The Gambian government plans to introduce a new, faster ferry service to enhance transportation between Banjul and Barra, Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie announced on Friday. The initiative aims to alleviate commuting challenges for residents traveling across the Gambia River, providing a key link for residents and commerce. Mr. Njie confirmed the upcoming addition during the official opening of the 2026 Children’s National Assembly at the OIC Conference Centre, stating, "I can assure you that under President Adama Barrow’s government, very soon we will have another ferry that will be as fast as Barra." This development is expected to significantly improve connectivity for commuters and goods between the capital and the North Bank Region, addressing long-standing issues with the existing transport infrastructure.
Urgent Need for Better Transport
Hon Foday Sidibeh, a young delegate representing the North Bank Region, noted the critical impact of unreliable ferry services on healthcare access. He presented on how patients from his region often face significant delays when traveling to Banjul to receive specialist medical treatment. Mr. Sidibeh warned that these missed crossings and prolonged waiting times directly contribute to the deterioration of patients' medical conditions. The delegate further emphasized that such disruptions place severe and undue strain on families, who are often accompanying patients or awaiting their return. His presentation showed the urgent need for more dependable transportation options to ensure timely access to essential medical care, particularly for vulnerable patients requiring specialized attention in the capital. The current challenges not only affect individual health outcomes but also impose considerable emotional and financial burdens on families.
Healthcare Improvements Noted
Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie noted recent health infrastructure improvements within the North Bank Region, showing the government's commitment to enhancing medical services. Farafenni General Hospital now serves communities throughout the North Bank Region, additionally providing care to patients from neighbouring Senegal, thereby expanding its reach and impact. Upgrades at Essau Health Centre have enabled the facility to offer surgical services, with a particular focus on maternity care, significantly improving access to critical procedures for women and children in the area. These developments aim to bolster medical provision in the area, ensuring more residents have access to quality healthcare closer to home. Separately, the Children’s National Assembly recently debated healthcare, addressing the topic under the theme “Investment, Accountability and Participation for Every Child,” reflecting broader discussions on health service enhancements and access for younger populations and emphasizing a holistic approach to child welfare.
Youth Delegates' Demands
Young delegates called for increased investment in health infrastructure, alongside improved training and retention of medical staff to ensure a stable and competent medical workforce. Their demands also emphasized the consistent availability of medicines and modern equipment, coupled with stronger accountability in service delivery to guarantee efficient and transparent healthcare operations.
Additionally, the delegates advocated for greater inclusion of children with disabilities within the healthcare system, specifically requesting sign-language interpretation at health facilities to ensure equitable access and communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients. They further pressed for the expansion of mental health services tailored for children and adolescents across the country, recognizing the growing need for specialized support for young people's psychological well-being. These full demands show the delegates' vision for a more inclusive, accessible, and responsive healthcare system for all children in The Gambia.
Government's Commitment
The announcement regarding the new ferry service was made during the official opening of the 2026 Children’s National Assembly. The event took place at the OIC Conference Centre, where Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie provided details on the government's plans for improved transport links, reaffirming the administration's dedication to infrastructural development and public service enhancement. The commitment to a faster ferry service is seen as a direct response to the urgent needs expressed by delegates and the wider public, aiming to streamline travel and support essential services like healthcare access.