Barrow's "Meet the People Tour" Concludes with Promises of Progress and Community Engagement Across The Gambia
President Barrow at the Meet the People’s Tour © State House
By Pa Modou Cham
In fulfillment of Section 222 (15) of the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, President Adama Barrow has successfully concluded his nationwide "Meet the People Tour," which ran from November 18 to December 9, 2024. This tour was designed to engage with citizens, assess their conditions, and gather firsthand information on the impact of government policies. Over the course of two weeks, Barrow held more than 19 public meetings and conducted over 26 spot visits to development projects related to agriculture, education, health, and youth entrepreneurship.
The tour kicked off in the North Bank Region, where Barrow visited the ongoing construction of a modern police station in Essau. He was briefed on the facilities being built, which include a traffic unit and an interview room. Expressing gratitude to partners involved in the project, Barrow stated, “I thank our partners for their support in developing our communities.” The UN System Representative, Mr. Karl Frédérick Paul, commended Barrow for his leadership in peacebuilding and thanked the community for donating the land for the police station. Funded by UNDP in partnership with The Gambia Police Force, this project is set to be completed by the end of December 2024 and aims to provide modern facilities that will help mitigate crime rates in the community.
President Barrow at the Meet the People’s Tour talks to Citizens’ © State House
Engaging with Farmers and Livestock Owners
A highlight of the tour was President Barrow's engagement with the agricultural sector, particularly his discussions with the National Livestock Owners Association (NALOA). Ebrima O. Jallow, president of NALOA, praised Barrow for recognizing the vital role of farmers and livestock in The Gambia's economy: "No country can move forward in the absence of a strong livestock sector. Whatever development we embark on, the livestock sector must be part of it." He commended Barrow for his initiatives that have eased challenges faced by farmers, noting, “The president did not only talk about the welfare of livestock owners but took it upon himself to visit some livestock facilities in various regions.”
Infrastructure Challenges in Focus
As the tour progressed, residents of Niamina East, West, and Dankunku urged Barrow to prioritize infrastructure improvements, specifically calling for repairs to the dilapidated Choya to Dankunku highway. Alhagie Mboge, the alkalo of Dankunku, emphasized: “It is very difficult for the police to timely respond to emergencies due to a lack of vehicles.” In response to these concerns, President Barrow assured residents: “We have not forgotten Niamina. We will construct roads in all three districts in Niamina. In fact, all these roads have been approved, and work will commence soon.”
During a visit to inspect Hakalang Road in Nuimi, where 33 kilometers had been completed, Barrow witnessed contractors laying asphalt concrete to ensure safety and durability. At his first General Meeting at Bantanding Wollof, community leaders praised him for his vigorous development projects across The Gambia.
Chief Alpha Mariam Khan applauded Barrow's efforts in improving health services and infrastructure while appealing for further enhancements: “With good roads within the area, Galleh Manda can be one of the major trading centers in the region.”
President Barrow’s convoy at the Meet the People’s Tour © State House
Environmental Responsibility
Barrow also addressed environmental concerns during his tour by pledging to enforce anti-littering laws more rigorously. He remarked: “I don’t know what they are working for because everywhere within the council is dirty... It’s important that people control their waste and avoid littering.”
A Vision for Economic Growth
Throughout his tour, President Barrow reaffirmed his government's commitment to supporting farmers. He assured them that there would be good prices for groundnuts during this year’s trade season: “I have good news for Gambian farmers... We will give them a good price.” His emphasis on public-private partnerships was evident as he discussed strategies for achieving food self-sufficiency by 2030.
A Listening Leader
As President Adama Barrow's "Meet the People Tour" comes to a close, it stands as a testament to his administration's dedication to engaging with citizens and addressing their concerns. By fulfilling this constitutional mandate over two weeks across various regions, Barrow has reinforced his connection with the electorate while laying down a framework for meaningful development initiatives that resonate with Gambians' aspirations.
As he returns from this extensive engagement with communities across The Gambia, translating these promises into actionable policies will be essential for improving lives throughout the nation.
President Barrow at the Meet the People’s Tour © State House
