{"id":94542,"date":"2026-02-20T15:10:39","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T15:10:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/gambia\/uncategorized\/president-barrow-links-61st-independence-to-inclusive-growth"},"modified":"2026-02-20T16:13:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T16:13:43","slug":"president-barrow-links-61st-independence-to-inclusive-growth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/gambia\/all-news\/president-barrow-links-61st-independence-to-inclusive-growth","title":{"rendered":"President Barrow Links 61St Independence to Inclusive Growth"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Gambia. <\/strong> <\/span>President Adama Barrow said Wednesday that The Gambia\u2019s 61st Independence Anniversary is not just a celebration of the past but a renewed commitment to translating political freedom into socio-economic progress.<\/b><\/p>\n

Speaking at the official celebrations, President Barrow described independence as \u201ca living responsibility that demands vision, discipline and collective effort,\u201d emphasizing the need to chart a national development path, harness domestic resources, and ensure shared prosperity.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s theme, \u201cHarnessing The Gambia\u2019s Human and Infrastructural Resources for an Inclusive Leap to Prosperity,\u201d aligns with the country\u2019s National Development Plan, YIRIWA. According to the president, YIRIWA provides strategic guidance for economic transformation, social inclusion, and institutional strengthening, ensuring that no Gambian is left behind.<\/p>\n

\u201cSixty-one years ago, our forebears fought for the right to determine our destiny. Today, YIRIWA stands as a modern expression of that struggle \u2014 a Gambian-owned blueprint focused on improving the lives and livelihoods of our people,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

President Barrow highlighted the relevance of post-independence values such as hard work, resilience, honesty, and collective responsibility in addressing contemporary development challenges.<\/p>\n

Under the YIRIWA framework, government priorities include health, energy, infrastructure, education, food security, and democratic governance. Since 2017, the administration has expanded and upgraded health facilities nationwide, strengthened service delivery, and invested in human capital to improve access to healthcare.<\/p>\n

In the energy sector, President Barrow cited the expansion of the national grid and the commissioning of renewable energy projects, including large-scale solar investments, as steps toward energy security and economic competitiveness.<\/p>\n

On infrastructure, he highlighted ongoing road projects, including those linked to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation summit and regional feeder roads, noting their role in improving connectivity, trade, and national integration.<\/p>\n

The president reaffirmed the government\u2019s commitment to food self-sufficiency and agricultural modernization, supporting farmers with improved inputs, equipment, extension services, and market access. \u201cA sovereign nation must be able to feed itself,\u201d he said, stressing agriculture\u2019s importance for employment creation, poverty reduction, and national stability.<\/p>\n

Regarding governance, he noted expanded civic space, strengthened democratic institutions, and reinforced respect for the rule of law, including the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission. In education, reforms include a competency-based curriculum and institutional upgrades aimed at aligning skills development with national priorities.<\/p>\n

Addressing youth issues, President Barrow described young people as a critical national asset and outlined initiatives in skills development, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and targeted financing to boost their economic participation.<\/p>\n

He acknowledged persistent challenges, such as youth unemployment, rising living costs, climate shocks, and global economic uncertainties, calling for unity, discipline, and national cohesion. He reiterated a policy of zero tolerance for corruption, inefficiency, and complacency in the public service, pledging continued accountability and prudent use of public resources.<\/p>\n

President Barrow also expressed gratitude to parents, teachers, students, and members of the defence and security services for participating in the anniversary celebrations, and thanked development partners for their support of The Gambia\u2019s national agenda.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt 61, The Gambia reflects renewed confidence and purposeful direction. Independence must be measured by improvements in public services, institutions, and inclusive growth. Together, let us continue building a peaceful, prosperous, and resilient Gambia for present and future generations,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Find more news and analyses on Gambia<\/span> on the Africa Press<\/span> website<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Gambia. President Adama Barrow said Wednesday that The Gambia\u2019s 61st Independence Anniversary is not just a celebration of the past but a renewed commitment to translating political freedom into socio-economic progress. Speaking at the official celebrations, President Barrow described independence as \u201ca living responsibility that demands vision, discipline and collective effort,\u201d emphasizing the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":94541,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,7,12],"tags":[260],"class_list":["post-94542","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-head-lines","category-policy","tag-gambia"],"yoast_head":"\nPresident Barrow Links 61St Independence to Inclusive Growth - Gambia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"-article-header-tag"> Africa-Press - Gambia. 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