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Council urges government and employers to turn legal protections into job opportunities for persons with disabilities The National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities (NACPWD) has called for stronger action to protect the employment rights of persons with disabilities in The Gambia, warning that legal provisions alone are insufficient without effective implementation. In a press statement issued on 21 October 2026 to mark National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), the Council highlighted the importance of equal employment opportunities under the theme #EmploymentRightsForAll. The Council said employment is a fundamental human right and an important pathway to economic independence, dignity and full participation in society. It referenced Section 33 of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia, Sections 25–27 of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2021, and Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which addresse...

The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) and its partners are preparing to map disability-inclusive service providers under a European Union-funded initiative aimed at identifying available services, exposing potential gaps in access and strengthening support for persons with disabilities across targeted areas of The Gambia. The exercise is expected to generate evidence to guide service coordination, policy development and advocacy, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that persons with disabilities can access essential healthcare, rehabilitation, education, assistive technology and other support services. The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the National Organisation for the Disabled and Orphans (NODO), and Special Olympics The Gambia, is preparing to map disability-inclusive service providers to improve access to essential services and strengthen disability rights advocacy. The exercise forms part of the European Union-f...

Stakeholders call for accessible education, qualified sign-language interpreters and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities ; NHRC urges more qualified interpreters as GADHOH calls for greater inclusion of deaf and hard-of-hearing persons The Gambia Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GADHOH) has called for stronger action to ensure the full inclusion and participation of deaf and hard-of-hearing persons in all aspects of Gambian society. The call was made on 26 September 2026 during a commemoration of the International Day of Deaf and Sign Languages, organised by GADHOH and attended by representatives of organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), government institutions, schools, civil society organisations, development partners, the media and members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. https://youtu.be/8LFXGNXpxis The programme began with a march-past from Iceman Junction to the GADHOH Headquarters in Kanifing, bringing together members...

NUDY PRESS STATEMENT In Observance of International Week of Deaf People 2026 Theme: "Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights" The National Union of Disabled Youth (NUDY) joins GADHOH, the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities (NACPWD) and over 70 million Deaf people worldwide in commemorating the International Week of Deaf People 2026, culminating in the International Day of Sign Languages observed on 23rd September. This year's theme, "Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights," is powerful and timely. It comes as we mark 20 years of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It reminds us that Sign Language Rights are Human Rights. Our Message is Clear: To declare Deaf people's human rights is to affirm that: - Access to Gambian Sign Language is a right, not a privilege; - Access to inclusive and quality education in sign language for Deaf children and you...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NACPWD & GFD Mourn the Passing of Dr Karamo N.M. Sonko - Steadfast Champion of the Disability Community in The Gambia Banjul, The Gambia — 8 June 2026 — The National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities (NACPWD) and the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Dr Karamo N.M. Sonko in London. Dr Sonko was a steadfast partner and tireless champion of the disability community in The Gambia. His commitment, generosity and advocacy uplifted many people with disabilities and strengthened our collective voice. His loss leaves a significant void in the ongoing struggle for inclusion and dignity. The National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities and the Gambia Federation of the Disabled extend heartfelt condolences to Dr Sonko’s family, friends, and the people of Sintate, Foni District. They join the community in prayer and in honouring his memory as he was laid to rest in his home villa...

Suspensions and closures of international media outlets are increasingly being used to silence critical reporting and restrict access to information across the Sahel. Since 2022, several international media organisations, including Radio France Internationale, France 24 and Voice of America, have suffered suspensions or outright broadcasting bans in a climate of restrictions on local and international media alike and tighter state control over information in the region. In this edition, we examine the crackdown on international media across the region, with a focus on the latest suspensions imposed by Nigerien authorities. On 8 May 2026, Niger’s media regulator, the National Communications Observatory (ONC) suspended nine international French-language media outlets, accusing them of disseminating content deemed capable of undermining public order and national stability. The affected outlets include France 24, Radio France Internationale, Agence France-Presse, TV5 Monde, as well...

This column is dedicated to discussing disability rights, inclusion, and equal opportunities in The Gambia. It aims to simplify laws, policies, and everyday issues affecting persons with disabilities, so that everyone can understand their rights and responsibilities in clear and simple English. The focus is on awareness, inclusion, and practical understanding of how laws work in real life. The protection of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in The Gambia is not only a moral responsibility but also a legal requirement backed by law. The Persons with Disabilities Act 2021 provides a strong framework for inclusion, equality, and non-discrimination. A key part of this law is Section 70, which outlines offences and penalties for anyone who violates the rights of persons with disabilities. Section 70 is important because it ensures accountability. It places responsibility on individuals, institutions, and public authorities to respect the rights of persons with disabilitie...

Meet Sainabou Colley, a 51-year-old Gambian woman whose life has been brought to a standstill by a severe spinal condition. For years, she endured persistent back pain, but her situation has now worsened to the point where she can no longer walk and relies on a wheelchair. Medical specialists have confirmed that Sainabou urgently needs advanced spinal surgery abroad—specifically in India—to survive and regain her mobility. Without this intervention, her condition may continue to deteriorate. The estimated cost for her treatment—including surgery, travel, and post-operative care—exceeds **$10,000**, an amount far beyond her means. This is where your support can make a life-changing difference. **How you can help:** * 💰 Donate any amount you can afford * 🔁 Share this appeal widely * 🤝 Connect her with individuals or organisations willing to support 📞 **Contact (WhatsApp): +220 7526403** Every contribution, no matter how small, brings Sainabou one step closer to standing an...

