Gambian Methodist Church UK Honours High Commissioner Dr Fatou Bensouda for Advancing Interfaith Dialogue

Milton Keynes, UK – July 12, 2025 — The United Kingdom branch of the Gambia Methodist Church has honoured Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the UK, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

The honour was conferred during the Church’s first anniversary convention held in Milton Keynes. The award was presented by the Most Reverend Bannie Ebenezer Manka, Bishop of the Methodist Church of The Gambia. In Dr Bensouda’s absence, the award was accepted on her behalf by Mr Joseph Goswell of the Anglican Church. The uniquely crafted plaque—made from wood and sand—symbolises resilience and unity among faith communities. Bishop Manka praised Dr Bensouda’s unwavering commitment to peacebuilding, inclusion, and fostering trust among diverse religious groups in the UK. He highlighted her role as a unifying figure in an increasingly multicultural society. Mr Goswell later personally delivered the award to Dr Bensouda at the Gambian High Commission in London. During the visit, he shared warm memories of their collaboration at The Gambia’s Ministry of Justice in the late 1980s, recalling significant legal milestones and shared accomplishments.

Expressing her gratitude, Dr Bensouda thanked Bishop Manka and the entire Gambian Methodist Church UK congregation for the honour and their nomination of her for an upcoming international interfaith award ceremony in Ghana, scheduled for August 12, 2025. Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Suntou Touray, who officially received the award on behalf of the High Commissioner, acknowledged Mr Goswell’s longstanding friendship and conveyed Dr Bensouda’s deep appreciation. He reaffirmed her enduring dedication to advancing unity and interfaith harmony.

REBUTTAL TO MALICIOUS AND FABRICATED REPORTS ON AMBASSADOR EBRIMA CEESAY

It is deeply unfortunate that certain online platforms continue to peddle misinformation under the guise of journalism, disregarding the basic tenets of truth, ethics, and accountability. The recent publication alleging that His Excellency Ambassador Ebrima Ceesay has been "recalled" from his post in Russia and is "lined up for another job" is not only factually baseless but also irresponsibly misleading. Contrary to these false claims, Ambassador Ceesay is currently in The Gambia on his annual leave, spending time with his family. He has not been recalled, nor is he being considered for any new appointment at this time. The suggestion that he is facing disciplinary action or career transition is a complete fabrication. Speaking to JarraNews, Ambassador Ceesay stated, “These people are confused and illusionists who write things from their imagination and wishes. They are opposition mediums who don’t have anything good to offer. I am here in The Gambia with my family on annual leave, and I would say ‘Ameen Ameen’ so Allah can bless me with the fortune to build storey buildings.” It is disgraceful that instead of seeking the truth, the platform in question chose to recycle unfounded gossip and mix it with political speculation, personal attacks, and class-based resentment. The insinuation that Ambassador Ceesay’s ability to build a house is somehow suspicious reflects not journalistic investigation but a smear campaign driven by bitterness and conjecture.

Furthermore, Ambassador Ceesay has not shied away from public accountability. Should the National Assembly Select Committee invite him for any reason, he has publicly affirmed his readiness to cooperate fully and provide any necessary clarification or documentation. This reckless reporting is emblematic of a larger issue: a section of the media weaponizing free speech to fabricate scandals, mislead the public, and malign public servants without evidence or integrity. This behavior undermines democracy, distorts facts, and disrespects the intelligence of Gambians. The public deserves facts—not fiction. And Ambassador Ceesay, a seasoned diplomat and former Secretary to the Cabinet, deserves the respect earned from years of diligent service to this nation. We urge all responsible media houses, journalists, and citizens to uphold the values of truth, accountability, and professionalism. Anything less is an insult to the noble profession of journalism.

GFF President Receives Gambian Students from Islamic University of Medina

By JarranewsTV Staff Writer

KANIFING – The President of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF), Mr. Lamin Kaba Bajo, on Monday welcomed a delegation of Gambian students from the Islamic University of Medina, Saudi Arabia, at Football House in Kanifing. The visiting students included members of a football team that represented The Gambia at the annual Islamic University of Medina Football World Cup, a prestigious knockout-style tournament featuring student teams from 64 nations. The Gambian side has emerged as champions in the last two editions of the competition.

Led by their coach, Muhammed Lamin Njie, and team president Muhammed Tabally, the delegation presented the championship trophy to Mr. Bajo in appreciation of the Federation's role in the development of football in The Gambia. Speaking during the visit, Tabally expressed gratitude to President Bajo for granting them an audience and lauded the GFF’s continued efforts in nurturing the sport across all levels. “We are proud of what the Federation has achieved and grateful for the support shown to us,” he said.

