Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 46/2007, 23 - 24 April, 2007
Editorial
THE PRESS RELEASE IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND UNLAWFUL
ATTORNEY GENERAL SHOULD GIVE ADVICE!!
According to Section 6 of the Constitution, it is the duty of every citizen
to defend the Constitution. Infact Section 207 subsection (3) indicates very
clearly that “The press and other information media shall at all times be
free to uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of the Constitution,
and the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people of the
Gambia.”
The Executive has sworn to defend the Constitution without fear or favour,
affection or ill will. Section 193 subsection (1) of the Constitution states
that “Local government administration in the Gambia shall be based on a system
of democratically elected councils with a high degree of local autonomy.”
Section 193 subsection (4) adds that “It shall be the object of the local
government system that as far as possible, issues of local policy and
administration shall be decided at a local level and that local government authorities
shall cooperate with the central government in adopting a policy of
decentralisation.”
Section 194 of the Constitution makes it mandatory for the Local Government
Act to have a provision for the “direct election of the Mayor or Chairman
(chairperson) of the authority”
Section 12 of the Local Government Act states that “The Chairperson of a
City Council or Municipal Council shall be known as the Mayor or Mayoress, as
the case may be.”
Section 13 adds that “A Chairperson shall be elected by Universal adult
suffrage of all eligible voters in the local government area.” According to
Section 11 of the Act the Councils comprise elected and nominated members.
According to subsection (2) of Section 11 “The nominated members are supposed to be
proposed by civil organisations or interest groups they represent, and
appointed by the Chairperson with the approval of the Secretary of State.”
What is strange with the two municipalities is that the elected Mayors have
been pushed aside and were replaced with Acting Mayors who are nominated
members of Council.
Furthermore, the nominated member who had been acting as Mayor in the KMC
has now been removed and replaced with a person whose nomination as a member is
yet to be announced and who was up to the time of his appointment a member
of the IEC. The question now arises. Has he been removed as an IEC
Commissioner or has he resigned. If both had not happened then Section 17 subsection 3
(1) disqualifies him to be a member.
In short, Section 17 subsection (3)(i) of the Local Government Act states
that “A person shall not qualify to be elected or nominated as a member of a
Council if he or she is a member of the Independent Electoral Commission.”
It is also an irony that the two elected Mayors must still be holding office
and should be paid incomes if the situation is considered objectively.
In short, Section 20(1) of the Local Government Act makes provision for
removal for abuse of office, corruption, misconduct, physical or mental
incapacity for discharging duties.
The amended version provides for suspension pending a commission of enquiry.
However, if the Chairperson is suspended it is the deputy who should act or “
a councillor, appointed by the members of the council from among the elected
councillors shall act as Deputy Chairperson.”
Hence if the first and second Mayors of the KMC are still under suspension
then what has happened to the requirement of the law for the Deputy
Chairperson to act?
If they are removed then where does Section 23 of the Local Government Act
stand? This section states “Where an elected member of a council ceases to
hold office under Sections 19 to 22 of this Act, a by election shall be held
within two months to elect another person to replace him or her, except that
where he or she ceased to hold office within six months before the end of
his/her tenure of office no by election shall be held.”
Foroyaa holds that the Constitution and the Local Government Act are being
flouted by the Executive with regards to the administration of Banjul and
Kanifing municipalities. The newly commissioned Acting Mayor of KMC should
contact the Attorney General for advice if he is still a member of the IEC and if
he is not nominated as a member of the council in accordance with the Local
Government Act.
What may have been in line with the amendment of the Local Government Act
which weakened the autonomy of the councils is to create the post of Local
administrator and appoint Mr. Njie to perform such oversight role. As it stands
much confusion looms over the mandate for his appointment.
The Attorney General should either make public comments to rectify us if we
are wrong or step in to guide the actions of the Executive and make the
necessary public announcements with speed.
AIDS Treatment
UNAIDS and WHO underline importance of evidence based approaches to
treatment in response to HIV/AIDS
By Sarjo Camara Singhateh
Geneva, 16 March 2007 – The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS
(UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) reiterate the importance of
evidence based approaches to AIDS treatment as part of a comprehensive response to
the epidemic.
