Deputy Governor Sainey Mbye underscored the importance of the forum as a platform for dialogue, urging participants to seize the opportunity. He stressed that their contributions would not only enhance their own well‑being but also advance the progress of The Gambia.
Saiba T. Susso, Manager of Local Rice Project 8 (LRP8), highlighted the project’s investment of 76,500 dalasis, aimed at improving the living conditions of farmers in CRR. He noted that such initiatives are vital in strengthening food security and supporting rural livelihoods.
Governor Ousman Bah explained that Bantaba forums are not new to the region but remain essential for fostering direct engagement between authorities and communities. He emphasised that these gatherings allow leaders to listen to concerns and devise practical solutions for the betterment of CRR and the nation at large.
Governor Bah also called on residents to report any cases of fertiliser sale outside the country, warning that such practices undermine local agricultural productivity. He further encouraged participants to share the benefits of ongoing projects within their communities, highlighting how these initiatives have positively impacted their lives.
He challenged participants to pass on the knowledge gained from the meeting to fellow community members who were unable to attend, ensuring that the dialogue’s impact reaches beyond the forum itself.
The Bantaba wove together stories of hardship, hope, and determination. It was not just about policies or projects, but about women, youths, and elders whose voices now echo louder in the corridors of decision‑making.
For the people of CRR, the Bantaba was a reminder that progress begins with listening, and that their stories are the seeds of change.
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment from both stakeholders and residents to work together in addressing challenges and advancing development in the Central River Region.
