reaction from them.”

He finally assured all stakeholders and partners that they will stay on course to enable them meet their set targets of football development in the country, and that no amount of noise, smear campaign, threat, blackmail and sabotage will distract them.

“At the end of the day, the ultimate decision rest in the hands of the bonafide stakeholders.”

by Alieu Ceesay

The Sierra Leonean National U17 Female Football Team is not traveling to Banjul for the return leg in the first round of the U17 World Cup Qualifiers. This, according to information gathered, is due to lack of funds.

The team was supposed to be in Banjul last Wednesday for the Saturday’s much talked about encounter with their Gambian counterparts.

The Gambian team has been camped since their return from the first leg in Freetown where they defeated the host 3-0.

This, means The Gambia will now proceed to the next round of the qualifiers and will face Ghana in December.

The Sierra Leone Football Association headed by Isha Johansen has been embroiled in a political saga as it was reported on Tuesday, that the President of the SLFA Isha Johansen, as well as the Secretary General Christopher Kamara, have been sacked with immediate effect by the executive committee of the SLFA, as both have been indicted by the Sierra Leone Anti Corruption Commission on grounds of corruption.

The nine former national intelligence officers who are standing murder trial including Yankuba Badjie, former Director General, Louis Gomez, former Deputy Director General, Sheikh Omar Jeng alias Sir Jeng, former Operation Director, Babucarr Sallah, Yusupha Jammeh, Tamba Massireh, Haruna Suso, Lamin Darboe and Lamin Lang Sanyang were slammed with 19 additional charges added to the 6 previous ones.

The charges include murder, conspiracy to commit grievous harm, accessory after the fact to murder, forging, making documents without authority, fabricating evidences with intent to mislead a tribunal in judicial proceedings, disobedience to statuary duty, abducting in order to torture and murder and abducting in order to subject persons to grievous harm among others. They took plea before Justice Kumba Sillah Camara of the Banjul High Court. All the accused pleaded not guilty.

Antouman Gaye, Prosecutor General described the ninth accused person Lamin Lang Sanyang as a terrorist telling the court to revoke his bail, saying the amended charge incriminates him with 5 counts which is different from the previous charges where he was charged with lesser counts. He urged the need to review his bail as the amendments has taken away his bail.

“There is no bail any longer,” Prosecutor General Gaye said.

The trial judge urged him to make a formal application before adjourning the case to November 2, 2017. Previously, Justice Sillah Camara made a ruling on section 175 of the Criminal Procedure Code cited by the defense saying it does not waive the provision of the public prosecutor to act on behalf of the Attorney General Chambers as the section cannot be read in isolation. She dismissed the objection of the defense on private prosecutors acting on behalf of the Attorney General Chambers. She urged the accused persons to take plea on the next adjourned date.

Ibrahim Jallow, defense counsel of the 3rd accused (Jeng) made objection prior to the ruling of the judge about the signing of the charge sheet by private prosecutor. He referred to section 175 (d) of the Criminal Procedure Code that requires the Attorney General or any professional staff under the office designated to sign on behalf of the AG Chambers.

He submitted that the Prosecutor General, Antouman Gaye does not have the constitutional mandate to sign off on any information on behalf of the AG Chambers.

“There is no law that says a private prosecutor can sign on behalf of the Attorney General,” Lawyer Ibrahim Jallow submitted.

Jallow submitted that the charges were not properly brought before the court and that the accused ought not to take a plea. He urged the court to strike out the entire charges. Lawyers Mene, P. Gomez and Uzoma aligned themselves to his submissions.

Antouman Gaye, Prosecutor General submitted that section 175 cannot be read in isolation. He referred to section 175 (d) saying they were authorized by the Attorney General.

“We are not private prosecutors but appointed as public prosecutors,” Antouman Gaye said.

Gaye referred the court to section 66 of CPC on their appointments while arguing that the objection of the defense is frivolous without merit and urged the court to dismiss it.

Meanwhile, the court made a ruling in favor of the prosecution but told them to provide all copies of the amended documents and exhibits including witness statements to the defense. The case was adjourned for continuation of plea taking.