19/07/2025
Statement from The Sports Journalists’ Association of The Gambia
The Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia (SJAG) is deeply saddened and alarmed by the tragic road accident involving the Gambia Basketball U16 National Team bus en route to Guinea Conakry. We are relieved to hear that NO fatalities have been reported and extend our heartfelt prayers and support to the injured players, officials, and their families as they receive medical attention. We wish them a speedy and complete recovery.
However, SJAG strongly condemns the questionable decision by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Gambia Basketball Association to transport our young athletes by bus over a long and potentially dangerous journey. This incident raises serious concerns about the safety protocols and travel arrangements for our national teams, particularly for our youth, who represent the future of Gambian sports. The SJAG question why safer alternatives, such as air travel, were not prioritized, exposing our athletes to unnecessary risks. The use of a bus for such an international trip is unacceptable and reflects a grave lapse in judgment.
Clearly, the consequences of this accident extend beyond the immediate injuries. Missing the qualifiers due to this avoidable tragedy will have a profound impact on both the boys’ and girls’ teams and the broader landscape of Gambian basketball. These young athletes have dedicated countless hours to training and preparation, and this setback deprives them of a critical opportunity to showcase their talent, gain international experience, and advance their development.
Sadly, absence from these qualifiers could hinder the growth of basketball in The Gambia, discourage young players, and diminish the sport’s momentum on the national and international stage. The emotional and psychological toll on these young athletes, who carry the hopes of their communities, cannot be understated.
The government and the Basketball Association must be held accountable for this failure. SJAG demands answers as to why such a risky mode of transportation was chosen and calls for immediate reforms to prioritize athlete safety.
While we acknowledge the prompt response from H.E. President Barrow and the Office of the President in arranging a private plane to bring the team home and deploying a medical team to assist the victims, this does not excuse the initial negligence that led to this preventable incident. SJAG demands a transparent investigation into the decision-making process behind the choice of transportation and urges the implementation of robust policies to prevent future occurrences.
Our national teams deserve better. The safety, well-being, and aspirations of our athletes must always come first. SJAG stands in solidarity with the affected players, their families, and the basketball community. We will continue to monitor this situation closely, advocate for accountability, and push for systemic changes to ensure the safety and success of Gambian sports.