Coach Njie echoed similar sentiments, describing the tournament as a key outlet for Gambian students in Saudi Arabia to remain connected to home through sport. He appealed for support in the form of training equipment and team jerseys to help the squad prepare for future competitions. GFF’s Director of Finance, Mr. Kemo Ceesay, commended the students for their consistent success and praised them as exemplary ambassadors of The Gambia abroad. He assured the team of the Federation’s willingness to strengthen ties and improve communication with the student players. In his remarks, President Bajo expressed pride in the students’ achievements and acknowledged their dedication to representing The Gambia with honor. Drawing from his experience as a former Gambian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, he emphasized the value of such exchanges and the importance of supporting Gambians in the diaspora.

Mr. Bajo also outlined the GFF’s operational structure, noting that while the Federation is a privately run entity funded primarily by FIFA, it also receives complementary support from the Gambian government—particularly for the senior national team. He assured the students of the GFF’s readiness to support their efforts and promised to provide a set of jerseys to aid their participation in future tournaments. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to fostering collaboration between the GFF and Gambian students abroad, especially those using sport as a tool for national representation.

Accused Robber Tries to Escape in Prison Van, Foiled at Brikama Magistrates’ Court

By Staff Reporter Source: The Voice Newspaper

A dramatic scene unfolded at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court on Thursday when an accused person attempted to hijack a prison vehicle and escape from custody. The foiled escape bid created brief chaos before the suspect was overpowered by prison officers on site. According to The Voice Newspaper, court clerk Mariama Sonko, who witnessed the incident firsthand, said the accused—identified as Ebou Secka, a robbery suspect—tried to seize control of a prison minivan belonging to Mile Two Central Prison shortly after appearing in court. “He [Secka] hit the prison driver in an attempt to gain control of the steering wheel and flee the premises,” Sonko told The Voice. “There were so many people around the vehicle—if he had succeeded, many lives could have been in danger.” Sonko recounted that as the accused struck the driver, a physical struggle ensued between the two. Both men fell to the ground, and Secka made a run for it but was quickly apprehended by other prison officers. Also speaking to The Voice, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Lamin Kanteh, an orderly to the Chairperson of Brikama Area Council, confirmed that his team rushed to the scene to help restore order. “As soon as we saw the tension rising, we deployed our officers immediately to ensure the accused was restrained and returned to custody,” ASP Kanteh said. “The prison driver managed to hold onto the steering wheel, which prevented Secka from taking full control of the vehicle.” With the combined efforts of prison and local council security officers, Secka was subdued and returned to Mile Two Central Prison without further incident. ASP Kanteh used the opportunity to remind the public of the critical role played by law enforcement officers in maintaining peace and security. “Respect for officers is essential,” he stressed. “Our job is to ensure safety for all, and situations like this show just how unpredictable things can get.” The matter continues to unfold as investigations progress.

"The soul of Africa beats in her women,” Dr. Dampha

By JarraNews Staff Writer

As the continent commemorates African Women’s Day, the Executive Director of the Pan-African Centre for Cultures and Languages (PACCL), Dr. Lang Fafa Dampha, has issued a stirring call for African governments and institutions to take concrete steps to empower women—particularly in cultural preservation and leadership. In a statement marking the day, Dr. Dampha highlighted the indispensable role of African women in safeguarding the continent’s languages, traditions, and identity. “African women are not merely carriers of tradition,” he stated. “They are the heartbeat of our heritage—custodians of memory, stewards of knowledge, and defenders of cultural continuity.” From rural grandmothers teaching ancestral songs to urban scholars decolonising curricula, women across the continent continue to protect and pass on indigenous knowledge systems. Whether through lullabies sung in Yoruba, market negotiations in Swahili, or poetry reviving Amazigh identity, their voices are vital tools of cultural resistance and preservation. Despite their immeasurable contributions, Dr. Dampha lamented the ongoing invisibility of women in national language and cultural policy spaces. “The very women who teach our children in Arabic, Kiswahili, Hausa, Wolof, Fula and other African languages are often excluded from decision-making,” he said. “African Women’s Day is a reminder to confront this silence and correct it.” The PACCL Executive Director stressed that the transformation of Africa hinges on recognising and empowering women across all sectors. He cited several trailblazing figures including: Prof. Amina Mama and Dr. Nkiru Nzegwu, who are reshaping African feminist thought;

