By: Momodou S Gagigo
President Adama Barrow declared an “all-out development” push for the politically mixed and opposition-stronghold town of Bakau on Wednesday, promising concrete deliverables and urging residents to rally behind his government regardless of political affiliation.
“I am a president of the whole Gambia, with no discrimination,” Barrow told a large crowd during the latest leg of his nationwide Meet the People Tour. “A jar owner and a well owner are not the same,” he added, using a local proverb to stress that only those who support the government can expect priority attention.
Responding directly to requests from community leaders, the President committed to delivering two fully equipped fishing boats and major road upgrades in the coastal town. “Residents of Bakau have told me what they want, and part of it is fishing boats. I am promising you two fishing boats, and roads will also be part of it,” he said.
Barrow highlighted ongoing empowerment programmes, noting that over D3 million has already been disbursed through the Women Enterprise Fund across the country. In Bakau itself, seven young entrepreneurs each received D100,000 start-up capital, totalling D700,000. He also praised First Lady Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow for personally financing the construction of a grand new mosque in the town.
“My best is yet to come,” the President assured the cheering crowd, while reminding residents that sustained development depends on cooperation with local councils. “You all pay taxes, so support is needed,” he said.
In a touching tribute, Barrow promised to honour the memory of the late iconic politician Dembo “By Force” Bojang by bringing visible progress to Bakau. Kanifing Municipal Council Executive Coordinator Bakary Kara Singhateh appealed for standardised official titles and greater youth empowerment, while lavishing praise on the President’s leadership.
The Imam of Bakau, Omar Jammeh, thanked Barrow for renovations to the town’s central mosque and pledged “lifelong support.”
In nearby Banjul, the President earlier laid the foundation stone for a modern Fish Smokehouse aimed at improving hygiene standards and boosting incomes for hundreds of women fish processors. He also inspected ongoing renovation works at the KG5 Mini Stadium, which authorities say will be completed by December 2025, providing a safe venue for youth sports and community events.
Residents in both Bakau and Banjul described the announcements as tangible signs of progress toward a cleaner, more prosperous future.
