News as at
February 1, 2026, 11:24 am
Teacher Gets 20 Years in Prison for Rape
- [The Point] Justice Ngui Mboob of the High Court at Kanifing on the 22nd January, 2026, convicted and sentenced Ansumana Ceesay, a teacher, to 10 years' imprisonment on count one for the offence of rape contrary to Section 3 (1) (a) and punishable under Section 4 ( 1 ) (bb) of the Sexual Offences Act, 2013, and another 10 years' imprisonment on count two for the offence of rape contrary to Section 3 (1) (a) and punishable under Section 4 (1) (cc) of the Sexual Offences Act, 2013. The sentences would run concurrently.
Solicitor General Advises Against Hate Speech Ahead of Elections
- [The Point] The Solicitor General, Hussein Thomasi, has urged Gambians to avoid hate speech and inflammatory conduct, especially with the upcoming elections. This call is part of efforts to maintain peace and social cohesion in The Gambia.
Transnational Organised Crime Is Evolving Daily!
- [The Point] The world today faces numerous challenges on different fronts. From slavery and weapons smuggling to corruption and other vices, the rising criminal enterprise continues to thrive in the shadows, mostly targeting vulnerable communities. It's a multi-billion-dollar industry that operates across borders, exploiting people and undermining global security. Fuelled by criminal networks engaged in a wide range of illicit activities, including money laundering, it is high time authorities took action to address
Afcon Success Shows Africa's Readiness for World Stage - - Journalists' Network President
- [The Point] The President of the International Network of Arab and African Journalists, Mr. Cheikh Tidiane Diouwara, has described the successful hosting of the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco as a milestone for African sports, while calling on media professionals to uphold ethical, responsible, and accurate journalism in the coverage of major sporting events.
Dleag Arrests 48 With Cocaine, Kush, Others
- [The Point] The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), has arrested forty-eight (48) individuals across the country for possession and suspected trafficking of prohibited drugs, including cannabis sativa, cannabis resin (hashish), cannabis ruderalis (skunk), kush, cocaine, crack cocaine and ecstasy.
IEC to Inspect Voter Registration Centres, Party Offices
- [The Point] The Independent Elections Commission (IEC) has announced a nationwide assessment of all designated voter registration centres and the regional offices of registered political parties as part of preparations for the 2026 supplementary voter registration exercise.
Garnbia-Japan Signs ¥2oom Food Assistance Agreernent
- [The Point] The Government of The Gambia and the Government of Japan on Tuesday signed Exchange Notes for the provision of Japanese food assistance amounting to ¥200 million, equivalent to approximately D95 million, under the Japanese Food Assistance Programme.
Gpa, Alportbanjul Stage Major Drill Exercise On Bomb Threat, Fire Incident
- [The Point] The Gambia Port Authority (GPA) in collaboration with Alport Banjul yesterday conducted one of its most comprehensive emergency preparedness exercises to date, simulating scenarios including a suspected explosive device, a fire outbreak, and other hazardous incidents. The annual drill, described by officials as one of the best ever staged, was carried out in near real-life conditions to demonstrate the port's readiness as it undergoes rapid expansion.
Judiciary Still Faces Shortage of Courtrooms & Office Space
- [The Point] Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow has highlighted the Judiciary's challenges, including shortage of courtrooms and office space, hindering judicial officers' effectiveness.
Gambia's Supreme Court to Decide On FGM Ban
- [IPS] Gambia's Supreme Court is considering whether a law protecting women and girls from female genital mutilation (FGM) is constitutional. The practice, common in Gambia, often involves forcibly restraining girls while parts of their genitals are cut, sometimes with the wound sewn shut.
Justice Jaiteh Frees Three in Murder Trial
- [The Point] The Banjul High Court, presided over by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, has acquitted and discharged Muhammed Ceesay, Sait Jallow, and Alagie Jadama in the murder case of Sheriff Hydara, citing serious evidential gaps and the absence of direct eyewitness testimony.
Seedy Njie Claims UDP Is Opposition to National Development
- [The Point] Hon. Seedy S.K. Njie, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and National People's Party (NPP) spokesperson, has cautioned Old Yundum residents from supporting the UDP, claiming they oppose national development and would undermine progress.
Man Facing 23 Charges Urged to Produce D4.5m Title Deed for Bail
- [The Point] Magistrate Manneh of the Kanifing Magistrates' Court yesterday ordered Manjang Cham, an accused, to produce a title deed worth D4.5M to secure bail. The title deed should be in his name or in the name of a third person. He should also deposit his ID card to the Registrar of the court, as well as the title deed. The property must be in the Greater Banjul Area.