Mrs. Amina El Fadil at the African Union Commission, a leading figure in health and social development; Mrs. Edith Akorfa Lumor, Director of Finance at the African Union, whose work supports the financial backbone of institutions like Africa CDC; Njideka Akunyili Crosby and Wanuri Kahiu, who are reimagining African storytelling through visual arts and film; Sona Jobarteh, the first female Kora virtuoso, who is challenging centuries-old gender barriers in West African music. Also recognised were Gambian women making waves in STEM and energy. Mrs. Kodou Alieu Jeng, a telecom engineer and founder of WiSTEM Gambia, has been honoured by UNESCO for integrating STEM with indigenous knowledge. Mrs. Cany Jobe, GNPC’s Director of Exploration and Production, has driven innovation across Africa’s energy landscape. “These women are not only leaders in their fields; they are pioneers shaping Africa’s future,” said Dr. Dampha. The PACCL reaffirmed its commitment to women-led initiatives in oral history, language revitalisation and cultural education. Dr. Dampha emphasized that “true decolonisation” cannot occur without placing women’s leadership at the centre.

The statement concluded with a powerful reminder: “African women are not relics of the past. They are architects of the future… When African women thrive, Africa thrives.” Dr. Dampha called on governments, civil society, and the private sector to invest in women’s knowledge, amplify their voices in policymaking, and protect spaces where identity, memory and language are passed on. This year’s African Women’s Day serves not just as a celebration—but a call to action. “The soul of Africa beats in her women,” Dr. Dampha said. “Today, we walk beside them, learn from them, and build with them.”

PACCL Executive Director Leads Push for Indigenous Language Reform in The Gambia

Meeting with key stakeholders outlines bold steps to integrate national languages into education, technology, and governance. By JarraNews Staff Writer Senegambia | July 29, 2025 The Executive Director of the Pan-African Centre for Cultures and Languages (PACCL), Dr. Lang Fafa Dampha, has unveiled a sweeping strategy to revitalise indigenous languages in The Gambia, positioning them at the core of education and national development. During a high-level meeting held on July 27 at the Seafood Restaurant in Senegambia, Dr. Dampha met with national language stakeholders to outline PACCL’s vision for language preservation and promotion through institutional reform, digital innovation, and public awareness.

Reclaiming Linguistic Identity Dr. Dampha began by challenging The Gambia’s dependency on foreign languages in education and governance, calling it a "structural imbalance" that hinders authentic development. > “True progress requires that we value and elevate our national languages. They are not just modes of communication, but carriers of identity, culture, and cognitive power,” he stated. He proposed several key reforms: Use of national languages as the medium of instruction in early childhood and primary education. Production of culturally relevant teaching materials in Mandinka, Wolof, Fulfulde, Sarahuleh, and Jola. Public campaigns to normalise indigenous language use in all aspects of life—from classrooms to commerce. New Structures for Language Development The meeting endorsed the formation of National Language Committees to standardise orthographies, develop curricula, and influence policy. These committees will consist of educators, linguists, native speakers, and cultural leaders, with mandates aligned to regional language bodies like ACALAN and the Kiswahili Council. Mr. Kitabu Jabang, Head of National Languages, shared insights from his work in Mandinka instruction, highlighting the growing demand for accessible and standardised learning resources, especially among youth and diaspora communities. Tech-Driven Solutions Among the most innovative proposals was the introduction of “Gambian Language Boxes”—modular learning kits combining printed materials and digital content such as mobile-accessible audio stories, grammar tools, and interactive games. Dr. Dampha also laid out a digital roadmap, calling for: An online repository for indigenous language resources. Mobile apps and e-learning platforms targeting rural and diaspora learners. AI-powered tools for transcription and translation to accelerate language documentation. However, he acknowledged that limited ICT infrastructure and technical capacity remain challenges to implementation. Next Steps The meeting concluded with key action points: A follow-up workshop to prioritise materials for digitisation. Government engagement to embed national languages into school curricula. Formation of a working group to develop a pilot digital platform, including Mr. Jabang, Mrs. Kodu Jeng, Mr. Kawsu Njie, Mr. Mamudu Tarawally, and PACCL’s language technology team. Proposals will also be developed to attract international partners and funding for these initiatives. A Turning Point The meeting marks a critical juncture in The Gambia’s approach to language and identity. By blending tradition with technology and policy reform, PACCL is setting the stage for a more inclusive and culturally grounded future. > “Revitalising our languages is not just a cultural duty—it is a strategic imperative for national development,” Dr. Dampha affirmed. For more updates, follow [JarraNews] and PACCL’s upcoming announcements.