By Haddy Touray
The ruling National People’s Party (NPP) has rejected allegations by former Vice President Fatoumatta Jallow-Tambajang that the government of Adama Barrow is politicizing European Union funds intended for women’s economic empowerment.
In a statement issued Saturday and signed by NPP Media and Communication Secretary Sulayman Camara, the party described the claims as “baseless and misleading” and said they were not supported by facts.
The statement says the European Union engages directly with the Government of The Gambia through official institutional frameworks rather than with political parties or individuals.
According to the NPP, partnerships and support from the EU follow established procedures and accountability mechanisms that align with the country’s national development priorities.
The party also dismissed claims that EU funds were being directed specifically to supporters of the NPP, insisting that no such EU funding arrangement existed.
It clarified that the D50 million women empowerment initiative referenced in public discussions involves voluntary contributions from NPP sympathisers and supporters aimed at assisting women associated with the party.
“This initiative should not be confused with government resources or international donor funds,” the statement said.
The NPP added that the government of President Barrow remained committed to transparency and accountability, noting that the enactment of the Freedom of Information Act allowed citizens to formally request information from public institutions.
It said the former vice president could make use of the law to obtain verified information regarding government programmes and funding arrangements.
The party further acknowledged the role played by Tambajang in the country’s democratic transition and urged public figures to promote constructive national dialogue based on facts.
It emphasized that women empowerment remained a key pillar of the government’s development agenda and said programmes aimed at supporting Gambian women are implemented without discrimination.
The NPP urged public officials and stakeholders to avoid statements that could undermine public confidence in national institutions and development partners.