Hakalang Road Safety Drive Gains Support Across North Bank Communities
- [The Point] The weeklong Hakalang Road Sensitization Campaign is gaining strong community support as it moves through towns and schools along the newly constructed 84-kilometre Hakalang Road in The Gambia's North Bank Region.
Moherst Commends World Bank Support for Higher Education Development
- [The Point] The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) has reaffirmed the Government of The Gambia's commitment to transforming the country's higher education sector, while acknowledging the critical support of the World Bank and other development partners in advancing human capital development.
Welfare Trust Foundation Transforms Lives Across Gambia
- [The Point] The Welfare Trust Foundation, under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer and President, Mr. Lamin Gibba, continues to solidify its place as one of The Gambia's leading humanitarian organisations, delivering life-changing support to vulnerable and underserved communities across the country.
Ncac Advances Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage Via Community-Based Inventory
- [The Point] The National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) on Monday, 19 January 2026, commenced a five-day training workshop for community representatives drawn from 30 communities in the Central River Region (CRR), aimed at safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) through community-based inventorying.
Over D1bn Paid Digitally Via Wave-Nfspmc Partnership
- [The Point] With more than one billion dalasis already been disbursed to farmers nationwide, as the 2025/2026 groundnut trade season is shaping up as one of the most successful and transparent in The Gambia's history. Beyond the unprecedented financial outlay, the season is being defined by a bold shift from cash-based transactions to full digital payments, driven by a strategic partnership between WAVE and the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Corporation (NFSPMC).
Gtsc Buses Roll Out On 84.5 Km Hakalang Road As Nbr Opens Up
- [The Point] The Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) has officially launched a new bus service along the newly completed 84.5 km Hakalang road, a long-awaited infrastructure project that promises to transform mobility and safety in the North Bank Region.
Finance Minister Says Education Gives Highest-Return On Investments
- [The Point] The Honourable Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita, delivered a compelling keynote address highlighting education as one of the highest-return investments for The Gambia and its development partners.
Mighty Ajax, Kajabang Stretch Muscles As Gunjur Knockout Final Looms
- [The Point] Mighty Ajax FC and Kajabang FC are stretching their muscles, as the 2025\2026 Gunjur 'nawettan' knockout final edges closer.
Momodou Jobarteh, Pa Modou Sohna Join Paide Linnameeskond in Estonia
- [The Point] Gambian duo Momodou Jobarteh and Pa Modou Sohna have joined Paide Linnameeskond in the Estonian League.
Minteh Returns to Action After Recovering From Injury With Game Changer Performance for Brighton
- [The Point] Yankuba Minteh has made his return to action after recovering from an injury with a game-changer performance for Brighton in the 2025\2026 English Premier League.
Le Jumbo Graduates 175 in Mentorship Cohort 0.4 Programme
- [The Point] Le Jumbo, a mentorship programme designed to arm youth with the requisite skills and knowledge before they start seeking for formal jobs at institutions, recently graduated over 175 mentees from its mentorship program cohort 0.4.
CPA UK Delegation, NA Deepen Parliamentary Ties
- [The Point] In a broader move to strengthen parliamentary cooperation while improving the effectiveness of legislative committees, the National Assembly of The Gambia recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) UK
WB, Gotg to Help Reduce Urban Poverty Via Nafa
- [The Point] Officials of the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) have expressed their resolve to reducing urban poverty through the bi-monthly Nafa Cash transfer project.
Moherst Introduce Flagship Initiatives to Address Youth Unemployment & Irregular Migration
- [The Point] The Honourable Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez, said his ministry (MOHERST) has introduced flagship initiatives including the Turning Tides Programme to address youth unemployment and irregular migration through skills training and internships; USET Phase 2 to strengthen STEM education and innovation infrastructure; the National Gender Strategy to achieve gender parity and leadership development; the transformation of the University of Education, The
Comium Gambia Elegantly Presents Dream Car to Winner
- [The Point] Innovative GSM company Comium Gambia has proudly presented a brand new Jetour SUV car to one Mustapha Jarju, lucky winner of its Comium grand prize staged during its last '10 Days of Fortune' promo campaign.
GDC Leader Calls On Voters to Judge Political Parties By Action
- [The Point] Mama Kandeh, leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), has urged Gambians to demand real change in the 2026 elections. He called on voters to focus on leaders' actions, not just promises.
Minister Sillah Lauds Cornerstone, Says Road Project Will Boost Trade, Empower Gambians
- [The Point] Cornerstone Construction Company, owned by a Gambian entrepreneur, has been commended by senior government officials and the National Roads Authority (NRA) for the quality of work delivered on its ongoing road project, despite earlier challenges with material supply.
