By: Dawda Baldeh

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) has officially released the 2023 West Africa Senior Secondary School Certificate (WASSCE) Grade 12 results, revealing that an addition of 316 candidates who sat for the exam have met the university entry requirements compared to last year.

The Ministry issued this announcement through a press release obtained by our medium on September 18, 2023.

These results signify a significant milestone in the academic journey of the students, as highlighted by the ministry.

According to the press release, a total of 17,201 candidates registered for the 2023 WASSCE, with 16,405 candidates taking at least one subject. Among these, there were 60% female candidates and 40% male candidates.

The MoBSE stated, “This year’s results have demonstrated an improvement in the number of candidates achieving 5 credits or more, which meet the university entry requirements, with a slight increase of 316 candidates compared to last year’s results.”

“Across the nation, girls continue to excel academically, representing 60% of the total 16,405 candidates who sat for the exam. Among the candidates who achieved 5 credits or more, 53% are girls. This achievement underscores another significant advancement in the education of the girl child.”

The MoBSE also reported an increase of 110 students with credit in mathematics compared to the 2022 results. They commented, “This upward trajectory highlights the dedication and potential of our students in this crucial subject, although there is still room for improvement.”

However, the MoBSE raised concerns about the weak performance of candidates in the English language. “This trend has persisted over the past three years, both in terms of credit and pass rates. The MoBSE is committed to addressing this issue by enhancing the proficiency of our students in the English language,” the press release concluded.

By: Zackline Colley

The Secretary General of the Gambia Action Party (GAP), Musa Yalli Batchilly, has called for a safer Gambia characterized by unity and justice.

In a statement shared with the Fatu network, the politician expressed his condolences for the tragic loss of two police officers who lost their lives after being shot on the Sukuta Jabang highway. He also shared his views on what he referred to as the promotion of hatred and violence towards officers in uniform.

“In these heart-wrenching times, as we mourn the tragic loss of three brave police officers and pray for their souls to find eternal peace, we find ourselves confronted with an unsettling reality. There are voices among us, individuals who praise the shooter and propagate messages of hatred and violence towards our own police force. This cannot be the path we choose for our beloved Gambia,” he noted.

Musa Batchilly called upon the Gambian government to take action in apprehending any individuals who had a hand in the shooting of the young police officers, which resulted in their deaths.

“We must send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in our society. These individuals must be held accountable for their words and actions,” he added.

Batchilly pointed out that individuals who speak savagely about the Gambia police force and other security personnel are likely to cause harm if their actions are disregarded.

“We must recognize the grave danger these individuals pose to our nation. Those who can speak so callously about our police force, our protectors, have the potential to harm us all if given the opportunity. We cannot ignore this threat, and we must act swiftly to neutralize it. It is my firm belief that as a nation, we can rise above this divisiveness. We can unite in our grief for the fallen officers and in our determination to ensure justice prevails. Our police force deserves our utmost respect and support. They put their lives on the line daily to safeguard us, and their sacrifices must not be in vain.”

The renowned politician called on the Gambian people to remember that the strength of the nation lies in its unity and commitment to justice. He believes that together, the people can create a safer Gambia for all its citizens, urging everyone to stand together as a united front against hatred, violence, and divisions.

“In the face of adversity, we can emerge stronger. This is the Gambia we envision, and this is the Gambia we must build together,” The GAP leader concluded.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Office of the Inspector General of Police has officially announced the funeral arrangements for the two paramilitary officers tragically killed on Tuesday, September 12th, at the Sukuta Traffic Light Junction Highway. The solemn ceremonies will take place on Friday, September 15th, and Saturday, September 16th, in their respective hometowns.

“Today, after the Friday prayers, PC Pateh Jallow will be laid to rest in his hometown of Foni Kampasa, while PC Sang J Gomez’s burial is scheduled for Saturday, September 16 at 14:00 at his home village of Kitty 1,” the police said in a statement.

In this difficult time, the police extended their deepest condolences to the grieving families of the fallen officers and offered their prayers, hoping that Allah would grant them a place in Jannatul Firdaws.

Modou Musa Sisawo, the acting Public Relations Officer of the Police, reaffirmed the Gambia Police Force’s unwavering commitment to conducting a thorough investigation into this tragic incident.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Ebrima G. Sankareh, the spokesperson of the Gambian government, has revealed that the suspected gunman responsible for the tragic killing of two paramilitary officers, leaving one female officer seriously injured, and his co-conspirators had meticulously surveyed multiple paramilitary posts with the sinister intention of causing harm to numerous officers.

