The Ministry of Health wishes to clarify recent reports about a rental dispute involving one of
our facilities, as well as the subsequent media coverage of this issue. We recognise and value
The important role of the media in informing the public, but we feel it is necessary to provide a
fuller account of events to ensure fair and accurate reporting.
At the core of this matter is a landlord who, regrettably, has behaved in a manner unbecoming
of a professional relationship. This person has made abusive remarks targeting senior Ministry
officials and has even threatened the use of black magic against officials. Despite these
unacceptable actions, the Ministry has consistently acted in good faith as a tenant.
Regarding the financial aspects of this matter, it is important to clarify the actual timeline of
events. The Ministry had agreed with the landlord to pay the rent for 2025 in two instalments.
The first instalment, covering January to June 2025, was settled promptly. The second
instalment, for the latter half of 2025, was scheduled for payment in June, by our standard
procedures and prior agreement. While the Treasury Department’s processes sometimes require
time, the payment was made within the agreed-upon timeframe.
However, before this process could be completed, and contrary to the provisions of the Rent
Act 2024, which prohibits demanding rent in advance, the landlord took the drastic step of
locking the facility. This premature action disrupted critical official administrative functions.
The Ministry deeply regrets any inconvenience caused to the public by this unnecessary
escalation.
We take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to providing affordable and accessible
healthcare to all Gambians. Our public health facilities continue to offer essential services,
including C-sections, dialysis, and maternal and child health care, at costs significantly lower
than private providers. While we acknowledge the challenges we face in delivering these
services, we are proud of the progress made over the past decade in pursuing universal
health coverage.
To What’s On Gambia, we must emphasise the importance of balanced reporting that presents
all sides of a story. Journalism that omits key facts risks misleading the public and undermining
trust in our institutions. Hearing from both sides will always help your readership to get the
facts. We extend an open invitation to you to engage with us for clarification on matters of
public interest. Unfortunately, for most things against the government, you jump to conclusions
without hearing from the government’s side. Your readership deserves better.
The Ministry of Health values its relationships with all stakeholders, including property owners
and the media. We remain committed to resolving disputes amicably and professionally, always
with the best interests of the Gambian people at heart. We will continue working tirelessly to
improve our healthcare system and serve the public with the dedication and integrity they
deserve.
