The Gambia’s new political player, Gambia Action Party (GAP), is throwing its hat in an increasingly crowded political ring.

The party, which was launched last month, held its maiden press conference at QCity on Sunday to present its policies and roadmap to save the country from “sinking any further”.   

The party leader, Musa Yali Batchilly, said Gambians have been hoodwinked for a long time by politicians with “propaganda, lip service and empty promises”.

The political upstart and former GDC member said his party was formed to save the country from its political malaise. He said his party which promotes equality will serve and better the lives of all Gambians.

“Our hopes have been shattered and our meagre national resources have been wasted. Time has actually come for us to put hearts and minds together, use all legitimate means at our disposal and do whatever it takes to save our beloved country from sinking any further. Better changes must be made now and not later.”

Batchilly presented his party’s ambitious blueprint to address all sectors – economy, education, health, crime, tourism etc – affecting Gambians.  

The Gambia as a state, he said, has not been economically viable and his party would change that.

“Our country has not only been plunged into foreign debts but also large-scale youth unemployment, poverty, socioeconomic (problems) and insecurity.

“GAP shall enhance economic growth that will better the lives of Gambians as the party is cognizant of the fact that, economic growth is among the most effective element for reducing and eradicating poverty and improving the livelihood of all people.”

He stressed the importance of education in addressing social ills and that his party would change the present education system that had failed many Gambians.

On the healthcare sector, the GAP leader said his party would rescue the failing health sector and ensure that drugs and medication storage facilities were decentralized.   

Batchilly denied reports that the party was a proxy for President Barrow.

“The only thing we share with President Barrow is the national development plan. The Gambia Action Party is a self-financed party and it is a light that can never be extinguished as many might have thought.”

The Gambia Action Party is the 10^th political party to be registered in the country.