The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, on Tuesday led a delegation to The Gambia National Assembly where they appeared before the Select Committee on Youth and Sports on an invitation Accompanied by Deputy Permanent Secretaries for Administration & Finance and Technical, along with heads of satellite institutions under the Ministry, the delegation was present to clarify concerns regarding the Ministry’s operational performance and provide a detailed report on the execution of its quarterly budget for the period 1st January to 31st March 2025.
During the session, Minister Badjie emphasized the pressing need for greater involvement and coordination across government institutions in implementing youth-related projects. He noted that while youth development initiatives exist across various sectors, the Ministry’s limited inclusion in the planning and execution phases continues to hinder optimal impact and alignment.
Deputy Permanent Secretary for Administration and Finance, Mr. Lamin A. Camara, provided a comprehensive breakdown of the Ministry’s 2025 budget allocation. Out of the approved D118,612,952, he revealed that only D19,600,000—just 16.6% of the quarterly allocation—have been received . He lamented the delay in disbursements, citing bottlenecks at the Ministry of Finance, which oversees the central government’s budget.
Heads of satellite institutions also presented updates on their respective programs. Mr. Pa Malick Ceesay, Executive Director of the President’s International Award (PIA), and Mr. Mustapha Badjie, Deputy Director of the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS), briefed the committee on progress and challenges. They highlighted key concerns such as the condition of the Janjanbureh Youth Centre, perimeter fencing at the football fields, infrastructure at the NYSS farm in Nyani berry , and ongoing needs at the Gambia Songhai Initiative (GSI).
In response, Minister Badjie and his team reassured the committee that once adequate funding is secured, the Ministry is committed to addressing these issues and upgrading the facilities as necessary.
Mr. Mbye Saine, Coordinator of GSI, spotlighted the initiative’s transformative impact on youth in the surrounding communities, while the PIA team also reported on ongoing refurbishment projects—including a modern conference hall, bakery, tailoring showroom, and shoemaking centre.
NYC Executive Director Alagie Jarju raised the issue of improving leadership and commitment in managing the Janjanbureh Youth Centre, stressing the need for a more proactive approach.
In conclusion, Minister Badjie appealed to members of the Select Committee for their continued support and advocacy in securing increased funding for the sector. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to empowering youth and advancing sports development across the country.
The session was chaired by Honourable Alieu Baldeh, National Assembly Member for Jarra West.