According to UNAIDS and WHO, Sub-Saharan Africa carries the highest burden
of HIV infections and AIDS-related mortality in the world. No cure for AIDS
exists. Once a person has been infected with HIV, he or she remains infected
for life. Countries and partners are therefore working together to accelerate
access to HIV prevention, treatment and care to mitigate the impact of the
epidemic in the African region.
Herbal remedies cannot take the place of comprehensive treatment and care
for people living with HIV (including prophylaxis and treatment for
opportunistic infections, and highly active antiretroviral therapy where indicated).
These treatments should not be stopped in favour of any such remedy.
Discontinuation of antiretroviral therapy, once people have commenced their treatment
programmes, will lead to very serious adverse effects, and even death. HIV drug
resistance is also more likely to occur.
UNAIDS and WHO are promoting and supporting the use of combination
antiretroviral therapy. Antiretroviral treatment is an important component in the
response to AIDS––for people living with HIV and who are in need of
antiretroviral treatment––it can both prolong life and improve quality of life. In low-
and middle-income countries over 1.6 million people are receiving
antiretroviral treatment. With increased resources and global commitment to scale up
access to antiretroviral treatment, coverage increased in sub-Saharan Africa
from less than 2% in 2003 to 23% in June 2006. These gains must be sustained.
UNAIDS and WHO recommend that on no account should patients on
antiretroviral therapy interrupt their treatment unless advised to do so on medical
grounds by their treating physicians or health care workers.
Comment
Foroyaa attempted to fix an appointment with Dr. Mbowe, in order to find out
his opinion on the possible collaboration with international experts to
assess the safety of the therapeutic intervention of the Gambia according to
standards of best practice. We are still unable to track him down. He may contact
Foroyaa as soon as he reads this issue. Messages have been left for him at
the office without any response.
BRIKAMABA POLICE OFFICERS DETAINED
By Yaya Dampha
Reports have it that last week the police officers at Brikama Police Station
in Central River Region were arrested and taken straight to Janjangbureh
Prison, where they are currently detained. The officers are laid to eight in
number and they include the station officer.
According to the reports, the police officers arrested one man from Senegal
in relation to cattle theft but that the suspect escaped from custody.
Station Officer Sowe is said to have been arrested at Janjangbureh while
Lance Corporal Mballow is said to have been arrested at his home village,
Fulabantang where he is the Alkalo.
When this reporter visited Brikamaba Police Station last Wednesday, he found
that a unit of paramilitary officers have now taken over the station.
When Police Public Relations Officer was contacted he said he was not aware
of anything like that.
Editor’s Comment
We will contact the Public Relations Officer again for police confirmation
of the report.
CHIEF MANNEH’S WHEREABOUTS NOT KNOWN
Chief Ebrima Manneh, a journalist working with the Daily Observer, was
arrested by the two agents of the National Intelligence Agency at his work place
early July 2006. He was since been detained at the NIA headquarters in Banjul
before being transferred to Gunjur, Sare Ngai and Fatoto Police Stations.
When this reporter last saw him it was in Fatoto in January 2007. However
this time this reporter went to all these stations but could not establish his
whereabouts.
Sources at Fatoto have it that Mr. Manneh was transferred to an unknown
destination sometime in February. Many believe that he is taken to a station in
Kombo. Others say the NIA collected him and took him to Banjul.
When contacted, the police Public Relations Officer (PRO) Jobarteh said he
did know anything about Chief Manneh.
MASTER TAMBA DETAINED AT FATOTO
Mr. Tamba Fofana, the headmaster of Kudang Lower Basic School, who was
arrested on 16 September 2006 (8 months ago) by Inspector Omar Jawo of Bansang
Police Station, is being detained at Fatoto. Mr. Fofana who has been detained at
several other police stations was brought to Fatoto from Sare Ngai Police
Station where he has spent about five months.
When this reporter visited the station he saw Master Tamba in cell and
called him “uncle.” Mr. Tamba’s face looked pale and bony.
