President Barrow Vows to Sustain Development Momentum in Niumi and Jokadu Regions
In a powerful address to constituents, President Adama Barrow has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to driving development in the regions of Lower Niumi, Upper Niumi, and Jokadu, pointing to nationwide progress as a testament to his government’s work.
A Nation Transformed: Infrastructure and Empowerment Take Center Stage
Speaking in Maka Balla Manneh during the inaugural leg of his ongoing “Meet the People Tour,” President Barrow painted a picture of a Gambia reshaped over the past nine years. “If you compare The Gambia of today and yesterday, you will see the difference,” he told the assembled crowd, challenging them to reflect on the journey.
The president laid out a compelling case with hard numbers, announcing the construction of 1,200 kilometers of roads under his watch—a figure that starkly overshadows the 800 kilometers built by the two previous governments combined. “It seems each year they were constructing 15 kilometers of roads, while I am delivering 150 kilometers annually,” Barrow remarked, framing the comparison as evidence of a new, results-driven era. He appealed for continued public patience as his government works to fulfill its extensive promises.
Championing Women and Remembering Roots
Beyond tarmac and infrastructure, the president highlighted a profound institutional shift: the creation of the first-ever Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Welfare. This landmark move, he explained, has paved the way for tangible support, including a dedicated loan scheme designed exclusively to empower women entrepreneurs.
“We are constructing roads, schools, electricity, hospitals, and we are supporting women and working in agriculture,” Barrow stated, outlining a holistic vision of national development. Directly addressing the farming community, he connected with them on a personal level, recalling his own humble origins. “My parents were farmers, so I understand your challenges and will find solutions,” he assured them, pledging to close the developmental gaps that have plagued Gambians for decades.
Emphasizing his leadership philosophy, the president declared, “I have told you before, I am not a politician; I am a worker.”
Groundnut Payment System: Acknowledging Challenges, Promising Refinements
The meeting also served as a forum for citizens to voice their concerns. Omar Joof, speaking on behalf of the three constituencies, brought a critical issue to the fore: the difficulties farmers face in receiving payments for groundnuts sold to government agents.
“Farmers have to pay their own transport to go to the bank to collect their money, and sometimes they are told there are no funds available. This is very difficult for poor farmers,” Joof lamented, highlighting the financial strain on an already vulnerable group.
In his response, President Barrow acknowledged the teething problems but defended the new electronic payment system, which was introduced to eliminate the rampant theft of funds by intermediaries. He confirmed the system would continue into the next season, with planned expansions to improve accessibility. “Any new system comes with challenges,” the president conceded, “but this one protects government funds.”
The “Meet the People Tour” is a constitutional requirement, mandating the president to engage with citizens at least twice a year to assess living conditions and the impact of national policies—a democratic exercise that continues to shape The Gambia’s developmental trajectory.
Source: Kerr Fatou Online Media House, original reporting by Makutu Manneh.