West Coast Referees Association Pays Courtesy Call on GFF PresidentBy JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

The West Coast Regional Football Referees Association on Friday paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF), Mr. Lamin Kaba Bajo, at the Football House in Kanifing. The visit followed the recent passing of the Association’s former president, Kebba Bojang (Lalas).

During the meeting, the Association’s new president, Mr. Alhagie Fatty, formally introduced his executive members to President Bajo and outlined the Association’s plans for the continued development of refereeing in the region.

The President of the West Coast Regional Football Association, Mr. Bakary Bojang, commended the referees’ body for its achievements in capacity-building initiatives, including referee training and other technical programs. He expressed appreciation to GFF President Bajo for fostering an environment that enables the Association to realize its goals.

Mr. Fatty also extended gratitude to President Bajo for his ongoing support, particularly in facilitating training programs for referees. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the standards of officiating in the West Coast Region.

In response, President Bajo congratulated the new executive for its efforts in enhancing the professionalism of referees. He assured the Association of the GFF’s continued support toward the development of refereeing both within The Gambia and internationally.

The West Coast Regional Football Referees Association operates under the Regional Football Association and has trained over 200 referees who officiate in local competitions. The Association categorizes its members into three levels — Elite A, Elite B, and Elite C — based on experience and qualifications.

THE FACTS MUST PREVAIL: EXPOSING FALSEHOODS AND MISINFORMATION BY DR. MANNEH AND GAGIGO

By Yaya Dampha

NPP Diaspora Coordinator – Sweden

It have been brought to my attention that  the fifth columnist Dr. Lamin Manneh and Gagigo were busy spewing falsification and fabrications on Kerr Fatou. I have listened to the two politically disoriented doctors and see the need for setting the records right. 

As The Gambia moves toward another election year, truth and facts must guide our national conversation. Unfortunately, recent remarks by Dr. Lamin Manneh and Dr. Ousman Gajigo on the Kerr Fatou platform—claiming that the 2021 Presidential Election was “stolen” and that “300,000 votes were blocked”—are dangerous fabrications meant to mislead the public and erode confidence in our democratic institutions. These claims crumble under scrutiny and verifiable evidence.

Transparent Counting, Public Oversight

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) conducted one of the most transparent elections in Gambian history. Votes were counted on the spot at every polling station in the presence of party agents, national and international observers, the media, and the public. Every political party, including the UDP, had accredited agents who signed official result sheets before transmission.

This on-the-spot counting system—unique to The Gambia—makes the idea of mass vote tampering impossible without the collusion of thousands of officials, party agents, and observers. No such collusion was ever alleged, let alone proven.

Observer Reports Confirm Credibility

All credible observation missions—the European Union (EU), African Union (AU), ECOWAS, Commonwealth, and The Gambia’s own CSO Coalition on Elections—declared the election peaceful, transparent, and credible.

The EU Observation Mission commended the IEC for “transparent counting and prompt announcement of results.”

The AU Mission described the vote as “calm, orderly, and professionally managed.”

The CSO Coalition reported “no evidence of systemic irregularities.”

When every major observer mission independently validates the same result, conspiracy theories lose all credibility.

The “300,000 Blocked Votes” Claim  Is Baseless

The allegation that 300,000 Gambians were blocked from voting is mathematically impossible and legally unfounded. The IEC published the voter register well in advance, allowing parties to verify every entry. No formal complaint or court filing ever cited mass disenfranchisement.

Moreover, the gap between registered voters and turnout is normal—many Gambians vote only in presidential elections, not in local or parliamentary contests. That pattern explains turnout differences, not any imagined “vote blocking.”

NPP’s Mandate Is Broad and Genuine

The NPP’s victory was not confined to one region or group—it was nationwide. The party went on to secure a majority in the National Assembly and performed strongly across the country. UDP’s limited local gains in some urban councils reflect local dynamics, not national dominance. Gambians voted for President Adama Barrow and the NPP because they saw tangible progress and credible leadership, not because of manipulation.

Demand Evidence or Retract Lies

Dr. Manneh and Dr. Gajigo, as educated citizens, owe Gambians proof—not propaganda. If they genuinely believe in their claims, they should present signed polling-station records, witness statements, or formal IEC complaints. So far, they have produced none.

Spreading falsehoods without evidence is intellectual dishonesty and political irresponsibility. At a time when unity and stability are vital, such conduct risks undermining public trust and national peace.