According to sources, Mr. Tamba was brought there when Foroyaa published
that he was at Sare Ngai. He was taken to Fatoto over a month ago.
When contacted Mrs. Fofana said since her husband’s arrest she was given
information that her husband was there and that he was sick. She said the police
came and told her that she should leave the station since the person she saw
was not Tamba Fofana. It is said that medicaments and food she gave to the
Police were returned to her even though she asked them to give the foods to
any other person(s) they might have with them.
Readers could recall that in December last year the high court in Banjul
gave orders for the release of Master Tamba Fofana on bail. The state has since
then not honoured this court order.
Master Tamba and many people have been under detention for over the (72)
seventy-two hours required by the constitution of The Gambia.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Inspector Jobarteh said
he does not know anything about Master Tamba. This reporter further told him
about the high court order of last December for Tamba to be released on
bail; the PRO said he did not know about that too.
DOCKWORKERS CALL OFF STRIKE THREAT
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The Secretary General of The Gambia Dock and Marine Workers’ Union, Mr.
Landing Sanyang, told Foroyaa that they had called off their sit down strike
after one of their main demands had been met. He said further that the other main
demand will be tabled tomorrow, Tuesday 24 April. He said their decision to
call off the strike followed the intervention of the Permanent Secretary,
Department of State for Trade, Industry and Employment.
Mr. Sanyang told Foroyaa that their first major demand which has been met is
to fill the gangs by promoting dockworkers to unfilled positions. He went on
to say that in this regard the Permanent Secretary had instructed the
Commissioner of Labour to immediately fill all the vacant positions. He added that
dockworkers who do not belong to gangs will be registered to become part of a
gang. He noted that all this will be done by tomorrow.
According to Mr. Sanyang, their second demand, which will be tabled tomorrow
concerns the payment mechanism. He said that it is the Gambia Ports
Authority which controls their payment and bonus system. He indicated that the bonus
system which used to apply no longer applies. He added that they are “not
allowed to work on board vessels, at the wharf and at the wharehouses.” He
informed Foroyaa that the GPA though not part last meeting, will be present at
tomorrow’s meeting. Efforts to talk the GPA was unsuccessful. Foroyaa could not
also get the views of the Permanent Secretary, Trade, Industry and Employment
because he had travelled while the Deputy Permanent Secretary declined to
speak.
SCHOOL GIRL AND KOMBO EAST MP’S FRACAS
By Suwaibou & Modou Jonga
A case is building up at the Mandinaba Post to which the attention of the
media has been called to prevent such fracas.
It is reported that it has been on since 16 April 2007. Abibatou Sanyang, a
student of Muslim High School was taken to the Brikama health centre and was
later directed to go to the RVTH after allegedly receiving a severe beating
from the MP of Kombo East, Hon. Lamin M.M. Bojang and his son.
Flabbergasted by the whole incident Abibatou’s step-mother claimed that she
could not understand how conflict between children could drive the MP to such
rage as to ignore her pleading for mercy as he gave her daughter severe
beating in their own compound. She could not understand why the MP gave her
repeated slaps to the point of deafening her ear for some time.
It is reported that another by stander reported the incident to the police
through a phone call; that the police asked them to give their statements.
Apparently, the school girl, the mother and the woman who reported the case
and the MP have given their statements. When Foroyaa contacted the NAM for
Kombo East Mr. Lamin M.M. Bojang, he declined to comment noting that such
incident is a family issue. The Kombo East NAM further opined that some unknown
elements are bent on gaining some political dividends from this little, non
political family issue, thereby tarnishing his image.
FATOU JAW MANNEH’S TRIAL
“PRESIDENT JAMMEH DID NOT LACK DIRECTION,”
Says Witness
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The NIA officer (name withheld) testifying in the sedition trial of
journalist Fatou Jaw Manneh has said that President Jammeh is not somebody who
totally lacks direction. He was responding to the article alleged to be an
interview with Fatou Jaw Manneh, while in U.S.A.
He said that he had seen the said article on the Freedom online newspaper.
