Dr. Ismaila Ceesay Champions Digital Safety Agenda to Protect Young Minds

The Honourable Minister for Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding young people in the digital space, as he engaged directly with youth on the Young People in the Media (YPM) radio talk show aired on Taxi FM.

The interactive programme, which focused on the timely and critical theme of “Digital Safety of Young People,” highlighted the growing need to shield the younger generation from the dangers of an increasingly complex online environment. From misinformation and cyberbullying to data privacy risks, the discussion underscored how vulnerable young users can be without proper guidance and protection.

Minister Ceesay used the platform to strongly advocate for responsible digital behavior, stressing that the theme is not just a topic for discussion but a national priority. He emphasized that empowering young people with the right knowledge and tools will serve as a protective shield against harmful online influences, manipulation, and exploitation.

According to the Minister, promoting digital safety is essential in nurturing a generation that is both informed and resilient. He noted that strengthening media literacy among youths will enable them to critically assess information, avoid falling prey to fake news, and engage responsibly in public discourse. This, he said, is key to building a more enlightened and progressive society.

The theme also resonates deeply with the government’s broader vision of creating a safe digital ecosystem where young people can thrive, innovate, and express themselves without fear. By equipping them with critical thinking skills and awareness of online risks, the initiative serves as a proactive measure to protect their future and well-being.

Listeners actively participated in the discussion, raising pressing concerns about online privacy, misinformation, and ethical media use—further demonstrating the relevance and urgency of the theme. The Minister welcomed these contributions, describing them as evidence of a growing, conscious, and engaged youth population.

The Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services continues to lead from the front in advancing youth-centered initiatives, reaffirming its strong support for platforms like YPM that amplify young voices while promoting responsible media engagement.

This latest engagement by Minister Ceesay stands as a clear testament to the government’s dedication to protecting young people and preparing them to navigate the digital world safely, confidently, and responsibly.

Ministry of Health Warns Against Fraudulent Birth Certificates

 

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Health has announced the discontinuation of the issuance of old, elongated birth certificates, citing concerns over the increasing production and circulation of fraudulent versions.

In a press release, the Ministry informed the public that it has fully digitized the birth registration process. All birth certificates are now issued in a newly designed A4 format, featuring the national emblem, the Gambian flag, and a QR code to enhance authenticity and security.

Authorities revealed that the decision to phase out the old certificates took effect on 28 February 2023, following the nationwide rollout of the digital birth registration system.

The Ministry expressed concern over reports that counterfeit versions of the outdated certificates are being illegally produced and distributed. As a result, it warned that anyone found in possession of fake certificates or involved in issuing the obsolete documents will face serious legal consequences.

According to the Ministry, such offences constitute a felony under Section 7 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages and Divorce Act of 1990. The law criminalizes the destruction, alteration, or falsification of official registry documents, as well as the creation or use of counterfeit certified copies.

The public is therefore urged to comply with the new system and ensure that all official documentation is obtained through legitimate and authorized channels.

PROOF OVER PROPAGANDA: Yaya Dampha Calls Out Lamin Manneh’s Baseless Electoral Fraud Claims

By Yaya Dampha, NPP Diaspora Coordinator

It is becoming increasingly difficult to take Mr. Lamin Manneh seriously when he repeatedly chooses sensationalism over substance. For someone who prides himself on intellectualism, his recent claims regarding voter registration fraud fall far below the standards expected of responsible national discourse. The Gambian people deserve facts—not recycled propaganda framed as concern.

Mr. Manneh is fully aware, or ought to be, that The Gambia’s electoral system is governed by clear legal frameworks designed to ensure transparency and accountability. The voter registration process is not conducted in secrecy, nor is it monopolized by any single political party. On the contrary, all political parties—including the UDP—are legally entitled to deploy agents at every registration centre. These agents are mandated to observe, record, and report any suspected irregularities.

If indeed there are instances of underage individuals or non-Gambians being registered, the law provides a clear and credible path: gather verifiable evidence and present it before the revising courts. That is how serious allegations are handled in a democracy. The burden of proof lies with the accuser—not with the public, and certainly not with those being accused without evidence.

What is deeply concerning is the persistence of a familiar pattern. For over three decades, the UDP has participated in electoral processes, yet the narrative remains unchanged—whenever outcomes are unfavourable, allegations of fraud and unfairness quickly follow. At some point, a political movement must rise above perpetual grievance and embrace democratic maturity: winning with humility and accepting defeat with dignity.

The attempt to implicate individuals without substantiated proof is not only reckless but also undermines the integrity of public discourse. Allegations of this nature demand credible evidence capable of standing the test of legal scrutiny—not speculation, hearsay, or viral audio clips circulating on social media.

Yes, electoral integrity must always be safeguarded. Allegations—especially serious ones—should be thoroughly investigated. But they must be pursued through lawful channels, not through media sensationalism that risks inflaming tensions and eroding public trust in national institutions.

Education should cultivate discipline, responsibility, and respect for truth. Unfortunately, what Mr. Manneh has demonstrated is the opposite—an abandonment of intellectual rigor in favor of unsubstantiated claims.

