Former Secretary General and Head of Civil Service Dr. Njogou Lamin Bah was elected president of the Gambia Swimming and Aquatic Sports Association (GSASA), during their association’s Elective General Assembly held on Saturday 19 March 2022.
The former Secretary-General and Head of Civil Service of The Gambia will serve a mandate of four years ending in 2026, after succeeding Ms Bintou Touray Huma, whose term ended after the Olympic Games 2020.
The Secretary-General of the association Mr Yorro Njie read the activity report detailing some of the achievements and activities carried out by the Association since 2019, whilst Cherno MS Jallow, the Treasurer, gave the financial report. The Congress adopted all the reports presented before them.
As part of the proceeding, Congress adopted the new constitution of the GSASA, which provided a quota for women in the executive and athletes representation, respectively.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Njogou Bah thanked the delegates for their trust in electing him as their president.
“I accepted this important role – a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I promise to do my utmost best in living up to expectations,” he said.
He added: “Swimming has been a passion for me. It has always been my firm belief that it should be promoted and supported to yield maximum benefits to those interested, especially the youth of this country.”
According to Dr Bah, his tenure as a president will focus on aligning the association’s strategic goals to FINA and work towards reforming the association in terms of governance, capacity building and the increase of athletes’ rights and women participation.
He acknowledged that there are many challenges ahead of the new executive in promoting grassroots sports development, the lack of standard infrastructure, and the need for more qualified judges, coaches, and referees.
“We will endeavour to deliver a national structure that provides an opportunity for all, whether the young child learning to swim or dive, the Olympic athlete, or the elderly using the water for health benefits,” he promised.
On women’s participation, Dr Bah said his leadership would strengthen the involvement of women in all critical areas of the decision making of the Association, including empowering the Women Committee of the Association through outreach and sensitization.
Below is the new Executive Members for 2022 – 2026:
1. President – Dr. Njogou Bah
2. Vice President – Mr Muhammed Bittaye
3. S. General – Mr Yorro Njie
4. Treasurer – Mr Baboucar Mbye
5. Exco Member – Ms Awa Sanneh
6. Gender Rep (Women)
7. Elected Athletes Rep – Omar Darboe
