By Staff Reporter
As part of its 2026 Nationwide Tour, the Ministry of Youth and Sports convened a town hall meeting with young people and regional authorities at the Governor’s Office in Kerewan, North Bank Region.
The meeting provided a platform for direct engagement between the youth and government officials, fostering dialogue on national development programs, policies, and initiatives aimed at empowering young Gambians through socio-economic interventions.
During the session, several young participants called on the Ministry to create more opportunities, particularly in the fields of agriculture and sports, highlighting the need for practical programs that address youth unemployment and skills development.
Responding to these concerns, Minister of Youth and Sports Bakary Y. Badjie, together with Permanent Secretary Bully Dibba, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth welfare. They assured attendees that the Barrow-led administration remains dedicated to implementing programs that enhance the socio-economic prospects of the nation’s young people.
Minister Badjie further announced that the Farafenni football field would be upgraded into a standard mini-stadium, providing a modern sports facility for the youth of the North Bank Region. He also urged young Gambians to desist from embarking on dangerous journeys abroad and to continue fostering peace and social cohesion within their communities.
The town hall meetings, part of a broader national outreach effort by the Ministry, are designed to strengthen dialogue between policymakers and young citizens, ensuring that youth voices are reflected in planning and decision-making processes.
Officials stressed that through sustained engagement, capacity building, and targeted programs, the government aims to expand opportunities for young people across all regions of The Gambia, reinforcing its vision for inclusive development and youth empowerment.