13/01/2026
Stadium Renovation on Track – Minister Badjie Updates the media
Today, the Ministry of Youth & Sports , led by Honourable Minister Bakary Y. Badjie , held a press conference to brief the media on the progress of the Independence Stadium renovation and to clarify audit concerns.
The Minister explained that although the project was launched in January 2023 but actual works commence in June 2023, making the effective work period about two and a half years and not five years, as widely claimed.
He also reminded the public that AFCON matches played in 2021 were done under temporary approval, before full redevelopment officially started.
On the pitch, Minister Badjie confirmed that the stadium will maintain a natural grass surface, not artificial turf. Specialized equipment has now been secured, and an international expert company, Levery, has been engaged to handle the technical pitch works, while supervision on the work remain under the Ministry of Transport Works and Infrastructure, Gambia-MOTWI .
"The pitch is currently in the grass establishment phase, which involves reseeding and surface dressing to ensure durability and quality. These ongoing works are part of the normal process toward delivering a world-class playing surface" Hon Badjie emphasize.
Below are photos highlighting the ongoing works, along with the materials and equipment purchased for the construction and maintenance of the pitch. More updates will be shared in our next edition.