Sankareh disclosed these startling revelations during an interview with Peter Gomez on the widely followed ‘Coffee Time’ morning show at West Coast Radio.

The spokesperson disclosed that the alleged assailant had been present and actively participated in a recent demonstration during the last court hearing in Banjul. He also mentioned that multiple suspects were identified and subsequently arrested the night before his interview. While not divulging specific details, Sankareh likened the information to an overwhelming deluge, evoking the American term “TMI” (Too Much Information).

“Last night, several suspects were identified and arrests were made. I’m not going into details of what I have but the information is overwhelming as what the Americans say TMI (Too Much Information). I can tell that had the alleged gunman succeed, he and his co-conspirators there would have been chaos and confusion in this country. For a good one week, they were surveilling paramilitary posts and they wanted to kill a dozen paramilitary officers, that was the motivation,” Sankareh said.

He emphasized that had the suspected gunman and his co-conspirators succeeded in their plan, the country would have plunged into chaos and confusion. Over the course of a week leading up to the incident, they had meticulously surveilled paramilitary posts, harboring the sinister motive of eliminating a dozen paramilitary officers.

This incident has understandably deeply concerned the security forces, leaving the general public anxiously awaiting an explanation for the motive behind this tragic event.

The government’s spokesperson underscored that the police are steadily uncovering evidence pertinent to the case. He urged individuals who had knowledge of the perpetrator’s confidants and any information they might have to promptly report to the nearest police station.

Moreover, Sankareh disclosed that the suspect was met by co-conspirators at a local mosque in the vicinity immediately after the shooting incident. These individuals provided the assailant with a getaway vehicle, which was used to transport him to a remote forested area in Casamance for safety. Sankareh praised the cooperation of Mr. Bojang in the investigation process.

He affirmed that the preliminary information gathered by the police is highly compelling, reflecting their satisfaction with the progress made. In response to reports of alleged celebrations on social media, Sankareh firmly stated that anyone rejoicing in this crime should consider seeking psychological evaluation, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

While the nation mourns the untimely loss of these valiant officers, Sankareh called on every Gambian to perceive the officers as family, acknowledging their ultimate sacrifice for the country. He reiterated the government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law.

President Adama Barrow, under the banner of a democratic dispensation, has reassured that all accused individuals, regardless of the heinous nature of their alleged crimes, will be afforded their rights to legal representation and due process, as is mandated by democracy.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA) and its partners are currently in the midst of a three-day final validation process for the inaugural Homemade Procurement Act of 2023. This event is taking place at a local hotel in Senegambia.

Addressing the audience during the official opening of the validation session, Foday M. Jaiteh, Director General of the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA), emphasized the significance of having a domestically crafted Procurement Act.

The Public Procurement Regulation is intended to facilitate the implementation and integration of the Gambia Public Procurement Act of 2022. This forum is poised to complete the legal framework for the country’s procurement system, enhancing transparency in the process.

Highlighting the critical nature of the Act, Mr. Jaiteh drew the attention of the business community, the public, and procurement authorities to several key sections of the Act that aim to empower and safeguard the rights of all stakeholders within the procurement system.

“Section 24 of the Act addresses issues related to corruption, fraud, and conflicts of interest. Section 23 pertains to the conduct of staff within procuring organizations, including the procurement authority. Section 25 focuses on the conduct of economic operators. Additionally, sections 70, 79, and 80 discuss appeal procedures, the confidential review board, and challenge proceedings, respectively,” he explained.

DG Jaiteh emphasized the need for these sections to be comprehended by the public and the business community.

Habib Jeng, Chairman of the GPPA Board of Governors, reiterated that the GPPA and its parent ministry aim to provide a responsive legal framework for conducting public procurement in the country. This framework ensures the procurement of the right goods/products at the right time and the right cost. He noted that the review and validation of the Act come at an opportune moment, as they will enhance productivity.

Mr. Jeng, who previously served as Director General of GPPA in 2003, urged attendees to critically examine the Act to adequately address individual and collective needs.

Juldeh Ceesay, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, expressed gratitude to the GPPA for introducing regulations that incorporate good practices and tools into the public sector procurement system. She emphasized that a robust public procurement system is central to the effective functioning of a public financial management system.

Public procurement involves the use of public funds by the government, through its ministries and departments, on behalf of its citizens. This is done for the acquisition of goods, services, and works of the highest quality, at the best possible price, utilizing sources such as contractors, suppliers, service providers, or consultants.