By Fatou Sillah
Mama Kandeh, leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), has pledged to transform the Ministry of Youth and Sports into a Ministry of Youth and Development, emphasizing that young people and women must be central to the country’s growth.
Speaking at a party event outlining GDC’s vision, Kandeh criticized the current ministry for focusing narrowly on sports while neglecting broader opportunities for youth advancement.
“Since its inception, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has operated as if the only aspiration of young people is athletics,” Kandeh said. “It is time to rethink our approach and create a Ministry of Youth and Development that equips Gambians with scholarships, skills, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Kandeh also highlighted the need for government investment in youth and women, who he described as among the most affected by neglect in policy and funding. He called for scholarship programs and skill-building initiatives that would enable these groups to participate more fully in the nation’s economic and social life.
In addition, Kandeh criticized the awarding of major infrastructure contracts to foreign companies, promising that a GDC government would prioritize local development and ensure that projects directly benefit Gambians.
“With a GDC government, development will be people-centered, and we will work to improve living conditions across the country,” he said.
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