Askan Bii

18/07/2024

Was the Government Right in Appointing Ministers without doing its Due Diligence?

Due diligence is a process or effort to collect and analyze information before making a decision so a party is not held legally liable for any loss or damages. What more do we need to hear from the government for such blatant violation?
As per the constitution on section 71 (2) which provides that “A person shall not be qualified to be appointed or hold the office of a Minister if, he or she is a member of the National Assembly or if he or she holds the citizenship or nationality of any country other than The Gambia”.
As per this section, we released that the executive appoints Ministers without respecting the constitution as stated above. The same constitution goes further under Section 72 (1) to provide that the Vice-President and Ministers shall be responsible for such Ministries or other business of the Government as the President may assign to them. In making such assignments, the President shall have regard to the desirability of ensuring that such responsibilities are entrusted to competent persons with relevant qualification or experience.
Furthermore, under Section 72(2) it provides that “The Attorney-General shall be the Priniciple legal adviser to the Government and shall have the right of audience in all courts in The Gambia.
Finding ourselves in such a situation of appointing Ministers without regard to the constitution by the executive clearly shows that this government is not serious at all.
The Minister of Justice should be the one advising the state on legalities of appointments with through research on the persons to be appointed.

And now the question is does the state or the Minister of Justice know their functions?

18/07/2024

With the amount of rain falling from yesterday until now. People have been faced with many challenges such as lack of proper drainages, transportation and the frequent power outages and the list goes on.

What is the government doing to address these challenges? The people are tired of facing such issues every year with the government given us empty promises. We need action.

What challenges are you facing at your end?

10/07/2024

A Glitch has been reported by several cash power users leading to a multiple entry of tokens before finally seeing your token in the meter.

There has been no power supply in some parts of Brikama for the past 5-6 days residents complained.

When will these power outages end?

01/07/2024

Good morning Gambia.

Dear fellow Gambians,

I am deeply dismayed by the recent developments surrounding the proposed bills in the National Assembly aimed at increasing the remuneration for judicial officers and members of the National Assembly. The profound shock and discontentment I feel have led me to stand in solidarity with those angered by it and protest against this concerning decision.

I am a huge proponent and firm believer that ALL public officers should receive fair compensation to lead dignified lives, free from the burdens of poverty, allowing them to focus on their responsibilities without the worry of meeting their families' basic needs. Furthermore, I advocate for equitable pay for the work done and a transparent system of remuneration, as these principles are vital in combating corruption and motivating public servants.

Unfortunately, the current discussions on salary increments reveal a significant abuse of power and misplaced priorities favoring the privileged few at the expense of those in lower levels of our society. How can we justify a situation where the Speaker of the National Assembly receives D245,000 per month, while a police officer earns only D3000-3500? Such disparities are not only devoid of compassion but are also unjustifiable, underscoring the skewed priorities of the present government.

Amidst the challenges faced by ordinary Gambians due to the high cost of living, it is disheartening to see a focus on benefiting the wealthy minority rather than addressing the pressing needs of the majority. This system of "YEKALANTE" further perpetuates severe inequality, marginalizes the most vulnerable in our society and erodes confidence. It is therefore imperative for the government to remember that they are servants of the people, not themselves, and to prioritize the welfare of all citizens.

I express my solidarity with the underpaid workers of The Gambia in rejecting the exploitation of the nation's limited resources. Furthermore, such unjust practices tarnish the government's reputation and erode public trust. I urge for a return to pragmatism, sound reasoning, empathy, and compassion in governance. Greed, selfishness and utter lack of compassion for the downtrodden MUST STOP.

In closing , to those who cannot pay rent- I feel your pain; to those who cannot pay school fees for your children, I feel your pain; to those who cannot give food/fish money to your families, I feel your pain; to those who cannot buy needed medicine, I feel your pain; and to those experiencing other hardships, I feel your pain. And to all of you, I offer my unwavering support and assurance that real SYSTEM change for a better Gambia is on the horizon.

By Essa Fall

26/06/2024

GAC in the African Championship Without Permission: The Battle for Victory
Many Gambian athletes are discouraged by the fact that they were not given any financial support when they travel to Cameroon to compete in the African senior championship.
Honorable Ministry of Youth & Sports, it has come to light that the GAA's request was made without a budget, which resulted in a postponement of the athletes' departure for the competition.

The athletes' well-being and capacity to compete at their peak are called into question by the lack of financial support they receive. If these athletes aren't getting the resources and assistance they need, how can we expect them to perform well and represent their country?
The funds are approved as we write, but they haven't been transferred to the GAA account yet.

13/06/2024

Ensa Badjie, popularly known as Jesus, was a former Inspector General of Police (IGP). He passed away after a protracted sickness that was allegedly brought on by harsh torture administered by NIA agents and the government of former President Yahya Jammeh. He had been receiving treatment at a hospital.

