The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, successfully participateed in the Mansa Kunda Ministerial Townhall at the OIC Conference Room on Friday 11th September 2024, addressing various issues related to youth development, sports, and governance. The event brought together stakeholders from government, youth organizations, sports associations, and community leaders to engage in a dialogue focused on the ministry’s achievements, challenges, and future plans.
In his opening remarks, Minister Badjie highlighted the significant progress made under his leadership, including infrastructural development, funding for sports initiatives, and youth empowerment programs. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the government and civil society in order to maintain the momentum of these efforts.
Participants were given the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback, with discussions covering topics such as the renovation of the Independence Stadium, support for grassroots sports development, and employment opportunities for youth. Minister Badjie reassured the audience of the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised and finding sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by the youth and sports sectors.
The townhall event concluded with a pledge from Minister Badjie to continue prioritizing youth development and sports as pillars for national growth, while calling on all stakeholders to work together towards achieving the country’s goals.
The Mansa Kunda Ministerial Townhall is part of a broader government initiative to foster transparency and accountability by directly engaging with citizens and providing updates on key projects and policies.
Key Highlights:
- Minister Badjie detailed the government’s investment in upgrading sports facilities, including the ongoing renovation of the Independence Stadium to meet CAF standards.
- Over D940,000 has been allocated to support basketball and other sports associations, contributing to The Gambia’s recent victory at the Amilcar Cabral U21 Tournament.
- The ministry reiterated its commitment to providing youth employment and fostering sports excellence through collaboration with national and international partners.
The event was well attended, and Minister Badjie’s transparent approach received positive feedback from participants, reinforcing the need for continued townhall engagements.