The government wants to start paying money to faith leaders in The Gambia. Hamat Bah made this big news during Sunday talks at State House when Muslim elders came to see the president for Eid-ul-Fitr. He said both the Banjul imam ratib and the head of The Gambia Christian Council will receive salaries. This marks the first time religious leaders will earn state paychecks in the country.
Hamat Bah also talked about fixing the roads. He thinks there are way too many car repair shops in the wrong places. These shops must move soon because they hurt business growth in The Gambia. Many streets have car garages that just popped up without permission. Bah points his finger at local councils for letting this happen.
Foreign business people can't use the land they were given because these car shops take up space. If things stay this way, some investors might leave. The minister says they plan to create special areas just for car fixing and selling. He mentioned that Senegal and Nigeria already do something like this with good results.
For Muslims going on hajj this year, Bah shared some happy news. All pilgrims from The Gambia will stay together in one hotel. Last year, Gambians stayed in many different places, making it hard for doctors to check on everyone. The hajj trip will cost D6,000 less than before, thanks to President Barrow's help.
Bah really likes President Barrow and calls him honest about money matters. He even told a story about how Barrow made his son quit his American job to come back home and run the family business. When Bah tried to give Barrow's son a government job, the president firmly said no. Bah believes Barrow won't stay in power any longer than he should.
Hamat Bah also talked about fixing the roads. He thinks there are way too many car repair shops in the wrong places. These shops must move soon because they hurt business growth in The Gambia. Many streets have car garages that just popped up without permission. Bah points his finger at local councils for letting this happen.
Foreign business people can't use the land they were given because these car shops take up space. If things stay this way, some investors might leave. The minister says they plan to create special areas just for car fixing and selling. He mentioned that Senegal and Nigeria already do something like this with good results.
For Muslims going on hajj this year, Bah shared some happy news. All pilgrims from The Gambia will stay together in one hotel. Last year, Gambians stayed in many different places, making it hard for doctors to check on everyone. The hajj trip will cost D6,000 less than before, thanks to President Barrow's help.
Bah really likes President Barrow and calls him honest about money matters. He even told a story about how Barrow made his son quit his American job to come back home and run the family business. When Bah tried to give Barrow's son a government job, the president firmly said no. Bah believes Barrow won't stay in power any longer than he should.