01/06/2024

Big shout out to my newest top fans! Lamin Trawally, Pa Foday Senghore

08/05/2024

The drivers who were employed for the OIC Summit in The Gambia assembled in front of the OIC Secretariat in Bijilo, demanding payment for their labour as they had not yet received it.

04/05/2024

The Gambia is hosting the OIC Banjul Summit today, May 4, 2024, under the theme "Enhancing Unity and Solidarity Through Dialogue For Sustainable Development," which makes it a historic occasion.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is hosting its 15th Islamic Summit, which is the world's second-largest intergovernmental conference. This accomplishment demonstrates The Gambia's dedication and reflects a great sense of pride in the country. We encourage all Gambians, both domestically and internationally, to commemorate this historic occasion as The Gambia takes over as OIC chairperson for the ensuing three years.

03/05/2024

Media Release
President Barrow Confers GCRG and CRG to Two Distinguished Personalities
State House, Banjul, 3 May 2024: H.E. President Barrow presided over a conferment ceremony to honour two distinguished personalities. The Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank, Dr Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, was bestowed an Insignia of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic of The Gambia. At the same time, an insignia of the Commander of the Order of the Republic of The Gambia was conferred on the outgoing World Bank Team Leader for The Gambia, Dr Samuel Lantei Mills.
The honorary conferment recognises their profound achievements in their respective fields and enormous contributions to society, especially in the education and health sectors.
President Barrow recognises and celebrates the duo for serving in their distinguished roles and supporting The Gambia by investing in the welfare and well-being of the citizens.
“This is a manifestation of President Barrow’s commitment to the health and education sector.” Minister for Health, Hon. Dr Samateh, said.
Dr Al-Jasser has exemplarily contributed towards the socio-economic development of The Gambia. Under his leadership, the Islamic Development Bank has initiated tremendous interventions in The Gambia, such as, the development of the University of The Gambia, widening of Bertil Harding highway. He also contributed in enhancing value addition in groundnut sector, small ruminate production enhancement project, regional by-value rice chain development project, Gambia regional trade marking project, strengthening rural community adaptation, increase of rice production project, solar energy project, bi-lingual support education project, 20 megawatts Brikama power project, etc.
Dr. Al Jassar expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Barrow for recognising his efforts, stressing that he is committed to fulfilling his duties with passion and dedication. He thanked the President for pushing IsDB to implement projects and ensure that they rendered services to the people of The Gambia.
On the other hand, Dr Mills has also made notable achievements under his leadership as the World Bank Team Leader for The Gambia. This includes establishing a state-of-the-art environmentally friendly waste management system, setting up the national food and drug quality control laboratory, construction and equipment of the Farato emergency treatment centre, intensive care unit, and emergency observation treatment, among others. In addition, the national diagnostic emerging centre project will be completed by 2024, contributing to the preparedness and response to future pandemics.
In his remarks during the proceedings, Dr Mills thanked The Gambian leader for the honour he had bestowed on him. He further reflected on the views and achievements of the World Bank and said, “The best days are yet to come.”
Delivering his remarks, Dr Samateh thanked the President for recognising the duo’s efforts, which shows the President’s commitment to the socio-economic development of The Gambia. He added that Dr Mills endeavoured to ensure the projects were implemented and carried out promptly, which demonstrated professionalism in his conduct.
Cabinet Ministers and Senior Government officials attended the ceremony.
……………………………End……………………………..

01/05/2024

Today, famous Senegalese wrestler and promoter Gaston Mbengue confirmed death.

May his soul rest in peace.

29/04/2024

KMC has just sign its biggest municipal project to date, which will be fully funded by local council levies. A D300 million groundbreaking agreement has been signed with Longjian Road & Bridge Co., Ltd. today. As part of this project, 5.9 kilometers of drainage systems and 15.4 kilometers of paved roads will be built throughout the Kanifing Municipality.
Beginning in May, the project will involve building two bridges, developing eleven important roads, and completely renovating Bakau Town's drainage system over a three-year period.

21/04/2024

We have received information that four individuals in Nuimi, namely LA Sing A Teh, Omar Champion Cham, and Marr Nyang, youth leaders of the campaign, have been arrested and brought to the police headquarters in Banjul to be questioned. This is a regrettable and flagrant infringement of their rights. They have not broken any laws to warrant an arrest. It is utterly wrong and ludicrous what the police have done. Their sole transgression is advocating for the underprivileged and defenseless citizens of Nuimi and, indirectly, the Gambia!

19/04/2024

Kanilai Ferry Lands at Banjul Ferry Terminal
The general public is hereby informed that the Kanilai Ferry that drifted last Friday has just landed back at the Banjul ferry terminal after a successful operation this evening at around 9.30 pm.
All those with vehicles are being informed to come and collect their vehicles tomorrow morning.
Our apologies once again for the unfortunate incident.
The general public is once again being informed that the Kanilai ferry will be completely rehabilitated and be brought back to service once the Kunta Kinteh ferry resumes operations.