He said that the accused person was a subscriber to that online newspaper. He
noted that the Freedom Newspaper is owned by a Gambian based in the United
States. He added that the article was published on 23rd October 2005 and that
he saw the article in the first week of its publication. He asserted that he
saw the said article on the internet on many occasions and that many people
could have also read it on the net. He stressed that the internet is for
universal coverage and that it does not go directly to anybody but to the whole
world. At this point, he was asked by the state counsel E. O Fagbenle to read
paragraph three of the said article. He read as thus: “Betrayal, Jammeh is
tearing our beloved country into shreds, he debunked our hopes and became a thorn
into every issue that is related to progress in The Gambia; be it social,
political and economical. Worst of all he is a bundle of terror.” Continuing,
the witness opined that Jammeh became president in 1994 and was elected to
office on term-basis but he (the witness) did not know any act of betrayal done
by Jammeh. He opined that he could not say from 1994 to date where Jammeh has
torn our country into shreds. He added that he did not know of any issue or
fact where Jammeh has been a thorn in every issue that leads to progress in
The Gambia, be it social, political or economic. “I do not know of any fact or
incident where Jammeh could be branded as a bundle of terror.” He said in
his opinion those allegations are not true. He said when he read that article,
he felt very bad. The accusations labelled against the President is not true,”
he said. The state counsel asked him to read out paragraph four on the same
article. He read it thus: “If you look around in The Gambia, particularly at
the conditions people lived in, you will see what I mean; that Gambians are
desperately in need of an alternative to this egoistic frosty Imam of APRC
Jammeh is full of energy and totally lacks direction, all he needs is to come
clear to the Gambian people that he has failed us all miserably; that he will
be doing everything to revitalise his promises to The Gambian people, excuse
his ten years in officer rather than forcing us to like him or forcing us to
recognise the developments that do not exist.”
The witness stated that his opinion is that President Jammeh is not an
egoistic frosty Imam of APRC and that since 1994 he does not know of any negative
energy of him. “President Jammeh did not totally lack direction and did not
fail Gambians miserably” he opined. He never forced anybody to like him but
what can force Gambians to like him is that he is development oriented, that
anybody who sees that will like him” he said. He opined that, Jammeh brought
many developments in The Gambia, such as university, good road networks, new
airport building, numerous hospitals, numerous schools, from lower to upper
levels. He also opined that earning capacity of Gambians has increased between
1994 to date. He said that there are street lights which were not there
before, adding “I did not agree with the accused person’s comments on the article
and as far as I know they are not true. The NIA officer concluded that there
are three (3) arms of The Gambia government that is the executive, judiciary
and legislature. He said that members of the legislature are elected through
elections or by nomination. He added that such procedures are contained in
the Constitution of The Gambia. “The constitution is a legal and a public
document,” he said.
During cross examination by defence counsel Lamin Jobarteh, the witness
indicated that he is an O’level product with six grades, adding that he has a
certificate and will be in a position to produce it in court if necessary. He
said that he graduated in 1995 and joined the NIA in 2003. Jobarteh asked him
whether he had travelled from Banjul to Koina and seen the state of the
development there. The witness replied that he never travelled beyond Basse and may
not know the state of development beyond that. Jobarteh asked him about the
state of the road between Barra and Amdalai and whether there is any
electricity there. He said that there was no electricity but that in his opinion the
road condition there is as good as between Banjul and Serrekunda. “I’m
putting it to you that, the road between Barra and Amdalai is as bad as the road
between Mandinaba and Soma and that you are not telling the truth,” said
Jobarteh. He replied, “I’m speaking the truth and that the road is not as bad as
that.” “Can you define the word frosty, asked Jobarteh. The NIA officer
replied “No.” At that juncture the case was adjourned till Friday 4th May 2007.
The case was heard at Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, presided over by
Magistrate Buba Jawo.
ADG CALLS FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA
By Amie Sanneh
The Deputy Nigerian High Commissioner, Obase B. Okonger, has described good
governance as a democratic system where people have human rights, freedom of
association and there is transparency.
Mr. Okonger pointed out that to be a champion of democracy one must be
educated as, only educated people can make informed decisions and choices. The
Deputy Nigerian High Commissioner made these remarks at the launching of a
biannual magazine and the first anniversary of Africa in Democracy and Good
Governance (ADG).
