By Fatou Krubally
The Government of The Gambia has reinstated staff of the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) who were previously dismissed or redeployed, following a petition by concerned employees.
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Abdoulie Jobe, said the decision comes in response to the report and resolutions of the Petitions Committee of the National Assembly regarding the staff petition.
“The Ministry instructed the GTBoard governing body to implement the Assembly’s resolution calling for the reinstatement of affected employees,” Minister Jobe told lawmakers. He said the staff returned to their former positions by the end of February 2026.
The minister added that issues related to salary reductions have also been addressed. Staff whose salaries were previously cut by 50 percent have been reimbursed following approval of a management proposal by the GTBoard.
A comprehensive staff audit covering January 2017 to December 2023 is underway to review recruitment and promotion procedures. Approved by Cabinet, the audit is being conducted through the Office of the President at the request of the Ministry.
On governance, Minister Jobe assured the Assembly that the Ministry will continue to exercise oversight of the GTBoard in line with the GTBoard Act 2011.
He further said several recommendations on investigations and administrative actions have been accepted by government, including directives for relevant institutions to examine contractual and financial matters in the tourism sector. The Inspector General of Police has been tasked with investigating issues related to the Eco-Lodges project, while other authorities conduct financial reviews and audits.
Minister Jobe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the National Assembly’s resolutions and ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of the tourism sector.
Man Charged with Defrauding 13 People of $4,200 in Kanifing By Dawda M. Jallow KANIFING, The Gambia – A man has appeared before the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court accused of obtaining $4,200 from several individuals under false pretences. Yusupha Sarjo was arraigned before Magistrate Binta Sowe on a charge of obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 265 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025. Prosecuting on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Sergeant Amadou Baldeh told the court that the alleged offence occurred on 15 December 2025 at Dippakunda in the Kanifing Municipality. According to the prosecution, Sarjo, with intent to defraud, allegedly obtained $4,200 — equivalent to D300,540 — from one Babacarr Tunkara under the pretext of facilitating Saudi Arabian and Spanish visas for a group of people. The visas were reportedly intended for Omar Tunkara, Aboubacarr Tunkara, Ababacarr Ceesay, Bintou Drammeh, Hagie Tunkara, Yahya Jaibou, Omar Kaira, Muhammed Bachilly, Jafara Drammeh, Malang Saidy, Moses Jawara, Ali Sano Camara, and Hajie Bakary Conteh. Sergeant Baldeh added that the accused was aware the representation was false when he collected the money, thereby committing the alleged offence. When the charge was read to him in a local language, Sarjo said he understood the allegation but denied any wrongdoing, stating that he had never assisted anyone in securing visas. The prosecution requested an adjournment to secure witnesses for the next hearing. Bail was not opposed but noted that the case involved a substantial sum of money. Magistrate Sowe granted Sarjo bail in the sum of D315,000 with three Gambian sureties, who are required to submit valid national identity cards or passports and swear affidavits of means. The case was adjourned to 8 April 2026 at 10:00 a.m. for the hearing of the prosecution’s witnesses.
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