About Us

About Us

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is a social democratic party committed to advancing the interests and welfare of The Gambia and its people. Founded on principles of justice, democracy, and development, PPP has been a beacon of progress in Gambian politics.

Our strategic Mission.

Is to protect and advance the interest and welfare of the Gambia and its people, and to restore the
country’s rich heritage of tolerance, plurality, and comity.

To empower the Gambian people with the legal rights and entitlements as well as the practical tools to live liberated, constructive, and
fulfilled lives; to remedy current injustices; rectify, reform, and strengthen the social and state
institutions; combat corruption, re-energize the stagnant and ailing economy and revitalize the
entire polity so that the nation can organize for development; assured in the knowledge and strengthened by the belief that the PPP and the Gambian people can work in constructive partnership to achieve the common good.

OUR STRATEGIC VISION

The PPP’s vision is a clean, just, stable and prosperous Gambia, in which the government and the Gambian people work in constructive partnership to achieve our common goals, objectives, and aspirations of the Gambia capable of sustaining the legitimate material expectations of this and the future generation. A nation at peace with itself and its neighbors, guided by the rule of law, democratic values, and respect for our collective and individual human rights under both domestic and international law.

The Historical Journey of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP):

A Quest for Self-Determination

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) was established as a grassroots political entity on February 14, 1959, aiming to represent the interests and voices of the Gambian populace. The party proudly bears the motto, “The voice of the people is the voice of God,” reflecting its commitment to being a channel for the people’s aspirations. Currently, the party is led by Ousman Madikay Faal, also known as Pa Alhagi, who has made a significant mark in Gambian politics by becoming the first individual to unseat an incumbent leader within the party, underscoring the notion that the authority truly belongs to the membership.

The leadership of the PPP has experienced several transitions since its inception, beginning with its founding leader, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara. He was succeeded by notable figures such as Hon. Omar Amadou Jallow, Hon. Mohamadou Musa Njie—affectionately referred to as Papa—and Hon. Kebba E. Jallow. Each of these leaders contributed to the party’s evolving narrative, reflecting its dynamic nature.

Originally, the PPP emerged as a political force primarily representing the protectorate people in The Gambia, but its vision expanded to embrace all citizens of the nation, regardless of their background. The party was founded on ideals centered around social justice, equality, and the betterment of Gambian society. These core principles propelled the PPP’s rise in popularity across the country, resonating in the hearts of the diverse communities that inhabit every corner of the Gambian landscape—from bustling urban centers to remote villages.

The strength of the PPP was palpable, as its dedicated advocates and campaigners, including charismatic figures like Famara Wassa Touray, Pa Sanjally Bojang, and Jombo Bojang, tirelessly disseminated the party’s message far and wide. By the time of The Gambia’s inaugural general election in May 1960, the PPP had established itself as a formidable challenger to the erstwhile political parties associated with colonial rule. In a remarkable display of public support, the PPP emerged victorious, securing approximately 50% of the votes and winning seats in almost every constituency except for four in Bathurst, effectively leaving the other parties scrambling for the remaining votes.

When the political dust settled on June 20, 1960, the PPP claimed two out of six ministerial positions on the Executive Council, with Sir Dawda Jawara appointed as Minister of Education and Social Welfare, and Sheriff Sisay serving as a minister without a specific portfolio. Despite holding nine seats in the House of Representatives against the United Party’s seven, the PPP was denied the Chief Minister role due to Governor Windley’s reservations about its proposed constitutional amendments, which advocated for self-governance and eventual independence.

In the months following the election, the PPP diligently worked to refine policies that would pave the way for Gambia’s sovereignty. While some political leaders, such as Garba Jahumpa, pushed for the Malta Solution—allowing Gambia merely to send delegates to the UK Parliament—the PPP stood resolutely against such compromises. The leadership adamantly rejected the notion of merging with Senegal or accepting a status within Nigeria that would see the nation administered from afar. Instead, the PPP focused on winning the subsequent elections decisively to anchor the future of The Gambia firmly in the hands of its people.

As the party’s popularity surged, it prompted the formation of a rival coalition— the Democratic Congress Alliance (DCA)—comprised of old parties aiming to unite against the ever-growing influence of the PPP.

