Barrow Promises to Replicate Banjul’s Development in KMC if Given Another Mandate

By Makutu Manneh

President Adama Barrow has pledged to transform the Kanifing Municipality, promising to replicate what he described as his administration’s development achievements in Banjul while urging voters to assess presidential candidates by their records in public office rather than their campaign promises.

Speaking at a Meet-the-People Tour gathering in Manjai Kunda on Sunday, October 18, 2026, Mr. Barrow said his government remained committed to expanding infrastructure and improving essential public services, including roads, electricity, water supply, and healthcare facilities.

He urged residents who wanted to see the continuation of those projects to support his administration, while suggesting that voters opposed to his development agenda were free to back other political candidates.

Describing the Kanifing Municipality as a politically significant and relatively informed electorate, the president challenged residents to carefully scrutinize the qualifications and achievements of those seeking public office.

“KMC is an important region; it is part of the capitals, so we expect that you are educated, aware, and know politics. So we expect if you are to elect you will scrutinize and know who does the work and who doesn’t,” he said.

Mr. Barrow also called on voters in the municipality to take a leading role in the December 5 presidential election, arguing that their proximity to the country’s administrative and political center placed them in a position to influence the broader national electorate.

The president defended his administration’s record, insisting that public office should be regarded as a responsibility to deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives rather than an opportunity for personal comfort.

He said governing required more than political rhetoric, drawing a distinction between making promises and delivering results.

According to Mr. Barrow, several individuals now seeking the presidency have previously occupied positions of authority, giving voters an opportunity to evaluate their performance and determine whether they demonstrated the leadership qualities necessary to govern the country.

He questioned the development records of political figures who, he argued, had spent years in positions of responsibility without delivering meaningful progress.

His remarks come as political parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the December presidential election, with infrastructure development, public service delivery, and the performance of political leaders emerging as prominent issues in the contest.