Conclusion

The 2021 Presidential Election was conducted openly, transparently, and credibly, witnessed by the world. The so-called “rigging” narrative is a fiction born of political frustration, not fact. Gambians must reject this misinformation and defend the integrity of our democracy.

Truth, not propaganda, will shape The Gambia’s future. The people spoke clearly in 2021—and their choice must continue to be respected. In the same vein the mighty NPP is set to defeat your parties hands down in the 2026 Presidential Election. You must accept democracy and tell the world that the Gambian votes rejected your party base. 

Long live The Gambia. Long live our democracy.

Yaya Dampha

NPP Diaspora Coordinator – Sweden

Lamin Kabba Bajo to Lead FIFA Grassroots and Amateur Football Committee

    

FIFA has appointed Lamin Kabba Bajo, President of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF), as Chair of its Grassroots and Amateur Football Committee for the 2025–2029 term — a milestone moment for Gambian and African football.

This appointment makes Bajo the first Gambian ever to head a FIFA Standing Committee, highlighting his growing influence in international football leadership. The committee plays a crucial role in shaping the foundation of the global game — nurturing participation, development, and inclusivity from community-level football to professional stages.

Under Bajo’s leadership, Gambian football has undergone a remarkable transformation. Over the past decade, he has championed youth development, guided the national team — the Scorpions — to consecutive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, and strengthened local football structures.

“The appointment reflects Mr. Bajo’s unmatched commitment to developing Gambian football from the grassroots to the elite level,” the GFF said in an official statement. “His leadership has been instrumental in achieving sustained progress across all levels of the game.”

Beyond his GFF presidency, Bajo serves as head of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone A and has been a member of FIFA’s Players’ Status Chamber since 2021, where he helps regulate player transfers and eligibility.

Though Gambians have previously served on FIFA panels, this chairmanship represents a new era of African participation in global football governance — one that many see as a catalyst for further investment in grassroots football across the continent.

Self Claimed Manding King Denies Role in Jammeh’s Asset Sales

BANJUL – The National Assembly’s Special Select Committee probing the sale and disposal of assets linked to former President Yahya Jammeh heard fresh testimony on Tuesday, as prominent cattle dealer Amadou Kora took the stand to deny involvement in the controversial transactions.

Mr. Kora, who was alleged to have played a role in the valuation and auction of Jammeh’s cattle, faced tough questions from lawmakers determined to clarify his connection to the sale.

Testifying before the Committee, Mr. Kora acknowledged being present during the process but insisted that his participation was strictly observational.

“I was just there as an observer during the process,” he stated, firmly rejecting claims that he either managed or purchased any of the livestock.

Despite his explanation, Committee members pressed him on why a private cattle dealer was allowed to attend a state-managed auction without an official assignment. The exchange renewed concerns about transparency and the handling of the former president’s seized assets.

According to earlier reports, Mr. Kora’s name had surfaced in documents from the Janneh Commission, which oversaw the valuation and sale of livestock confiscated from Jammeh’s Kanilai farms and other holdings.

The ongoing parliamentary inquiry seeks to uncover any irregularities, favoritism, or undervaluation in the disposal of Jammeh’s vast assets. The proceedings have reignited public debate on accountability and the lingering influence of the Jammeh era.

The Committee is expected to hear from additional witnesses in the coming weeks as it continues to examine what many observers describe as “the hidden chapter” of the Janneh Commission’s implementation.

"GFF Engages CAF President Motsepe at WAFU-A Zonal Meeting in Kinshasa”

On the eve of the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly, slated for 6 October 2025 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, top officials from West African football converged for a crucial WAFU-A zonal meeting with CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe. 

Representing The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) were the author and Executive Committee member Ismaila Ceesay, who also serves as President of the School Football Association. They joined the leaders of the nine WAFU-A member associations in presenting regional reports, discussing challenges, and aligning on future priorities. 

Focus of the Meeting: Achievements and Challenges

The meeting centered on two broad themes:

1. Progress within WAFU-A

Member associations reported on developments in youth football, school-level competitions, coaching and referee capacity building, and grassroots development. In his presentation, the Gambian delegation highlighted standout accomplishments such as strong performances in the African Schools Football Championship, youth national team campaigns, and various training and development initiatives at home.

2. Persistent Obstacles

Several pressing constraints were brought to light. Foremost among them were the inability of some national teams to host home matches (often due to infrastructure or logistical limitations) and the chronic underfunding of national teams. These challenges, the Gambian delegation argued, hamper continuity and progress.

