By Lamarana S. Jallow
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Honourable Bakary Y. Badjie, recently appeared before members of the National Assembly to respond to a series of questions raised under the Fourth Ordinary Session of the 2025 Legislative Year.
The session, marked by strong parliamentary scrutiny, focused on the ongoing renovation works at the Independence Stadium and the status of the long-awaited Youth and Sports Bills.
Addressing a question from Honourable Yaya Sanyang of Latrikunda Sabiji, Minister Badjie dismissed circulating rumours suggesting that FIFA had rejected the Independence Stadium.
“There was nothing like FIFA rejecting the Stadium,” he clarified. He explained that the Confederation of African Football (CAF), following its inspection, declared the facility unfit to host Category A matches not due to structural deficiencies, but primarily because of issues related to the pitch.
According to the CAF assessment, all major components of the stadium met the required standards except the field, which was not properly levelled and showed patches of unsuitable grass. The Minister attributed this setback to the absence of modern maintenance equipment and a shortage of trained personnel to manage the new pitch.
In addition to the pitch-related concerns, CAF also requested additional CCTV cameras, a disability platform, extra staircases linking the pavilions to the pitch, and the completion of connecting access roads.
Minister Badjie assured lawmakers that the government is committed to completing the required works. He noted that the necessary maintenance machines have been procured and are currently awaiting shipment from France.
Responding to a question raised by Honourable Almamy Gibba on behalf of Honourable Omar Jammeh of Janjanbureh, the Minister provided clarity on the prolonged delay surrounding the Youth and Sports Bills.
Minister Badjie informed the Assembly that both Bills had been completed “a long ago,” but progress stalled at the Attorney General’s Chambers due to a backlog of legal matters. He further disclosed that the Sports Bill has already secured Cabinet approval, while the Youth Bill is still awaiting Cabinet review.
The Minister expressed optimism that both Bills will be presented before the National Assembly during the first session of 2026, noting ongoing engagement with the Cabinet Office to expedite the review process.
