Education Minister Drammeh Urges Gambians to Scrutinize Leadership Records Ahead of 2026 Election

By Fatou Sillah

The Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Habibatou Drammeh, has urged Gambians to carefully assess political messages and candidates as the country approaches the 2026 presidential election, warning voters against what she described as political deception.

Speaking at a National People’s Party meeting in Bakoteh Bohole, Drammeh said voters should examine the records of those seeking national leadership and reflect carefully before making their choice.

“We are in political season; I want people to be careful,” she said. “Somebody that cannot clean his area council—how can that person run a country?”

Drammeh did not name the individual she was referring to, but said Gambians should judge aspiring leaders by their performance in positions they already hold.

“I think Gambians are smart, and I know that we reflect, so let’s try and do a lot of reflection; let’s not allow anyone to deceive us,” she said.

The minister said her remarks were motivated by concern for the country rather than partisan politics, urging citizens to consider both The Gambia’s progress and its continuing challenges.

“We are not speaking because of politics; we are speaking because we love our country,” she said.

Drammeh acknowledged that the country continues to face difficulties but argued that development takes time and cannot be achieved all at once. She encouraged voters to consider what has been accomplished and what could be achieved in the years ahead.

She also praised President Adama Barrow’s record on education and youth empowerment, saying his administration has prioritized expanding educational opportunities across the country.

Drammeh said the government has been constructing an average of 10 to 11 classrooms every seven days nationwide as part of efforts to expand access to education.