Back in 2024, the ferry situation was so dire that advocates were arrested for protesting against the poor handling of the ferries, which resulted in passengers being left with no option but to use smaller boats, which pose significant safety risks.

Askanwi has been tracking the government’s promises to address the ferry, with the latest failed promise being the Damen Shipyard Ferry, which should have been in Banjul by December 2025.

More in this promise tracker.

The Gambia’s Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay has repeatedly claimed that the government spends up to D36 million annually to transport University of The Gambia (UTG) students to and from the Faraba Banta campus. However, a review of official budget records verified by finance officials reveals a much lower expenditure—raising concerns that the Minister’s statements reflect the illusory truth effect, where repeated misinformation is mistaken for fact. More in this FactCheck.

GAMTEL staff say their May 2025 salaries were delayed to after the Tobaski holiday — despite a $10 million World Bank package announced months earlier to support the struggling state-owned enterprise. As frustrations mount, two senior government ministers have issued conflicting explanations about donor funds being used to pay SOE salaries, raising serious questions about transparency, accountability, and where the money actually went. More in this FactCheck.

In a major boost to national transport, the Kanilai Ferry has resumed service after more than a year out of operation—now completing the Banjul–Barra crossing in just 25 minutes, a dramatic improvement from the hour-long trips commuters previously endured. More in the publication.

As the public eagerly anticipates the introduction of pedestrian flyovers on the newly inaugurated OIC Highway to ensure safer crossings, the Minister for Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, Hon. Ebrima Sillah, has announced that the government will construct only one pedestrian flyover as part of a pilot initiative. More in the report.

In his quest to highlight The Gambia Government’s efforts to promote University education, the Minister for Information, Media and Broadcasting Services claimed that the government “spends D33 million” annually to shuttle University of The Gambia (UTG) students to and from the new Faraba Banta Campus. Our researchers have perused budget documents and received information from the Ministry of Finance proving the Minister’s claim are false.

Speaking at QTV’s This Morning Show, Information Minister Dr. Ceesay claimed that The Gambia is the only country that builds a university and shuttles students to the university. Askanwi factcheckers have found examples across four African countries proving the Minister’s claims are false. More in the factcheck.