By Alieu Ceesay
In a compelling State of the Nation Address delivered on Thursday at the National Assembly in Banjul, President Adama Barrow called on Gambians to unite with security forces to combat rising crime and bolster national stability.
Speaking before lawmakers and dignitaries, Barrow emphasized the critical role of public cooperation in intelligence gathering, investigations, and prosecuting criminals to address persistent challenges such as irregular migration, border security, and drug trafficking.
“While our law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to curb crime, we continue to face significant hurdles,” Barrow said, highlighting The Gambia’s complex security landscape. The address, a constitutional mandate, provided a platform for the President to reflect on achievements, acknowledge challenges, and chart the nation’s path forward.
A key focus of Barrow’s speech was enhancing road safety, particularly along the recently completed Barling Harding Highway, which is notorious for frequent accidents. To address this, the government plans to install modern CCTV cameras along the highway and at other strategic locations, linked to a central traffic management system for real-time monitoring and enforcement. “This initiative will ensure safer roads and more effective law enforcement,” Barrow assured the Assembly.
The President also addressed recent controversies in the petroleum sector, sparked by a leaked WhatsApp audio from former President Yahya Jammeh. The recording alleged that Senegal denied The Gambia its rightful share of oil drilling rights in Senegal’s exclusive economic zone. Barrow clarified his administration’s commitment to sustainable energy development, detailing the progress of oil and gas exploration. He noted that five wells have been tested in Gambian territory, including Samo-One (2018) and Bambo-One (2021), drilled at a combined cost of $100 million. “While results show promise, no significant discoveries have been made, and the involved companies have exited after meeting their obligations,” he explained.
Barrow further outlined plans to strengthen energy security through investments in electricity generation, renewable energy, and mineral resource management. These efforts aim to position The Gambia as a stable and self-sufficient player in the regional energy landscape.
On healthcare, Barrow announced transformative projects aimed at improving medical services nationwide. These include constructing a National Emergency Treatment Center, a Blood Transfusion Facility, Diagnostics and Imaging Centers, and a Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory. “These facilities will significantly enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare for all Gambians,” he stated, underscoring his administration’s commitment to public welfare.
The address also touched on broader governance and development priorities. Barrow highlighted efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, improve economic resilience, and create opportunities for youth who comprise a significant portion of The Gambia’s population. He acknowledged challenges such as youth unemployment and economic pressures but expressed optimism about ongoing reforms, including initiatives to boost agriculture and tourism, key pillars of the economy.
Lawmakers and observers noted the address’s pragmatic tone, balancing acknowledgment of setbacks with a forward-looking vision. “The President’s call for public involvement in security is a bold step. It shows he recognizes that governance is a collective effort,” said a political analyst in Banjul. However, some critics urged faster action on job creation and transparency in the petroleum sector to address public concerns.
As The Gambia navigates a complex socio-economic landscape, Barrow’s address served as both a rallying cry and a roadmap. By emphasizing collaboration, infrastructure development, and strategic resource management, the President sought to galvanize support for his administration’s agenda. Whether these promises translate into tangible outcomes will depend on effective implementation and sustained public trust.
The address concluded with a standing ovation from lawmakers, signaling broad support for Barrow’s vision, though the path ahead remains fraught with challenges. As The Gambia looks to the future, the President’s words resonate as a call to collective action in building a safer, more prosperous nation.
