Banjul, 11th March 2025: During the First Ordinary Session of the National Assembly for the 2025 Legislative Year, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister for Youth and Sports, provided crucial updates on key national sports infrastructure, financial expenditures, and future projects under his ministry.
The session featured rigorous questioning from lawmakers, prompting Minister Badjie to outline the government’s strategic approach to revitalizing major national assets, including the Friendship Hotel, Bwiam Mini Stadium, and The Gambia’s National Team’s participation in the AFCON tournaments.
Responding to Hon. Alhagie S. Darboe (Brikama North) regarding the deteriorating state of the Friendship Hotel at the Independence Stadium, Minister Badjie confirmed that a Cabinet-approved plan is in place to lease the facility to a private operator. He explained that the hotel, built in the 1980s under the China-Africa Friendship Project, has not undergone any major renovations since its opening in 1984.
“A working group, including officials from the Ministries of Youth and Sports, Finance, Tourism, and Justice, along with the Stadium management, is finalizing the leasing modalities,” he stated, adding that the move aims to ensure better management, increased revenue, and improved service delivery.
In response to Hon. AlmamehGibba (FoniKansala), who sought clarity on the funding and expenditure for the Bwiam Mini Stadium, Minister Badjie revealed that in June 2020, the Ministry awarded a D7.1 million contract to Cairasu Building for the project. He assured the Assembly that all contractual agreements, GPPA approvals, and financial records have been submitted for review.
Furthermore, Minister Badjie noted that in March 2024, the facility was officially handed over to the Bwiam and Foni Sports Committee, following requests from the local community.
Hon. Pa DemboSanneh (Bondali) pressed for details on the expenditures incurred for The Gambia’s participation in AFCON 2022 and 2023. Minister Badjie provided a comprehensive breakdown: AFCON 2022 (Cameroon): The campaign cost D130.3 million, covering travel, accommodation, allowances, and logistics.
AFCON 2023 (Ivory Coast): The initial budget was D388.5 million, but only D261.9 million was raised, leading to an actual expenditure of D123.1 million.
Minister Badjie commended the National Coordinating Committee (NCC) for efficiently managing team logistics, including a training camp in Saudi Arabia before AFCON 2023. He reiterated the government’s commitment to further investments in football infrastructure and national team development.
Regarding the construction of a football field in FoniBondali, Minister Badjie reaffirmed the Ministry’s willingness to expand sports infrastructure as outlined in the National Sports Policy 2024–2034. However, he emphasized that such projects are subject to funding availability.
Minister Badjie’s responses at the National Assembly highlighted the government’s focus on transparency, accountability, and strategic planning in sports development. While challenges remain, particularly financial and logistical constraints, the Ministry of Youth and Sports remains committed to building a sustainable and inclusive sports sector for The Gambia.
By Lamarana S. Jallow
