One of the pioneers of the Open Mic Festival, Waagan, opens up for the first time on shelving the biggest Gambian concert in the country prior to COVID-19. This two-part series provides an insight on how the legacy event could possibly be revived. More in this first part, highlighting how it was shelved.

Team Gom Sa Bopa organised it’s first Cypher Street Rap Battles on 4th January 2025, which featured a panel discussion on the state of the art and entertainment sector in The Gambia and featured various artist performances and an Open Mic session where artists will compete for D100,000 and various additional incentives to be crown Cypher Champion 2025. More in this press release.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) issued a statement announcing by-elections for Massembeh Ward in Mansakonko Administrative Area in February 2025. Here is a link to the statement from the IEC.

The Ministry of Health issued a statement highlighting that they have prioritised a grant from the AfDB to develop and renovate health centers in Chamen Nianija after granting approval for the Diaspora Club to develop a Maternity Ward in Chamen.

More in their press release.

Former Parliamentarian for Serrekunda, Hon. Halifa Sallah, the leader of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), held a press conference on the 8th of January 2025 urging members of the Sixth Legislature to take ownership of the Constitution Building process and to “axe” and “mould” the Constitution into a bill fit for purpose. More in the report.

An avoidable tragedy struck in the evening of Saturday, 4th January 2025, claiming the lives of at least four and injuring over 40 others after a truck driver lost control of his vehicle and struck a crowd of jubilant football revelers, turning a victory celebration into a mournful occasion. More in the report.

China appears to be facing a virus outbreak, which has caused panic that a new COVID-19 epidemic might be on the horizon; however, numerous reports indicate that this may not be the case. More in our publication.

The Gambia Revenue Authority revealed that it has collected over D20 billion in 2024, surpassing it’s target by over D1.6 billion, and has been set a target to collect D23 billion in 2025. More in this detailed publication detailing how revenue was collected in 2024.

The Gambia Ferry Service (GFS) is planning to introduce a 24-hour ferry service between the Banjul-Barra Ferry crossing points by May 2025. More in the report.

Askanwi editor Yusef Taylor met President Adama Barrow during the first ever Presidential Media Dinner on 28th December 2024 and shares his reflections from the night. More in the editorial.

This publication highlights some of the positive engagements during President Adama Barrow’s recently concluded "2024 Meet the People Tour,” which includes numerous promises to uplift The Gambian populace from poverty. More in the publication.

After failing to issue national documents for most of 2024, the Gambia Immigration Department (GID) held a press conference at their headquarters in Banjul on 27th December 2024, announcing the resumption of issuance of national documents.
More in the news report.

Take M Transformation, a leading educational initiative in The Gambia, concluded its final phase of its highly anticipated Competition on Multiplication: Mother of Mathematics (COMMOM) on Saturday, 21st December 2024, with cash prizes and gifts to ten outstanding students. More in the news report.

President Adama Barrow delivered a Christmas message calling for Gambians to draw inspiration from Jesus Christ to serve humanity and mutually love and care for one another. More in this report.

The Justice Minister, Hon. Dawda A. Jallow, tabled the 2024 Draft Constitution in Parliament for its First Reading on Monday, 23rd December 2024. More in the report.

The National Assembly descended into chaos after Speaker of the House, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, ruled for the Member for Central Baddibu, Hon. Sulayman Saho, to vacate the chambers on 23^rd December 2024. On the same day, Pollsters, Afrobarometer issued a survey highlighting that Parliamentarians reserved the least approval after the President and Local Government Councillors. More in the report.

This is the 2025 New Years message by the Most Rev'd Bannie E F Manga, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church The Gambia and the Chairman of The Gambia Christian Council.

More in the statement.

This is the 2024 Christmas message by the Most Rev'd Bannie E F Manga, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church The Gambia and the Chairman of The Gambia Christian Council.

More in his statement.

A press statement from the GEA highlights that they “remain resolute in protecting The Gambia’s natural resources. We urge the government and relevant stakeholders to uphold their legal and ethical obligations to the environment and the people of The Gambia. The exploitation of Salagi Forest Park is not only a breach of the law but a grave disservice to future generations.”
More in the press release.

On Thursday, December 12th, 2024, the Management of the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRCG) received notice of a sit-down strike notice from the MRCG Workers’ Union Executive, effective Monday, December 16th, 2024.