By Olimatou Coker
Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie announced on Friday that the government will introduce a new, faster ferry to improve transport between Banjul and Barra. The pledge came during the official opening of the 2026 Children’s National Assembly at the OIC Conference Centre, where children from across The Gambia debated issues affecting their communities.
Njie’s announcement followed a presentation by Hon Foday Sidibeh, a young delegate from the North Bank Region, who described how unreliable ferry services delay patients travelling to Banjul for specialist medical treatment. Sidibeh warned that missed crossings and long waits worsen medical conditions and place severe strain on families.
“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,” Njie said, committing the administration to faster, more dependable river transport.
Njie also highlighted recent health infrastructure improvements in the North Bank Region. He noted that Farafenni General Hospital now serves communities across the region and patients from neighbouring Senegal, and that upgrades at Essau Health Centre have enabled the facility to offer surgical services, particularly maternity care.
Reliable ferry services are vital for communities dependent on the Banjul–Barra crossing for healthcare, education and commerce. For children requiring specialist care, dependable transport can be lifesaving; delays at the crossing add time, cost and risk to already difficult journeys.
The Children’s National Assembly debated healthcare under the theme “Investment, Accountability and Participation for Every Child.” Young delegates demanded greater investment in health infrastructure, better training and retention of medical staff, consistent availability of medicines and modern equipment, and stronger accountability in delivery service. They also called for increased inclusion of children with disabilities—such as sign-language interpretation at health facilities—and expanded mental health services for children and adolescents.