By Dawda M. Jallow
Gambia’s Sports Minister Bakary Y. Badjie has announced that wrestling competitions and musical events will no longer be held at the Independence Stadium as part of measures to protect the facility following its recent rehabilitation.
Badjie made the announcement on Tuesday during the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services’ monthly press briefing held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.
Responding to questions from journalists, the minister said the decision was aimed at preventing damage to the stadium and ensuring that it continued to meet the required standards for hosting official football matches.
He said the restriction would apply to wrestling competitions and musical events, which had previously been held at the facility.
Badjie also said the stadium would not be used for political programs, although national events could occasionally be held there.
The minister said the government wanted to protect the investment made in rehabilitating the stadium and ensure that the facility remained available for football and other approved national activities.
“We want to maintain the stadium for many years,” Badjie said.
On football, the minister disclosed that President Adama Barrow had promised to attend the upcoming match between The Gambia and Somalia at the Independence Stadium.
Badjie said restricting activities that could damage the facility was necessary to preserve the stadium and ensure its continued use for football in the years ahead.