The Alcohol Policy Advocacy (APA) Gambia Chapter has invited the King of Kora Jaliba Kuyateh and Baba Ceesay, a renowned TV anchor at the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) to serve as Ambassadors in its advocacy work in the Gambia.
This came after APA recognised two prominent Gambians and launched public sensitization on the dangers and harms associated with the distribution and consumption of alcohol in the country.
According to APA officials Gambians have been playing the lead role in the advocacy work of APAG and the need to recognise them becomes important, adding that they also command big platforms that can be used to embark on the journey of discouraging young and vulnerable people from alcohol consumption.
Jaliba Kuyateh and Baba Ceesay have been playing distinguished roles in spreading advocacy messages to the public thus helping in averting the dangers associated with alcohol products in the country, adding that recognising them as Ambassadors of APAG will further help in the dissemination of alcohol advocacy messages to the public.
“The two prominent Gambians have been identified as part of APAG 2024, an action plan meant to identify influential leaders to champion alcohol policy advocacy. APAG has already written a letter to the King of Kora Mr.Jaliba Kuyateh and as well presented a certificate of recognition to Mr. Baba Ceesay of GRTS recognising them as an influential person to champion the policy advocacy in the country,” Alhagie Janneh, National Coordinate, APAG disclosed.
He added: “Both Jaliba Kuyateh and Baba Ceesay host of the famous Balance Show are prominent public figures who have been very supportive of APAG advocacy works. As an association, we are deeply honored to recognise their valuable contribution in scaling down the use of alcohol in Gambian society especially among the young and vulnerable.”
Tahirou Jallow, an executive member of APAG also hailed the recognition as a step in the right direction as well as a means to strengthen the campaign against the abusive use of alcohol in Gambian society, noting that many other prominent Gambian personalities will recognize to join the bandwagon in the fight against the abusive use, sales and distribution of alcohol in the country.
He called on the Ministry of Health to expedite the approval of alcohol policy in the country, arguing that with the right policy, Gambians will be at the forefront of many other African countries yet to approve their national alcohol policies.
