By Makutu Manneh
President Adama Barrow said on Sunday that he would double a business fund run by his ruling National People’s Party, raising it to 100 million dalasis from 50 million, if he wins re-election in 2026.
Speaking to a group of women at the State House, Mr. Barrow rejected claims that the fund was financed by the European Union or drawn from government resources. He did not disclose its source, saying only that critics would not be told where the money originated.
The pledge comes as Mr. Barrow seeks to bolster support among women, a key voting bloc, ahead of the next presidential contest.
While acknowledging that citizens are free to oppose his leadership, Mr. Barrow argued that his record in office reflected tangible national progress.
“You can say you don’t want President Barrow; that is your right,” he said. “But you cannot deny that The Gambia has developed.”
He added that even traditional praise singers, known as griots, had reflected such changes in their performances.
The president also urged Gambians to participate in the ongoing supplementary voter registration, framing voter identification cards as essential to political participation.
“All those making noise want your position,” he said, addressing supporters. “Then you should defend your position, and this can be done if you have your voter card.”
Mr. Barrow described civic engagement as a measure of patriotism, saying that broad participation in the electoral process was necessary for national progress.
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