In October 1960, Sir Dawda Jawara took a bold step by drafting the Independent Manifesto while preparing to attend Nigeria’s independence celebrations. This manifesto outlined strategic steps toward achieving Gambia’s independence, and the party leadership ensured its distribution by printing and disseminating numerous copies to the public. During a significant public gathering at Albion Place, Sir Dawda articulated the PPP’s unwavering commitment to self-governance and independence. Although the Governor received this declaration with disfavor, it ignited a fervent public discourse about the quest for autonomy.

The Independent Manifesto signified a crucial turning point in Gambian political history. It contained a powerful proclamation asserting that the “People’s Progressive Party pledged the achievement of self-governance for The Gambia by 1961, using constitutional means if feasible.” It further emphasized that the Gambian people possessed an undeniable right to freedom and self-determination, a statement that solidified the party’s commitment to pursuing independence resolutely. This manifesto ultimately became a historic document, heralding the PPP’s priorities for the foreseeable future and marking the beginning of a transformative chapter in Gambia’s quest for freedom.

However, as Sir Dawda was away in Nigeria, the party encountered its first internal challenge. Tensions escalated when Pa Sanjally, one of the party’s original leaders, allegedly colluded with DCA members, raising questions that threatened the unity and stability of the PPP as it navigated this critical period in its fight for the liberation of the Gambian people.

People's Progressive Party (PPP) Development Projects From 1965-1994

1. The Gambia Central Bank
2. The Gambia Commercial and Development Bank
3. The Gambia Port Authority
4. The Gambia Public Transportation Corporation
5. The Gambia Ferry Services
6. The Gambia National Trading Corporation
7. The Gambia Civil Aviation
8. The GUC/UHC/MSG
9. The Animal Health and Production Unit
10. The International Tryphano-Tolerant Center ITC
11. The Radio Gambia
12. The seven Division Districts Area Councils
12. The Livestock Marketing Board
13. The Gambia National Army
14. The Gambia Law Reform Commission
15. The Gambia National Arts and Culture Center
16. The Gambia Technical Training Institute
17. The National Insurance Company
18. The Gambia Agricultural and Development Bank
19. The G.P.M.B-Cotton Gingery –Basse
20. The Social Security Housing and Finance Corporation
21. The President Office and Line of Ministries Offices
22. The Management Development Institute
23. The Gambia Telecommunication Company (Gamtel)
24. The Maintenance Service Agency (MSA) Kotu
25. The Gamworks
26. Children’s Village—Bakoteh (SOS)
27. All Government Departments
28. All Government Ministries
29. Jahaly Pacher
30. Rice Development Projects
31. Small Scale Development Projects
32. Low Land Development Projects
33. Forty Sales in the Gambia
34. Albert Market, Banjul
35. Central Abattoir Abuko

Public #Service and Offices Buildings Constructed by the PPP from 1965-1994

  1. The Gambia Central Bank HQ/Office Buildings
  2. The Gambia Commercial and Development Bank HQ/Office Buildings
  3. The Gambia Produce-Marketing Board (Constructed 7 Provincial Depots)
  4. The Gambia Port Authority HQ/Office Buildings and Harbor
  5. The Gambia Public Transportation Corporation HQ/Office Buildings and Depots
  6. The Office of the President, Quadrangle, Banjul
  7. Denton Bridge and Oyster Greek Bridge
  8. The Brumen Bridge
  9. The Supreme Courts HQ/Office Buildings
  10. The Attorney Generals’ Chambers
  11. The Gambia Police Force HQ/Quarters
  12. The Banjul Police Barracks—New Lines
  13. The Gambia Post Office HQ
  14. The Yundum International Airport Complex
  15. The Banjul/Barra Ferry Terminal
  16. The Banjul Sewerage System
  17. The Banjul Public Latrines
  18. The MacCarthy Squire Stadium
  19. The Royal Victoria Hospital (R.V.H) Children’s Wing
  20. The Gambia School of Nursing
  21. The Social Welfare HQ/Office Buildings
  22. The National Independence Stadium, Bakau
  23. The Kotu Power Plant
  24. The I.T.C Complex—Sololo (C.R.D) AND Kerr Serign (KMC)
  25. The Education Department Regional Offices
  26. The Gambia National Army –Yundum Barracks
  27. The Corporations Union Headquarters—Kanifing
  28. The 82 Cooperation Managers Quarters Offices and Stores
  29. The 82 Concreted Cooperation Seccos
  30. The Management Development Institute Kanifing
  31. The Gambia National Army –Farafenni Barracks

#ROAD CONSTRUCTION
1. The Banjul/Serekunda Highway
2. The Brikama/Mansakonko Highway
3. The Soma/Basse Road
4. The Bassee/Fatoto Road
5. The Barra/Kerewan Road
6. The Sabiji/Kartong Road
7. 13 Provincial Wharves/Jetties constructed from Albreda to Basse.