Mr. Okonger added that both men and women must be equal in terms of
education. Empowerment of women, he said, is part of good governance and democracy.
The Deputy Nigerian High Commissioner also commented on the rights of
children. He said children need to be empowered noting that the future lies in
their hands. He said if children are not given a good start they would not be
able to have a good future.
Mr. Okonger urged governments to be transparent and objective to their
people. The Director of Programs ADG, Edwin Nebolisa Nwakaeme, said his
Association was founded to contribute to the growing efforts to promote and inculcate
democratic values and principles. He pointed out that his Association is
characterised by a strong and vibrant society.
LACK OF MEDICAL REPORT DELAYS TABARA SAMBA’S MURDER TRIAL
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The unavailability of a medical report to the prosecution in the ongoing
murder trial of Tabara Samba has affected the proceedings of the case on Monday.
Presiding Magistrate, Pa Harry Jammeh of the Kanifing Magistrate Court said
the police are trying to get a medical report regarding the circumstances of
the case.
He also said that the brother of the Lawyer defending the accused person had
a funeral and could not be in court.
The magistrate therefore adjourned the trial to a fortnight for continuation.
Mrs. Samba was dragged to court for allegedly murdering her husband.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
SIGNS OF CORRUPTION EVIDENT
“STOP ROBBING THE NATION,”
Says Honourable Kemo Sanneh
With Suwaibou Touray
We have been rewriting our history, The Gambian history from pre-colonial to
post-independence era. We have dealt with the 1977 elections and its
aftermath. We have stopped where we said; the future at the time could not be
predicted. Beneath the pomp and self-aggrandizement lay a blooming official
corruption.
The parliamentary opposition led by Honourable Sheriff Dibba continued with
their work in organizing their meetings, holding rallies, criticizing
government etc. The PPP during this period 1978 appeared to be in disarray. The
exposures in the Newspapers on the allegations of corruption among his own
cabinet ministers and within the civil service must have motivated President Jawara
to reshuffle his cabinet. He put pressure on two ministers either to resign
or be terminated. Alhagie Yaya Ceesay was terminated as Minister of State for
Agriculture and Natural Resources in 1978 A.B. Njie was also removed through
pressure to resign which he did. Mr. Kebba Nyama Leigh was also removed as
Minister of Local Government and Lands.
According to the Nation Newspaper the action of the president is a
continuous process of purging the PPP of what he called “Dissident elements” noting
that the split within the PPP was between the radicals and the pragmatists.
According to the Nation, it was the radicals who were being purged. These
people were added to the list of original party leadership meant to have been
politically frozen, commented the Nation.
It was said that supporters had made efforts to convince the president to
reinstate them but also demanded explanation..
After a long period of exposure, the president himself on Koriteh day
September 4th 1978, called on the Muslim elders and prevailed on them to condemn
very strongly the menace of corruption and to remind their congregations of the
laws of Islam.
Sir Dawda reshuffled his cabinet and made cabinet changes as follows; Mr.
Assan Musa Camara – Vice President, Alh. M.C Cham – Minister of Finance and
Trade, Alh J.L.B Daffeh – Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr.
Landing Jallow Sonko – Minster of Economic Planning and Industrial Development;
Alh. Yaya Ceesay – Minister of State, H.O. Semega Janneh – Retained the
Ministry of Information and Tourism, Mr. Kuti Sanyang – Minister of Works and
Communication, Mr. M.C Jallow – Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Alh.
Lamin Saho – Retained Post of Attorney General.
Many people began to wonder why he removed Alh. Yaya Ceesay as Minister of
Agriculture, only to re-instate him as Minister of State. Was it done to
appease the supporters who prevailed on him to do so or was it done because Alh.
Yaya Ceesay remained an influential figure within the P.P.P ranks?
The president went on a country –wide tour and according to the Nation, he
discovered to his surprise that some projects were on a standstill. Projects
such as the Wassu Stone Circles, a Museum and Kiosk which had been stopped for
the last two years.
