In a groundbreaking moment for journalism and animal rights, the Animal Welfare Network of The Gambia (AWNG) has named GRTS broadcaster Sirra Ceesay and Alkamba Times Chief National Correspondent Kebba Ansu Manneh the co-recipients of the prestigious Animal Welfare Advocate of the Year 2025 award.
This landmark recognition marks the first time in the award’s eight-year history that the honor has been bestowed upon media professionals, underscoring the press’s transformative power in driving national change.
Dr. Kebba Daffeh, a leading and renowned animal welfare advocate and the coordinator of the Animal Welfare Network (a composition of all animal welfare advocates), made the announcement, celebrating Ceesay and Manneh’s relentless efforts to elevate animal welfare from a niche concern to a cornerstone of national discourse.
“For the first time, we’re not just honoring dedication—we’re celebrating how journalism ignites real societal transformation,” declared Dr. Kebba Daffeh, AWNG Coordinator, as he presented the awards. “Sirra and Kebba have used their platforms to weave animal welfare into the fabric of human wellbeing, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability.”
Shining a National Spotlight: Their Profound Impact
Over the years, Ceesay and Manneh have wielded their microphones and keyboards like weapons against animal neglect, educating millions and fostering a cultural shift in how Gambians view their four-legged companions. Their work embodies the “One Health” approach—a holistic framework linking human, animal, and environmental health—resulting in dramatically heightened awareness nationwide. Surveys by AWNG show a 40% increase in public reporting of animal abuse cases since their campaigns began, with tangible improvements in vaccination rates and humane treatment practices.
This duo’s advocacy has rippled across urban markets, rural farms, and coastal communities, proving that informed citizens treat animals not as mere tools, but as vital partners in Gambian life. From exposing illegal dog fighting rings to promoting sustainable livestock farming, their stories have sparked policy discussions at the National Assembly and inspired youth-led animal rescue groups.
Honoring the Champions: Profiles in Courageous Reporting
Sirra Ceesay: The Voice of One Health on GRTS
At the heart of Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), Sirra Ceesay has revolutionized public broadcasting through her flagship health program, ‘Sunu Werr Gou Yaram’ (Our Health is Wealth”). Under her stewardship, what began as a general wellness show became a powerhouse One Health platform. Ceesay’s tireless advocacy has spotlighted rabies prevention, emphasizing that 99% of cases originate in animals—a message that has slashed human infections by 25% in targeted regions, per Ministry of Health data.
Her broadcasts have amplified the Animal Welfare Advocates Association of the Gambia’s nationwide sensitization drives, reaching thousands of viewers annually. “We owe Sirra and GRTS management a profound debt of gratitude,” said Dr. Daffeh. “They’ve given animal welfare a national stage, turning awareness into action.”
Kebba Ansu Manneh: The Investigative Force at Alkamba Times
Kebba Ansu Manneh, Alkamba Times’ Chief National Correspondent and head of investigations, embodies unwavering consistency in journalism’s trenches. His byline has dominated animal welfare coverage for nearly a decade, with countless in-depth articles exposing everything from animal rights advocacy to influencing animal policy. His persistence has kept these issues on the national agenda, pressuring authorities to enforce the Animal Welfare Act more rigorously.
Manneh’s work highlights animals’ economic lifelines: donkeys power rural transport, goats fuel family incomes, and cattle drive GDP growth. “His sheer volume of reporting is a testament to true advocacy,” noted AWNG Vice President Fatou Jallow. Alkamba Times management received special commendation for fostering an editorial environment prioritizing such stories, enabling Manneh’s voice to resonate globally.
A Grateful Reaction
In an exclusive interview with Alkamba Times moments after the Award, Manneh beamed humbly. “I feel very honoured and grateful to be singled out among the lot to be recognised for the little contribution I have been rendering towards animal health advocacy in the country,” he said. Animals are salient beings that contribute immensely to enhancing the livelihoods of many vulnerable families and contribute to the country’s economic development. Thus, advocating for their rights and welfare becomes incumbent upon me as a journalist.”
Manneh expressed deep appreciation and thanked AWNG under Dr. Daffeh’s leadership and the Alkamba Times CEO Sainey Marenah for their support. “Finally, I would like to call on every Gambian to be considerate of these salient beings, especially those animals used for enhancing our domestic work and on the farms,” he urged, his words echoing the evening’s theme of collective responsibility.
Sirra Ceesay, reached at GRTS studios, echoed the sentiment: “This award belongs to every viewer who’s changed because of our stories. Let’s keep the conversation alive—one healthy nation, one healthy planet.”
A New Era for Advocacy
As confetti fell and applause thundered, Dr. Daffeh reflected on the milestone: “Sirra and Kebba’s professionalism and passion prove that advocacy through information can change a nation.” With climate change amplifying zoonotic threats like rabies and avian flu, their recognition signals a media-led renaissance in Gambian animal welfare.
Meanwhile, the award comes with a D20,000 prize, generously donated by Dr. Buba Badjie and Dr. Kebba Daffeh, which the two awardees will share.
