15/06/2026
MINISTER OF INFORMATION DEFENDS PRESIDENT BARROW
The Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services in The Gambia, Hon. Dr. Ismaila Ceesay defended President Adama Barrow’s recent celebration of Arsenal's Premier League championship.
Dr. Ceesay on his page made the following remarks.
It is unfortunate that some politicians are trying to manufacture controversy out of a simple moment of national unity and celebration.
President Adama Barrow’s support for football is no secret. Like millions of Gambians, he enjoys the beautiful game and understands its power to bring people together across political, ethnic and social divides. Celebrating a sporting achievement does not mean the President has abandoned his responsibilities or is unaware of the challenges facing the country.
Leadership is not measured by whether a President spends an hour congratulating football fans. Leadership is measured by results.
Under President Barrow, The Gambia has witnessed unprecedented investments in roads, bridges, electricity expansion, healthcare facilities, education infrastructure, water supply projects and economic reforms. Major energy projects are underway to improve electricity supply, while government continues to intervene to cushion citizens from global economic shocks through fuel subsidies and other support measures.
The suggestion that the President cannot celebrate a football victory while simultaneously governing the country is both unreasonable and misleading. By that logic, no national leader anywhere in the world should ever attend a sporting, cultural or social event until every challenge facing their country is resolved.
Gambians are intelligent enough to understand that government can address national priorities while also embracing moments that unite and inspire citizens.
The real question is not whether President Barrow celebrated Arsenal’s success. The real question is whether his government is working to improve the lives of Gambians. The answer is evident in the roads being built, the schools being constructed, the healthcare facilities being expanded, the electricity investments being made and the economic growth being recorded.
Constructive criticism is welcome in any democracy. However, turning a harmless private football celebration with family and friends into a political attack does little to solve the challenges facing our nation.
The Gambia needs solutions, not manufactured outrage.