When he came back from the tour, the press met with him and asked questions
relating to corruption. Sir Dawda also asked the press what they thought
could have been a solution to the menace. According to the Nation, it was
suggested to him to establish an enquiry into the Assets of M.Ps and public officers
but Sir Dawda said “I am not sure whether that was the best way of dealing
with the acquisition of properties.” He also said he would not like to see
revenge or witch hunt of any kind.
But pressure continued to mount on the president. Mr. M. Taal of the U.P
said in the house that he was ready to prove that the Minister of Local
Government gave out plots on the condition that the applicant bribes him, but Mr. M.C
Cham stood up to demand proof otherwise to withdraw his statement. The
Speaker Sir Alieu Sulayman Jack then asked him to withdraw which he did but
insisted that he would meet the minister responsible.
Mr. Kemo Sanneh also in his reaction to the president’s speech called on the
ministers to stop robbing the Nation, by building what he called “luxurious
buildings” when their earnings could not meet the costs. According to the
Nation Newspaper, he then called on government to set up a commission on Assets
to look into the assets of everyone in the Government, including public
officers. He further suggested that where the acquisition could not be explained
such property be confiscated by the state.
A further embarrassment for the government was when the country had
celebrated the 13th anniversary of independence, Sir Dawda opened a new Banjul/Barra
Ferry Terminal with the coming into operation of a new super ferry boat,
named “Banjul.” The first iron ferry in The Gambia.
According to the Nation, less than three months, the ferry was temporarily
withdrawn from service owing to a major fault in one of the engines. This had
given amble reason to the opposition to show all the more how corruption had
made development difficult.
But some good news came for the country when on September 18th 1978, a new
boat which could carry over 700 tons was named after the president’s second
wife “The Lady Chilel.” It was built at Ferguson Yard, Port Glasgow in UK at
the cost of £1.5 million pounds. Two thirds of the cost was provided under the
UK aids funds. “Lady Chilel” had its maiden voyage from Banjul to Basse,
taking passengers. According to the Nation and the Outlook, Mr. B.L.K Sanyang,
Minister of Works was on board. So was the acting British High Commissioner,
Mr. Holiday. Captain Sallah of the boat was also on board as well as a well
known local businessman and father of Lady Chilel. According to the Nation,
Alh. Momodou Musa Njie opened a full sack of coins and notes on the quay which
was distributed among the people for what he called his appreciation of the
name of the boat “Lady Chilel” his daughter.
For the opposition, a tragic news struck the whole country. The death of Mr.
Bakary Camara in a tragic road accident, the dynamic Bakau M.P who was well
liked by his people. His life came to an end on March 19th 1978. On 5th June,
a bye election ensued. But Mr. Camara’s death galvanized the support for the
NCP. So they did not only win but increased their margin by 638 votes. The
defeat was so devastating to the ruling party that The Gambia News Bulletin
carried what the Nation described as only a drab reporting of the event. The
Radio Gambia as well did exactly the same. Two Bojangs contested against each
other, one Famara Bojang for the PPP and Mr. Demba Bojang of the NCP who won
and earned himself the alias Demba (by-force). The NCP also seemingly beefed
up the executive committee by including the Sabach Sanjal popular Independent
candidate into their fold, Mr. Lamin Waa Juwara. In all the meetings held by
the NCP, Lamin would be heard attacking the Jawara regime.
For example at the NCP Sukuta rally, Mr. Juwara said in a situation which
Sir Dawda himself admits that his government included thieves and the
dishonest, it would be honourable to hand over the government to others. According to
the Nation Newspaper, Mr. Juwara criticized Sir Dawda as being indifferent,
neglectful and careless. He also charged that tons of rice given as gift to
the people had been sold instead. He called on the Minister responsible Mr.
Kebba Leigh to resign.
What were however becoming evident at the time were the signs of discontent,
evident in 1977 to only close observers. But by 1978, it was glaring to even
those who were slumbering. This was why the Outlook observed in their
editorial, that “For the first time, there are some intellectuals who felt left out
without being offered any part to perform in the advancement of the country.
See the next issue for more on the signs of discontent in the country.
