News

Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth & Sports , accompanied by H.E. Dr Fatou Bensouda, The Gambia High Commission in UK, Deputy Head of Mission Suntou Touray, and Mr Mahmoud Lamin Jawla, Acting Executive Director of The Gambia National Sports Council – NSC, today attended a reception hosted by Rt Hon Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, First Minister of Wales, in Glasgow. During the reception, Hon. Badjie and the First Minister discussed opportunities for sporting partnerships between The Gambia and Wales. Both sides highlighted the importance of small nations sharing ideas, experiences, and best practices to strengthen their sports and youth sectors. H.E. Dr Fatou Bensouda noted that there is a sizeable Gambian community in Wales, particularly in Cardiff and other major towns. She emphasised that Gambians are hardworking, peaceful, and make positive contributions to their communities. The First Minister acknowledged the cordial relationship between the Gambian community in Wales and the wider Welsh society. H.E. Dr Bensouda also reiterated that the High Commission is actively searching for a suitable Honorary Consul of The Gambia in Wales to further strengthen bilateral relations and support the Gambian community.

Fresh from a historic season, Domestic Double champions Berewuleng Football Club on Friday paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Youth & Sports , Bakary Y. Badjie , at the Independence Stadium in Bakau, where they presented their league and cup trophies, along with their medals. The Brikama-based side secured the GFF Women’s League One title and the FF Cup, completing an impressive domestic double. During the visit, the team expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Minister for his continued support and commitment to the growth of sports, particularly women’s football, in The Gambia. As a gesture of appreciation, the club presented special awards to Minister Badjie in recognition of his leadership and the Ministry’s efforts to promote and develop sports across the country. With their sights now set on the CAF/WAFU Zone A Women’s Champions League Qualifiers, which will be hosted in The Gambia next month, Berewuleng FC informed the Minister that preparations are already underway. As reigning national champions, the team will proudly represent The Gambia in the regional competition. The club also appealed to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for financial support to facilitate their participation in the tournament, noting that such assistance would strengthen their preparations and improve their chances of success. In his remarks, Hon. Badjie congratulated the players and officials on their remarkable achievements, describing their domestic double as a proud moment for Gambian football. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing sports development, especially women’s football, and urged the team to remain focused, disciplined and determined as they prepare to represent the nation on the regional stage.

The Ministry of Youth & Sports , under the leadership of Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie , warmly welcomes the approval by His Excellency President Adama Barrow of the appointment of Elizabeth Kinta Gomez (Lizzy K Gomez) as the Youth Representative on the Board of the National Population Commission Secretariat – The Gambia, in accordance with the National Population Act, 2025. Nominated by the Ministry, Elizabeth’s appointment marks a significant milestone in strengthening youth participation in national governance and ensuring that the voices and aspirations of young people are reflected in population and development policies. A National Youth Council – The Gambia Council Member and Chairperson of the Kanifing Municipality Youths Committee-KMYC , Elizabeth brings over a decade of experience in youth leadership, advocacy and community development. Her three-year appointment reinforces the Government’s commitment to empowering young people and promoting inclusive decision-making. The Ministry congratulates Elizabeth Kinta Gomez and wishes her and the entire Board every success as they work to advance sustainable national development. Congratulations, Elizabeth Kinta Gomez!

The 21st Executive Council UTG-Social Sciences and Humanities Students’ Association today honoured the Honourable Minister of Youth & Sports,Bakary Y. Badjie, with a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of his unwavering commitment and support to students initiatives. The presentation, led by the President of the Social Sciences and Humanities Students Association (SoSHSA), Sainey M. Saho, and accompanied by the Vice President of the 20th Executive Council, Oumie Badjie, recognised the Ministry’s unwavering support and continued investment in creating opportunities for young people across the country. Receiving the award, Hon. Badjie reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to empowering young people through education, leadership development, sports and skills training. He assured the students of the Ministry’s continued support and encouraged them to remain dedicated to their studies, give back to their communities and play meaningful roles in national development. The Minister further underscored the Ministry of commitment to working closely with tertiary institutions to promote youth leadership, academic excellence and community service, noting that investing in young people today is an investment in The Gambia’s future. Chairing the presentation, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Technical), Lamin J. Gassama, commended the association for recognising public service and encouraged stronger collaboration between government institutions and student bodies to advance youth development. Also speaking was Oumie Badjie and Sainey M Saho whom both express gratitude to the Ministry for its continuous support to the youth of the country especially their Executive Council.

The Ministry of Youth & Sports has approved D2,456,800 in support of the Gambia Volleyball Federation – GVBF to facilitate the participation of The Gambia’s U-18 Male and Female Beach Volleyball National Teams at the 2026 FIVB U-18 Beach Volleyball World Championship. This investment reflects the Government’s commitment to youth empowerment, sports development and providing young Gambian athletes with the opportunity to compete on the world stage. Congratulations, Team Gambia! Go and make the nation proud.

The Gambia Volleyball Federation – GVBF today presented its beach volleyball and indoor volleyball trophies to the Honourable Minister of Youth & Sports , Mr. Bakary Y. Badjie , during a ceremony at the Ministry in Banjul. The event was attended by the athletes, coaches, team managers, and GVBF President Bai Dodou Jallow. Hon. Badjie praised their commitment to raising The Gambia’s flag high and pledged to re ward the teams in recognition of their achievements. Team Managers Ansumana Sanyang and Alhagie Jammeh highlighted the teams’ remarkable achievements and commended the players for their dedication. Congratulating the athletes on their outstanding success, Congratulations, Team Gambia!