Source: Gambia Ferry Services

19/04/2024

Rapping artist Pa Salieu Gaye, a Gambian living in the UK, was just let out of prison. After facing legal issues, well-known musician Pa Salieu has returned to pursue a career in music.
In 2022, The Guardian and other media sources revealed that Pa Salieu, who had taken part in a large-scale brawl in 2018, had been sentenced to 33 months in prison for violent disturbance and for having a bottle as an offensive weapon.

16/04/2024

My YouTube channel has just crossed 1k subs! https://goo.gl/VptRDI

We want to say thank you!!!

Please Subscribe to our Channel with the link in the comment section!

16/04/2024

In Banjul, H.E. President Barrow welcomed Ms. Kate Foster, the African Director of the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The two talked on bilateral ties as well as other topics of shared interest in a range of development-related fields between FCDO and The Gambia.
They talked about a number of topics, including higher education, trade, capacity building in education, the TRRC, constitutional reform, government's security sector reform plan, and climate change.
The determination to further strengthen the long-standing amicable relations between The Gambia and FCDO member states was conveyed by President Barrow and Ms. Foster.

Source: State House of The Gambia

09/04/2024

Happy Eid Al-Fitr to all our Muslims followers

08/04/2024

President Barrow Declares Eid Public Holiday
State House, Banjul, 8 April 2024: The Office of the President informs the public that His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, is pleased to declare Wednesday, 10th, and Thursday, 11th April 2024, as public holidays throughout The Gambia in observance of the Muslim feast of Eid-ul-Fitr locally called ‘Koriteh’.
President Barrow wishes all Gambians, home and abroad, a happy and blessed Eid on behalf of the government and the First Family.

02/04/2024

Senegal newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye Taken Oath As 5th President Of Senegal!!!

Time to deliver the promised he made!

Good luck Mr President

01/04/2024

In a statement released on April 1st, 2024, Alhagie S. Darboe, the senior administrative secretary of the UDP, strongly advised all members, especially executive members, to refrain from discussing the flagbearer issue on any platform.

He urged group admins to delete any related audios and emphasized that the party's focus should be on winning the 2026 polls, with the flagbearer position open for all members to apply in line with the Party’s constitution.

31/03/2024

The Gambia's government expressed worry over the event and informed the public that it is now looking into the circumstances surrounding the killing of Lamin Touray, a 46-year-old Gambian brother, who was shot in Germany on Sunday night.
"The government wishes to inform the general public that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad that is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and will provide full details in due course."
Many people have been disturbed by the tragedy, including Rohey Malick Lowe, the mayor of Banjul City Council, who expressed her sympathies to the deceased's family and urged the government to look into the situation and take the necessary steps.

May he soul rest in peace .

31/03/2024

His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, will attend the inauguration ceremony of President-Elect His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Faye of the Republic of Senegal on Tuesday, 2nd April 2024.
President Barrow and his delegation will depart Banjul
International Airport for Dakar on Monday, 1st April 2024, at 4 P.M.

State House of The Gambia

29/03/2024

Do you think OIC Gambia is right ✅️ to terminate Mankajang Daily contract?

24/03/2024

An unofficial count indicates that 56.13% of the votes are cast for Bassirou Diomaye Faye. 31.4% of respondents after Amadou Bâ
An Alphone Based on data from polling stations, Rfm statistical consultant Diombo Thiakane recently revealed the initial patterns.

What lessons from our neighbours can we Gambians take away from this momentous election?

22/03/2024

Do you agree with Ebeske?

21/03/2024

Four recently appointed Cabinet Ministers, two redeployed Ministers, and two Public Service Commission members took the oath of office in a historic swearing-in ceremony held today at the State House.

Hon. Dr. Ismaila Ceesay - Minister of Information
Hon. Abdoulie Sanyang – Minister of Interior
Hon. Hamat NK Bah - Minister for Lands and Regional Government
Hon. Abdoulie Jobe - Minister of Tourism & Culture
Hon. Nani Juwara - Minister of Petroleum & Energy
Hon. Haddy Jatou Sey - Minister of Basic & Secondary Education

📷Office of the Vice President - The Gambia

11/03/2024

Hon. Ebrima Sillah Minister of Works and Transport have this to say about Operation Clear the road.

What do u think about his answers?

05/03/2024

The Latri K***a Sabiji Market was struck by a truck driver who struck a passenger car and did not stop. Fortunately, the individuals pursuing him appeared to have intercepted the driver who attempted to flee the area by taking the Feeder road near St. Charles Church. Before being hauled to the Latri K***a Sabiji Piccadilly police post, the driver suffered severe beatings. A traffic reorganization from Tabokoto towards Westfield was the result of this occurrence. There had been no reports of casualties at the time article was published.

04/03/2024

The loyal Karafa Sonko has returned to his position as UDP campaign manager following his controversial from the position earlier this year. In a Manjai election this evening, Mr. Sonko, a personal friend of KM Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, was elected as the UDP's new campaign manager.