GFA League: Wallidan Stay Top
By Modou Nyang
Pa Modou Ngum’s first half strike ensured Wallidan stay top of the division
1 league table at the utter dismay of defending champions, Gambia Ports
Authority FC.
Ngum’s 44th minute header at Banjul on Saturday was enough to earn the 2005
champions all three points to keep them going for the top prize in Gambian
club football midway of the competition. The win however, was not without
controversy as Ports were left fuming when Ebrima Drammeh was fouled by Wallidan
keeper Ansumana Sanneh inside the penalty area in the final minute of
regulation time and his goal bound effort cleared by the defence. The Ports Authority
bench complained claiming that the referee should have awarded a penalty.
The top of the table clash at the Banjul playing grounds provided a tough
first half where most of the goal scoring opportunities fall to Wallidan as
both side employed strong tackles to maintain command of the game. Strike pair
Amadou Gaye and Pa Modou Ngum were always at it and in the 24th minute Gaye’s
header narrowly went out when he was setup by Ngum. And when Ngum had already
given his side the lead through, he missed another opportunity to double the
score just before the break.
Ports responded with a double substitution in the second period bringing in
Abdourahman Dampha and Alagi Musa Kamara for more attacking options and in
the 58th minute Pa Modou Jange nearly cancelled out Wallidan’s lead when he
headed from close range, but was denied by Sanneh who timed well to block his
effort. As the game intensified Ports brought in Ebrima Drammeh in place of
Gibou Drammeh in the 64th minute and two minutes later Hagi Tunkara’s cross was
also blocked by the keeper before his strikers could connect. Wallidan
introduced Sainey Touray and Alagie Sanneh in place of Ngum and Wuyeh Sey to
maintain their advantage.
And as the Wallidan struggled to keep out the growing attack of Ports Amadou
Gaye received his marching orders when he knocked down Demba Jange. Sanna
Nyassi too was always at the receiving end of the Wallidan as they fought to
keep him from running the ball on to them. And as Ports hope that they could
have salvaged a point from the game inside injury time, the referee blew offside
when Kamara was clearly through.
Hawks Fall Again, Gamtel Win
By Musa Barrow
Armed forces FC inflicted a narrow 1-0 defeat to Hawks on Saturday at
Serrekunda West, forcing the FA cup defending champions into their second defeat in
a row.
A 58th minute strike by Abdou Darboe gave the soldiers vital win extending
their unbeaten run to three consecutive games since resuming battles in the
division 1 league. The first 45 minutes witnessed a rather titanic affair as
both teams fought hard to establish their supremacy. Hawks was however the
better side doing most of the attacking and in turn missed a lot of goal scoring
opportunities. And when they managed to put the ball into the Armed Forces
net, the referee ruled it offside.
Armed Forces maintained a strong defense line closing on Hawks when they got
hold of the ball and also capitalized to run on to their opponents from the
break.
The first half ended in a deadlock and when they returned for the second
period and 13 minutes into the half, Darboe struck in to put his side in the
lead. The goal triggered an intense and pulsating football as Hawks pushed
forward to avenge the score. But just as in the first half they failed to convert
their chances.
Steadfast and defending patiently Armed Forces maintained their slender lead
to the waves of attacks by Hawks as they struggled to at least salvage a
point.
Elsewhere at the Independence Stadium in Bakau, Gamtel defeated Sait Matty
by a lone goal to also maintain their unbeaten run five games.
Basketball: Wallidan Win YMCA
By Modou Nyang
Wallidan defeated YMCA 59 to 49 on Saturday at the Manneh Sillah memorial
lawn to clinch the basketball league title.
The first quarter ended 16 all before Wallidan lead 29 -25 for the first
break. In the third quarter Wallidan extended their lead to 37 – 30 and by the
second break the score stood at 40 – 33 in favour of Wallidan.
At the call of the final whistle Wallidan won by a margin of ten points.
Real de Banjul’s Coach Resign
By Modou Nyang
Sira Ndoye coach of division 1 club side Real de Banjul has quit the club.
Ndoye joined Real before the start of the current season and his exit midway
in the campaign may destabilise the club.
Real currently sits in the middle of the league table.
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