“Our aim is to lead, but leadership is decided by Allah. That is why we said we will work with any party that wins an election for the development of The Gambia,” Dr Ceesay told supporters.
He recalled that following his election victory, President Barrow declared himself president for all Gambians and invited opposition parties to work with him, a call Dr Ceesay said formed the basis of CA’s alliance with the ruling party.
“Allah made Barrow win the election. After his victory, he opened his arms to everyone and said he is president for the whole nation. That is why we joined him, and we have no regrets,” he said.
Dr Ceesay described President Barrow as humble, honest and deeply committed to national service, qualities he said have earned the president support across political divides. He noted that this trust was reflected in his appointment as Minister for Information, with a mandate to serve as a bridge between the presidency and the people.
“The president tasked us to be mediators between the people and the presidency so that their challenges and hardships are heard. He understands that leadership is a trust from God,” he said.
Turning to the political landscape in the North Bank Region, Dr Ceesay claimed that the opposition had lost significant ground, arguing that the alliance between CA and NPP had consolidated popular support for President Barrow.
“What I saw here today shows that the opposition has no political space in the North Bank. This alliance will bring victory for the president,” he said, adding that the gathering was not a campaign event. “The president has already won. We are simply engaging with our supporters.”
Much of his address highlighted what he described as President Barrow’s development record in the region, particularly in infrastructure, energy, agriculture and health.
He cited the construction of the 84-kilometre Hakalang Road as a major boost to connectivity and economic activity, while noting significant progress in rural electrification. According to him, before 2017, only nine villages in Upper, Lower and Jokadu districts had access to electricity, compared to 106 villages today.
On agriculture, Dr Ceesay said farmers have received seeds and government-backed guarantees to purchase groundnuts at D38,000 per tonne, a price he said remains unmatched in the sub-region. He also claimed that the cost of basic commodities has stabilised and that livelihoods are gradually improving.
The information minister further pointed to health sector gains, including the introduction of community ambulances, which he said have improved emergency response and saved lives in rural communities.
Addressing young people, Dr Ceesay urged youths to seize government-supported opportunities to acquire skills and build sustainable livelihoods. He cited initiatives such as the Songhai Institute and the ROOTS Project as evidence of President Barrow’s commitment to youth empowerment, particularly in the North Bank Region.
“The population of this country is largely youths, and that is why President Barrow prioritised creating opportunities for them,” he said.
Dr Ceesay also dismissed opposition criticism over a possible third term for President Barrow, arguing that the constitution does not impose term limits. He claimed that even opposition parties privately acknowledge the president’s electoral strength, pointing to their inability to form a united front.
He concluded by asserting that from Basse to Kartong, Gambians are ready to vote for President Barrow in the interest of peace, stability, democracy and continued development.
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