By Alkali Amana
Alongside other excellent African leaders, in a ceremony with glamour to commemorate Sierra Leone’s 60th independence anniversary, President Adama Barrow of Gambia has been awarded the Order of Grand Commander of the Republic of Sierra Leone (GCRS) in recognition of his key role in promoting peace, rule of law and democracy; and in an elevating commendation of his cooperation towards addressing global issues and concerns at both regional and global levels.
Setting his country on the course of reformation since his election, President Barrow has, through the cautious implementation of relevant policies achieved value for the respect of human rights in the Gambia, with one of his first acts in office being a pledge to ensure freedom of the press in the country. In securing human rights, he recommitted his country to the ‘promotion of human rights by ensuring that his country remains as a member state of the International Criminal Court (ICC). He also has ably steered and returned his country into the arms of the Commonwealth and ensured stability in the foreign policies of Gambia.
Awarded the Africa Road Builders Babacar Ndiaye Trophy in 2019 for his exceptional leadership qualities in the development and sustenance of infrastructure, notably, the Senegambia bridge linking the Gambia to Senegal, President Barrow has also focused on the integration of key infrastructure in the activities of his administration.
President Barrow was recognized by Sierra Leone alongside other African Heads of State who graced the event. In attendance for the ceremony were the Presidents of Liberia, La Guinea, Ghana, the Vice President of Nigeria, and the Prime Ministers of Guinea Bissau and Ivory Coast respectively.
