Although Parliamentarians failed to perform budget oversight, our latest publication on the government's expenditure reveals that the Office of the President has overspent by over D130 million for the first 11 months of 2024. More in our latest budget report.

Months after GAMCEL employees raised concerns over unpaid salaries, the Gambian government has secured a $10 million World Bank bailout to cover their arrears. Finance Minister Seedy Keita confirmed that the funds, part of a broader budget support grant, were used to pay staff for December 2024 and January 2025. However, with GAMCEL still operating at a financial loss, employees fear the crisis is far from over. More in the report.

The debate over Gambians abroad gaining voting rights took center stage in Parliament as the Minister for Justice, Hon. Dawda A. Jallow, clarified an amendment to Section 88 of the 1997 Constitution. Speaking to lawmakers on 4th March 2025, he stated that the Constitution allows for 'at least 53' elected members, meaning no amendment is needed to register Gambians living overseas. However, his claim that constituency demarcation is required before registration has sparked debate among pro-Diaspora Vote advocates. So, does the law actually mandate demarcation before registration? Here’s what the facts say.

The Minister of Justice, Hon. Dawda A. Jallow, claimed that the Draft Constitution would have addressed inadequacies related to constituencies for Gambians living abroad. However, a thorough review of both the 2020 and 2024 Draft Constitutions reveals that no such provisions exist, contradicting his statement. This raises concerns about the accuracy of his remarks during the consideration of Clause 14 of the Elections Bill 2021. More in the FactCheck report.

Government arrears totalling over D248 million to NAWEC are undermining the capability of the only national water and electricity company from functioning properly. The list of institutions in arears includes MDAs, SOEs, and Local Councils. More in this report.

The aftermath of Parliamentarians vote to remove clause 14 to register Gambians abroad has been met with significant public outcry. This has prompted our reporter to dig up a previously unpublished article featuring a meeting between the National Assembly’s joint committee and Gambians in the Diaspora spearheaded by MSDG. More in the link.

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.

The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) remains in dire financial straits as its losses continue to mount, raising concerns about its sustainability and impact on the national economy. More in the report.

The Gambia Telecommunications Company (GAMTEL) is grappling with a severe financial crisis, burdened by nearly D197 million in unpaid debts. More in this report.