In fulfilment of their Islamic religious obligations and unwavering commitment to humanity, **Vision Development Foundation (VDF)** continues its cherished tradition of sharing kindness and hope during the holy month of Ramadan. Last Thursday at its Churchill’s Town premises, VDF distributed essential food items — including bread, sugar, dates, tea, milk — along with cash support to needy families and vulnerable community members. The charity drive, which began on Thursday and Friday, is expected to continue throughout the holy month. Over the years, VDF’s Ramadan outreach has benefited a wide cross-section of Gambian society, including institutions, Islamic religious and community organisations, political parties, media houses, Area Councils, Ward Councillors, National Assembly Members, and disability communities. The initiative has reached communities from the Greater Banjul Area to the Upper River Region (URR). True to its inclusive spirit, similar gestures are extended during...

Brikama, West Coast Region — Disaster stakeholders issued a stark warning January 22: Persons with disabilities face deathly risks in emergencies due to exclusion from planning, early warnings, and evacuations, demanding immediate inclusion as a legal mandate. Stakeholders in disaster risk management called for full inclusion of persons with disabilities in preparedness, response, and recovery, warning that exclusion exposes this vulnerable group to disproportionate risks. The call came during a sensitisation forum on 22 January 2026, organised by the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities (NACPD) with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) at the Gambia Teachers’ Union Hall in Brikama. NACPD Chairperson Muhammed Krubally opened by noting disasters—climate, health, or human-induced—hit persons with disabilities hardest due to inaccessible warnings and planning gaps. “Persons wi th disabilities are often excluded from disaster planning, yet they are among th...

Banjul, The Gambia — The Gambia reinforced its growing profile as an investment and financing hub in West Africa by hosting the 7th edition of the Financial Afrik Awards (FAA) from 22 to 23 January 2026 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre. The two-day summit and awards ceremony, officially opened by President Adama Barrow, brought together over 400 delegates from 22 nationalities, including senior government officials, financial leaders, development partners, investors, and private sector executives from across Africa and the Arab world. Held under the theme “Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) as an Alternative to Public Debt,” the event highlighted innovative and sustainable financing solutions to help African countries bridge infrastructure gaps without overreliance on sovereign borrowing. Barrow: “No Infrastructure, No Development” In his opening address, President Barrow praised the organisers for selecting The Gambia as host and reaffirmed his gove...

Banjul, The Gambia, is hosting the 7th edition of the Financial Afrik Awards (FAA) on 22–23 January 2026 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, bringing together Africa’s top political, financial, and business leaders. Held under the theme “Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as an Alternative to Public Debt,” the flagship event will spotlight innovative financing solutions for Africa’s infrastructure needs while promoting fiscal sustainability. Since its launch in 2018, the Financial Afrik Awards have become a premier platform for high-level dialogue, strategic partnerships, and the celebration of African excellence. This year’s edition will feature ministerial panels, Africa–Arab World roundtables, investment forums, and networking sessions, alongside the prestigious Gala Dinner honouring “The 100 Who Are Transforming Africa.” Discussions will focus on PPP execution, Islamic finance instruments such as Sukuks, Africa–Gulf cooperation, and scaling bankable p...

The European Union (EU), in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), on 14 January 2026 officially launched a 30-month disability-inclusive project aimed at empowering children with disabilities in The Gambia through education, technology and play. The project, titled “Disability Inclusive Pathways: Empowering Children with Disabilities Through Education, Technology, and Play,” will be implemented in 12 selected mainstream schools across the Kanifing Municipality, West Coast Region and North Bank Region. It seeks to address persistent barriers faced by children with disabilities, including stigma, inaccessible school infrastructure, limited assistive technologies and inadequate teacher training. Speaking at the launch ceremony, attended by senior government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) and the media, the Chairperson of the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), His Worship Muhammed Krubally, ...

29/12/2025, Banjul, The Gambia; Story Photos Source Mr Jim Cham of JC Peoductions. Contact Number: +220 790 0699: Gambians from all walks of life on Monday gathered in Sir Dawda Kairaba International Conference Centre in Bijilo to honour the life, work and enduring legacy of Professor Mbye Cham, a distinguished Gambian scholar, filmmaker and mentor whose intellectual labour advanced African Studies, cultural memory and social consciousness across Africa and the diaspora. The event, “Honouring the Legacy of the Late Professor Mbye Cham”, featuring the premiere of his documentary film on Comrade Ebou Madi Sillah, was organised by the Nyang-Sanneh Institute for Social Research and Justice (NSI) and held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre. The ceremony brought together academics, artists, writers, students, policy practitioners, family members and long-time friends, reflecting the wide impact of both Professor Cham and Comrade Ebou Madi Sillah on Gambian in...