During the dialogue, the GFF representative extended a formal invitation to Dr. Motsepe to visit The Gambia (“the Smiling Coast of West Africa”), an invitation the CAF President accepted. In addition, the Gambian side urged that CAF consider offering more direct financial support to national associations, especially in easing the burden of team funding.

CAF & WAFU-A: A Broader Context

The 47th CAF Assembly offers a pivotal moment for African football governance. It brings together presidents of all 54 CAF member associations and representatives from the continental zonal unions to chart strategic direction.  Prior to the main session in Kinshasa, each of the six CAF “zones” (including WAFU-A) held preparatory meetings to ensure that regional priorities and challenges are represented in the continental agenda. 

During the WAFU-A meeting, Mustapha I. Raji, WAFU-A Vice President and President of the Liberia Football Association (standing in for WAFU-A President Lamin Kaba Bajo), praised Dr. Motsepe’s leadership and CAF’s ongoing investments in member associations. He noted that under his stewardship, the CAF Impact Program and other outreach initiatives have strengthened ties between CAF and regional federations. 

In response, Dr. Motsepe commended WAFU-A’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of local development, self-sustaining national structures, and giving national teams the opportunity to play on home soil. 

What This Means for Gambian Football

Greater Visibility & Networking: The Gambian presence at this high-level zonal meeting gives GFF a seat at the table, ensuring that its challenges and successes are heard by CAF leadership and regional peers.

Potential for Enhanced Support: The direct invitation to Dr. Motsepe to visit The Gambia could pave the way for closer collaboration or targeted developmental assistance from CAF.

Pressure to Address Structural Gaps: By spotlighting infrastructure, match-hosting capability, and funding deficits, the Gambian delegation is signaling where reforms and investment are most needed.

Regional Coordination: Through WAFU-A, The Gambia stands to benefit from regional support, knowledge-sharing, and cooperative programs implemented across neighboring associations.

Conclusion

The WAFU-A zonal meeting before the CAF Congress represents more than just formal protocol—it is a strategic forum where local aspirations, practical constraints, and continental resources must align. The Gambian delegation, by articulating its achievements and candidly addressing its challenges, has positioned itself as both a partner and a stakeholder in the success of African football.

A Giant of Leadership: Hon. Maimuna Ceesay Darboe and the Historic Triumph of the NPP Diaspora

The story of progress and resilience within the National People’s Party (NPP) continues to be written in golden letters — and one of its most luminous chapters was inked on the 4th of October 2025 in Banyoles, Spain. Under the sterling leadership of Hon. Maimuna Ceesay Darboe, the NPP Diaspora Secretary and a nominated Member of the Gambian Parliament, the NPP Diaspora members achieved an extraordinary milestone by raising an astounding €285,800 in their first-ever Diaspora Fundraising Event.

This was not merely a fundraising success — it was a statement of unity, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to national development. It was the clearest testament yet that the NPP, under the visionary guidance of President Adama Barrow, commands genuine loyalty and support far beyond the shores of The Gambia.

Hon. Maimuna Ceesay Darboe stands as a towering symbol of dedication, discipline, and transformative leadership. Her organizational prowess and passion for service continue to inspire both men and women within and beyond the party. As a leader of exceptional calibre, she has redefined what it means to be a Diaspora representative — turning vision into action, and action into impact.

Supported by the First and Second Vice Presidents of the NPP, Hon. Demba Sabally and Hon. Abdoulie Suku Singhateh, this historic initiative shattered long-standing narratives. For years, the opposition UDP claimed dominance over the Gambian Diaspora community. But this resounding success by the NPP has dispelled that illusion once and for all — proving that the heart of the Gambian Diaspora beats in harmony with the NPP’s mission of national unity, progress, and prosperity.

This event was more than a fundraiser; it was a demonstration of faith — faith in leadership, in the party’s vision, and in The Gambia’s brighter future. Under Hon. Maimuna Ceesay Darboe’s stewardship, the NPP Diaspora has shown that where there is purpose and integrity, there is always success.

Indeed, Hon. Maimuna Ceesay Darboe has cemented her place as one of the giants of Gambian politics, a woman whose leadership continues to inspire generations and strengthen the foundation of the National People’s Party at home and abroad. Her triumph in Bayoles is not just a victory for the NPP — it is a victory for all Gambians who believe in progress, peace, and collective prosperity.