“Politics Is Not About the Hereafter”: Hamat Bah Urges Voters to Back Barrow

Written by: Dawda Baldeh

Lands Minister Hamat NK Bah has urged voters in Old Yundum, Sukuta and Jabang to re-elect President Adama Barrow in the December 5th, 2026, presidential election, calling on them to put development ahead of political hatred and personal differences.

Speaking on Thursday night in Jabang during President Barrow’s ongoing nationwide Meet the People Tour, Bah warned supporters against complacency, insisting that the country needs continuity to sustain development.

“I want to remind the people of Old Yundum that this politics is not about the hereafter. It’s about voting for someone who will bring development to you. You have seen what President Barrow has done for you,” Bah said.

Defending the president’s record in office, Bah argued that even Barrow’s critics could not deny his efforts to develop the country.

“No matter how much you hate Barrow, you won’t say he’s not a worker. You won’t say he doesn’t like his job or the country,” he said, describing the president as a patient and compassionate leader who loves The Gambia.

The minister pointed to road construction, electricity, water supply, healthcare facilities and schools as evidence of progress under Barrow’s administration.

Recalling the difficulties residents previously faced, particularly around Old Yundum and the road leading towards the airport, Bah said poor road conditions and limited transportation had long affected communities.

“Over 52 years, you haven’t seen any roads if you don’t go to Serekunda. In 10 years, Barrow has connected all the regions,” he claimed.

He also cited the overhead bridge serving Sukuta and Jabang as an example of the government responding to the needs of local communities.

Bah further praised Barrow’s compassion, recalling an incident during the ongoing tour when the president reportedly spotted a young woman carrying a heavy plate of groundnuts through a crowd and gave her money.

“That’s a sign of a good leader,” he said, arguing that the gesture reflected Barrow’s concern for ordinary Gambians.

Turning to the upcoming election, Bah warned supporters not to assume that victory was already guaranteed, stressing that every vote would matter.

“Don’t make the mistake of not voting, thinking that we have already won. That’s a big mistake. When they are counting votes, they count what’s in the box. Anything that’s not in the box will not be counted,” he warned.

He encouraged eligible voters to locate their voter cards and prepare for election day, reminding them of the power they hold at the ballot box.

“Your vote is your weapon,” Bah declared.

“Vote for Barrow for continuity of development. That’s what the country needs,” he concluded.