Politics is not a refuge for excuses. It is a contest of ideas, credibility, and organization. The Gambian people are discerning, and they expect leadership—not noise.

If there is evidence, present it before the appropriate legal bodies. If not, then it is time to put an end to the cycle of baseless allegations and allow the democratic process to proceed with the seriousness it deserves.

GID Clarifies Reports on “Fraudulent Gambian Passports” Seized in Canada

By Jarranews Staff Reporter

The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has issued a clarification following reports by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) regarding the interception of fraudulent passports allegedly linked to The Gambia.

In a press release dated April 16, 2026, the GID stated that it had taken note of a CBSA announcement on April 14, 2026, which reported the seizure of five passports described as “fraudulent” and bearing identical photographs but different identities—an indicator commonly associated with counterfeit documents.

The Department emphasized that references to “fraudulent passports from The Gambia” relate only to the apparent origin or resemblance of the documents and do not suggest that they were officially issued by Gambian authorities. According to the GID, it remains the sole institution legally mandated to issue Gambian passports, all of which are produced through secure and verifiable systems.

The GID categorically stated that the passports in question were not issued by the Department and are therefore considered counterfeit reproductions.

Authorities further disclosed that the Department’s Intelligence and Investigation Unit has initiated direct engagement with the CBSA to gather more details surrounding the seizure and to support ongoing international efforts to combat document fraud.

Reaffirming its commitment to international standards, the GID noted that its passport issuance system aligns with best practices set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring the integrity and security of Gambian travel documents.

The Department also assured both the public and international partners of its firm stance against document fraud, highlighting continued collaboration with global law enforcement agencies to tackle transnational crime and irregular migration.

The statement was signed by Inspector Siman Lowe, Public Relations Officer of the Gambia Immigration Department.

WhatsonGambia’s Reporting on Alleged Passport Fraud Is Misleading And Unprofessional

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

Concerns are mounting over the professional standards of the media platform WhatsonGambia following its recent publication of a misleading report regarding an alleged passport fraud case involving a Nigerian national in Canada.

The outlet reported that a woman, identified as Nnenna Oketa, had been arrested in possession of multiple Gambian passports, all bearing the same photograph but different names. However, critics argue that the report lacked critical context and failed to present the full facts surrounding the incident.

According to verified information from the Canada Border Services Agency, the suspect was found with seven fraudulent travel documents concealed in a shipment. These included five Gambian passports and two South African passports. Importantly, all the documents were counterfeit, a key detail that WhatsonGambia reportedly omitted in its coverage.

Authorities confirmed that the passports carried identical photographs but different identities, pointing to a coordinated fraud scheme rather than any legitimate issuance of official documents. The case has since been referred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for further investigation, and the suspect faces charges related to possession of forged passports under Canadian law.

The issue of foreign nationals attempting or requiring national documents fraudulently is very common.  Recently over 400 Nigerian nationals were arrested in Ghana for illegal possession of Ghanaian passport.

Media observers have criticized WhatsonGambia for what they describe as selective reporting, accusing the platform of publishing sensational claims without adequate verification or context. Such omissions, they warn, risk misleading the public and unfairly damaging the reputation of national institutions.

The incident has reignited calls for greater adherence to journalistic ethics, particularly in an era where digital platforms play an increasingly influential role in shaping public opinion. Observers stress that responsible journalism requires accuracy, balance, and full disclosure of facts—standards that must be upheld regardless of editorial stance.

As the investigation continues, Jarranews is urging media outlets to exercise caution and professionalism, emphasizing that credibility remains the cornerstone of public trust.

GRTS Journalist Refutes SIS Questioning Claims, Calls Reports Misleading

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

A journalist with the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), attached to the Office of the Vice President, has strongly refuted reports circulating online alleging that he was arrested and questioned by national security authorities.

Omar P. Jallow dismissed the claims as “false, unfounded, and misleading,” insisting that he has not been invited or interrogated by the State Intelligence Services (SIS), nor has his service passport been confiscated.

“I have not been invited or questioned by SIS in relation to these allegations. Additionally, my service passport has not been seized, nor was I denied any official travel,” Jallow stated in a message posted on his Facebook page.

The reports, widely shared by some online activists and commentators, also attempted to link Jallow to a purported controversy surrounding a recent community fundraising event in Sare Gainako. According to those claims, the situation was allegedly tied to dissatisfaction from senior political figure Seedy Njie over the invitation of Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor Talib Bensouda.

However, Jallow rejected the assertions, describing them as speculative and without basis. He clarified that he did not personally invite Mayor Bensouda, emphasizing that the invitation was extended collectively by members of the community.

“The event was a community-driven initiative, reflecting the collective decision and participation of the village,” he explained, urging the public to disregard what he termed misinformation.

The development comes amid growing concerns over the spread of unverified information in the country’s media space. Observers note that the incident underscores the increasing need for responsible journalism, professional ethics, and regulatory frameworks to safeguard the credibility of the media landscape in The Gambia.