By Ramatoulie Jawo
His Excellency, President Adama Barrow, has reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to democracy and national unity, highlighting the country’s resilience amid political and economic challenges while celebrating key achievements over the past eight years.
President Barrow delivered these remarks at McCarthy Square in Banjul during the country’s 60th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The event was attended by political party leaders, cabinet ministers, former government officials, and international delegates, including the Presidents of Senegal and Guinea-Bissau.
Despite political disruptions, economic constraints, and other adversities, President Barrow emphasized that Gambians have remained steadfast in their commitment to justice and democracy, standing united in critical moments.
“Today, we can proudly revisit the past eight years with appreciation of our achievements. The historic 2016 Presidential Election, leading to a peaceful constitutional change of government, demonstrates the power of unity and collective determination in shaping a country’s democratic future. This spirit should be strengthened to bind us closer, as we march head-on into the future,” he stated.
President Barrow underscored his administration’s progress since assuming office in 2017, citing advancements in national reconciliation, democratic governance, and economic development. He emphasized that the government’s ten-year National Development Plan (YIRIWAA) is focused on fostering sustainable economic growth, infrastructure development, food security, human capital formation, and social protection for vulnerable populations.
Despite global economic challenges, he noted that The Gambia’s economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience.“The five point eight percent (5.8%) growth rate in 2024 and decreased headline inflation from eighteen percent (18%) in 2023 to ten (10%) in 2024 are remarkable achievements. All to the better, it is projected that our economic performance will improve from 2025 onward,” he emphasized.
This year’s independence theme, he added, underscores the importance of solidarity, self-reliance, and pragmatic solutions to national challenges. He called for increased reliance on domestic resources to reform and develop institutions for more effective governance and service delivery.