Addressing guests at the inauguration, President Barrow described the occasion as a powerful demonstration of what Gambians can achieve through vision, determination and hard work.
“This inaugural ceremony is a powerful reminder of what Gambians, individually as patriots and collectively as a nation, can achieve if we are bold enough and match our noble plans with an equally strong determination to excel,” he said.
The President noted that the story behind Global Tower was not one of abundant resources but of perseverance, courage and a clear vision pursued with unwavering commitment.
According to him, Global Properties has evolved over the past 19 years from a modest enterprise into one of the most influential institutions in The Gambia’s real estate industry.
“The opening of this magnificent head office reflects the company’s transformation from tenancy to proprietorship and from humble beginnings to a position of stability, success and long-term achievement,” Barrow stated.
He commended the company’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Saul Frazer, for his contribution to national development through affordable housing, infrastructure expansion and job creation.
“For nearly two decades, Mr Frazer has helped thousands of Gambians acquire land and secure homes for their families. His work has strengthened communities, created opportunities and raised standards across the real estate sector,” the President said.
In his keynote address, CEO Saul Frazer reflected on the company’s journey, describing it as a dream born from personal disappointment and transformed into a mission to make home ownership accessible to ordinary Gambians.
“Nineteen years ago, I planted a seed,” he said. “It was a small seed born out of pain and the experience of being scammed, but also from a belief that every Gambian deserves the dignity of owning a home.”
Frazer explained that Global Properties was established to change the narrative surrounding land ownership and housing accessibility, particularly for low and middle-income earners.
Beginning with flexible land acquisition schemes, the company steadily expanded into affordable housing developments, apartments and regional investments in Senegal and Ghana.
“Today, that tiny seed stands before you as the tallest commercial building in The Gambia,” he said. “This is not just a building; it is proof of what vision, resilience and faith can achieve.”
He announced that the company intends to expand into larger estate developments comprising more than 500 homes, complete with recreational facilities and modern amenities.
Frazer also revealed plans to establish a Mortgage House within Global Tower, aimed at providing a one-stop centre for housing finance and real estate services.
He said the initiative seeks to make home ownership more accessible through affordable mortgage solutions and strategic partnerships with financial institutions.
“Our dream is for every Gambian to own a home,” he declared. “From affordable housing to luxury developments, we are building a future where aspirations meet opportunities.”
Speaking on behalf of the Board Chairman, Abdoulie Baks Touray, board representative Momodou Senghore said the inauguration represented more than the commissioning of a building.
“It symbolises confidence in The Gambia, confidence in our economy and confidence in the future of Gambian entrepreneurship,” he said.
Senghore noted that housing remains one of the country’s most pressing development priorities and urged stakeholders to support efforts to establish a sustainable mortgage financing system.
He disclosed that the company has already initiated steps toward the creation of a Mortgage House and welcomed reported interest from the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation and the Central Bank of The Gambia in supporting mortgage financing initiatives.
Meanwhile, the company’s longest-serving employee, Awa Ndure, became emotional as she recounted her 18-year journey with Global Properties.
“Global Properties has been more than a workplace for me. It has been my home, my family and my journey,” she said.
Ndure recalled witnessing the company’s rise from a small office with a handful of staff to becoming a leading force in the country’s real estate sector.
She also praised the company’s commitment to its employees, revealing that Global Properties sponsored her pilgrimage to Mecca last year, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
“When I stood before the Kaaba, I prayed for this company, its leaders and everyone who has supported us,” she said.
The unveiling of Global Tower signals a new chapter for Global Properties and highlights the growing role of Gambian-owned businesses in shaping the country’s urban landscape, housing sector and economic future.