#Health Services in the Gambia in 1965-1994
From categories of health-care facilities were established after independence particularly after the “ALMA-ATER Declaration” Introducing primary health care throughout the world
1. Village Health Workers and TRADITIONAL BIRTH ATTENDANTS were appointed in all villages in the Gambia to give healthcare attention.
2. Over 400 health posts were established throughout the country for healthcare delivery by public nurses
3. Forty-five Dispensaries and Sub-Dispensaries units
4. Major/Minor health centers—with funds from various donors were established
A) People’s Republic of China: Farafenni, Kaur, Sami Karantaba and Kudang, Kutaur and Kiang Karantaba health centers
B) British Government: Bakau, Serekunda, Essau, Kuntaya, Kerewan, Banjul Maternity wind, Refurbishing of R.V.H and Banjul Central Medical Stores
C) Dutch Government: Provided a disabled centers at Marina Parade-Banjul, and the Social Welfare Office at the same venue
D) Gambia Government: Provided other health facilities in Bwiam, Brikama-ba, Bureng, Sukuta, and Georgetown. The government also encouraged the establishment of health facilities by private individuals and NGO which are: Kololi Clinic, Ndebaan Clinic, Lamtoro Clinic, W.E.C Clinic, Sibanor Clinic, Chamen Clinic, Jajali Clinic,German Clinic, West Field Clinic, and Momodou Musa Njie Memorial Clinic.
E) Italy: Serekunda, Farafenni, and Brikama Clinics, Bundung Health Center (Nov J & P Hospital), Yorobowol Clinic, Independent drive Clinic, Expansion of Basse Health Center and Basse Hospital.

#Water Resources
The PPP government constructed 350 concrete-lined wells throughout the country funded by E.E.C Japanese, Italian, and Saudi Arabian Governments. Fifty of the wells have solar powered/generator powered reticulation (running water system) including overhead tanks.
The PPP government also encouraged the construction of similar wells by NGOs caritas, C.C.F and African Muslim Agency Muslim Aid. Because of the aforementioned developments, all the big towns and villages in the Gambia have clean running water independent of NAWEC.

#Fishing Industry
Fishing Centers were established in the following towns and villages, many of which were equipped with ice-plants. All of the centers had fish drying and smoking facilities. Fishermen were provided with boats, nets, outboard engines within a framework of revolving loans: Kartong, Gunjur, Tanji, Brufut, Albreda, Barra, the ice-plant in Brikama, Jurunku, Salikene, Tankular, Kemoto, Tendaba and Bitant.

#Tourism
At independence, there were two Hotels, namely: Atlantic and Adonis hotels. The number now stands at thirty: the majority of the hotels from Wadner Hotel to Kairaba Hotel where done within the Tourism Development Area creation by the PPP government to facilitate hotel development in the Gambia. This area that facilitates the participation of small-scale Gambia entrepreneurs were established in Banjul, Wadner Beach, Sunwing, Fajara, Kotu, Senegambia, and Brikama.

#Tourism Car Parks
Hotel car parks were also established in several hotel clusters-Atlantic, Wadner, Sunwing, Kotu, Fajara and Senegambia

#Hotel Training School
Hotel training school was established to give Basic to Middle Grade Training to hotel personnel

#Establishment of Educational Schools under the British rule from 1950- 1964
Primary Schools
46
Secondary Schools
5
Vocational Training
1
Under the PPP government from 1965 – 1994
A. Primary Schools
262
B. Junior
38
C. Senior Secondary Schools
17
D. Management Development Institute
E. Rural Development Institute
F. School of Nursing
G. Brikama College
H. Non-Formal Education Center
I. Cooperative Training Center
J. Gambia Technical Training Institute GTTI
K. Chamen Self-Development Center
L. National Agricultural Research Institute
It should be noted that the current Gambia university is still using above institutions since it inception. The Gambia is yet to have university campus which is under construction thanks to the PPP. The university extension program is still ongoing.

The People’s Progressive Party is celebrating its 66th anniversary in Brikama, West Coast Region on the 14th. The event will be a town hall where we will discuss the struggles and achievements of the founding fathers.