Top Sierra Leonean journalist and former Commissioner of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Alhaji Dauda Musa Bangura, has praised Gambian President Adama Barrow for the country’s ongoing infrastructure development and transformation efforts, urging Sierra Leonean leaders to draw lessons from the initiatives.
Bangura, a media professional and newspaper proprietor who also double as Lecturer at the Institution of Public Administration and Management IPAM, University of Sierra Leone has followed developments in The Gambia over several years, said he was impressed by the changes he observed during a recent visit to the country after an absence of about two years.
Reflecting on his experiences, he noted that The Gambia had undergone visible changes, particularly in road construction, describing the pace of infrastructure development as encouraging.
He said the progress demonstrated the importance of sustained investment in roads and other public infrastructure, adding that improved road networks could strengthen connectivity, facilitate trade and support economic activities across communities.
Bangura observed that road development under President Barrow was not limited to the country’s urban centres but was also extending to communities in different regions, giving more people the opportunity to benefit from government development initiatives.
He cited the government’s infrastructure programme as an example of how investment in previously underserved communities could improve transportation and access to essential services.
The journalist also commented on the security situation in The Gambia, saying his observations had left him encouraged about people’s ability to move around and conduct their daily activities. He further interacted with media practitioners during his visit and expressed appreciation for the working environment they described.
According to Bangura, the development experience of The Gambia offers lessons for other African countries seeking to improve infrastructure, expand economic opportunities and promote inclusive national development.
He urged Sierra Leonean leaders to study and adopt relevant aspects of President Barrow’s development approach, particularly in road construction, regional connectivity, public safety and the delivery of basic services.
“If African countries could emulate the development initiatives being pursued under President Adama Barrow, the continent could make significant progress,” he said, expressing the view that effective leadership and sustained development planning were essential to national transformation.
The praise comes amid several major infrastructure projects being implemented by the Gambian government. In April 2026, President Barrow inaugurated the Kiang West Roads Project, covering approximately 87 kilometres of roads intended to improve access for rural communities in the Lower River Region. The project is expected to facilitate transportation, improve access to markets and essential services, and support economic activities in the area.
In August 2026, the government also launched more than 360 kilometres of road projects across the North Bank Region under its Connect Gambia Infrastructure Initiative. The programme is designed to improve rural connectivity and help farmers transport their produce to markets more efficiently.
Additionally, President Barrow launched 36.1 kilometres of road projects across six locations in the West Coast Region in August 2026, as part of efforts to connect communities and support economic growth.
These projects reflect the Gambian government’s stated focus on expanding road infrastructure beyond major urban centres and improving connectivity across the country.
Bangura’s observations, particularly on road development, security and the media environment, have reinforced his call for Sierra Leonean leaders to examine development initiatives in neighbouring countries and consider approaches that could be adapted to Sierra Leone’s own circumstances.
He maintained that sustained investment in infrastructure, effective leadership and equitable distribution of development projects could help African countries accelerate progress and improve the living conditions of their citizens.
