President Adama Barrow went to Ghana not long ago. He was there for an important event: Ghana's president, John Dramani Mahama, was being sworn in, and Mr. Barrow wanted to show his support.
But Mr. Barrow had another goal, too. He met with Gambians who live in Ghana. They talked about things that mattered to them, and it was a chance to strengthen their bond.
The Gambian group praised Mr. Barrow and his team. They said good things about the work they are doing back home. But they also spoke about their own lives in Ghana. Some things are not easy.
They have a hard time paying for housing, school costs are high, and using banks can be tricky.
Mr. Barrow was thankful that so many came to see him. Even at the airport, they made him feel welcome. He knows their time is valuable.
The president shared his thoughts with them. He said it was key for them to respect the rules in Ghana. That is how democracy works best.
Mr. Barrow promised the group he would help them with their most urgent needs. He wants to improve the lives of Gambians abroad.
Some important people came with Mr. Barrow. There was Muhammed Lamin Ceesay, who spoke for a student group. Modou Jagne from a diaspora organization was there as well. So were Buba Dukureh and Babucarr Njie from a school that focuses on the sea.
The meeting was about more than just one day. It was a sign of a growing link between Gambians at home and away. What touches one matters to all.
Mr. Barrow seems to understand this deeply. His actions in Ghana showed that clearly. He is a leader who wants to bring people together.
Of course, there will be more work ahead. The issues the group raised are complex, but Mr. Barrow is ready to do his part.
With open ears and a willing heart, he is taking steps to help. That is what good leaders do. They listen, they learn, and they act.
The Gambian diaspora has a friend in Mr. Barrow. And he has partners in them. Together, they can make life better for all Gambians, no matter where they live.
That is a goal worth working toward, step by step and day by day. It is how progress happens. And it is what will strengthen the bond between Gambia and its sons and daughters overseas in the years to come.
But Mr. Barrow had another goal, too. He met with Gambians who live in Ghana. They talked about things that mattered to them, and it was a chance to strengthen their bond.
The Gambian group praised Mr. Barrow and his team. They said good things about the work they are doing back home. But they also spoke about their own lives in Ghana. Some things are not easy.
They have a hard time paying for housing, school costs are high, and using banks can be tricky.
Mr. Barrow was thankful that so many came to see him. Even at the airport, they made him feel welcome. He knows their time is valuable.
The president shared his thoughts with them. He said it was key for them to respect the rules in Ghana. That is how democracy works best.
Mr. Barrow promised the group he would help them with their most urgent needs. He wants to improve the lives of Gambians abroad.
Some important people came with Mr. Barrow. There was Muhammed Lamin Ceesay, who spoke for a student group. Modou Jagne from a diaspora organization was there as well. So were Buba Dukureh and Babucarr Njie from a school that focuses on the sea.
The meeting was about more than just one day. It was a sign of a growing link between Gambians at home and away. What touches one matters to all.
Mr. Barrow seems to understand this deeply. His actions in Ghana showed that clearly. He is a leader who wants to bring people together.
Of course, there will be more work ahead. The issues the group raised are complex, but Mr. Barrow is ready to do his part.
With open ears and a willing heart, he is taking steps to help. That is what good leaders do. They listen, they learn, and they act.
The Gambian diaspora has a friend in Mr. Barrow. And he has partners in them. Together, they can make life better for all Gambians, no matter where they live.
That is a goal worth working toward, step by step and day by day. It is how progress happens. And it is what will strengthen the bond between Gambia and its sons and daughters overseas in the years to come.
