President Adama Barrow has disclosed that Hamat N.K. Bah, the Lands Regional Government and Religious Affairs was the first to advise him against the “three-year agreement” with his 2016 coalition partners as per agreement narrative, urging him instead to remain focused on fulfilling his mandate as President.
The Gambian leader was speaking during his annual meeting with Banjul Muslim Elders, at the State House in Banjul on Friday.
The event was attended by the Imam Ratib of Banjul, Cherno Mass Kah, the President of the Supreme Islamic Council, Essa Darboe, and other venerable leaders.
Reflecting on the nature of leadership and destiny, President Barrow cited the long tenure of Dawda Jawara, who led for 30 years, and Yahya Jammeh, who ruled for 22 years. He contrasted this with his own presidency, which he said was initially envisioned to last just three years but has now extended to a decade, with ambitions for another term.
The Gambian leader underscored his belief that leadership is divinely ordained, stating that it is God who chooses leaders and does so one at a time.
He therefore urges Gambians to elect leaders who place national interest above personal gain.
However his remarks come amid ongoing political discourse around leadership, governance, and the future direction of the country.
President Barrow has stated that his technocrats have informed him of concerns from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), urging his administration to slow down its pace of capital expenditure on development projects.
At this juncture, President Barrow renewed his unwavering commitment to national development, noted that he is prepared to make bold financial decisions, break the bank if necessary, to develop The Gambia in the best interest of the Gambian people.
He explained that investing in The Gambia’s progress remains a top priority of his government.
He mentioned that the country is worth every effort and resource directed towards its progress.
President Barrow renewed his promised of universal access to electricity, water and education under his tenure for the well-being of the Gambian people.
The Minister of Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, Hamat N.K. Bah, in his remarks, stated that this year’s Ramadan is the first in recent times to witness “no significant price hikes” in the markets. He commended President Barrow for his foresight and efforts in ensuring price stability during the holy month.
The Minister also called on religious leaders to continue praying for President Barrow’s leadership, saying such support is vital in enabling him sustain his development agenda, with more initiatives in the pipeline for national progress.
Sheikh Alhaji Essa F. Darboe, President of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, urged Gambians to sustain the discipline and moral values demonstrated during Ramadan, particularly the restraint from hate speech and derogatory remarks against one another.
Sheikh Darboe emphasised the importance of unity, mutual support, and peaceful coexistence among Muslims, noting the country’s prevailing atmosphere of peace.
He further cautioned against exposing or ridiculing one another, describing such actions as contrary to the teachings of Islam.
The Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in The Gambia, Baba F. Trawally, calls on Gambians to uphold unity, peace during and after the Ramadan.
He further underscores the importance of peace, describing it as not only the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, dialogue, and mutual respect.
He calls on citizens to resolve disagreements through dialogue and to act as ambassadors of peace in their communities and online spaces.
