The Sports Journalists’ Association of The Gambia (SJAG) has expressed deep concern and disappointment over the circumstances surrounding the recent road accident involving the Gambia U-16 National Basketball Teams while travelling to Guinea Conakry for the FIBA Africa Zone II Championship.

In a strongly worded statement, SJAG said it is “deeply saddened and alarmed by the tragic road accident involving the Gambia Basketball U-16 National Team bus en route to Guinea Conakry.” The Association added that it was relieved there were no fatalities and extended its “heartfelt prayers and support to the injured players, officials, and their families” while wishing them a speedy recovery.

However, SJAG did not mince its words in criticising the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Gambia Basketball Association for what it described as a dangerous and avoidable decision to transport young athletes by bus over a long and risky journey.

“SJAG strongly condemns the questionable decision by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Gambia Basketball Association to transport our young athletes by bus over a long and potentially dangerous journey,” the statement read. “This incident raises serious concerns about the safety protocols and travel arrangements for our national teams, particularly for our youth, who represent the future of Gambian sports.”

The Association questioned why safer travel options were not prioritised, arguing that the choice to use a bus for an international trip was “unacceptable and reflects a grave lapse in judgment.”

According to SJAG, the consequences of missing the qualifiers due to what it called an “avoidable tragedy” could be far-reaching for Gambian basketball. “These young athletes have dedicated countless hours to training and preparation, and this setback deprives them of a critical opportunity to showcase their talent, gain international experience, and advance their development,” it added.

SJAG also highlighted the potential emotional and psychological toll on the young athletes and warned that this incident could discourage future participation and stall the sport’s growth in The Gambia.

While acknowledging the swift intervention by President Adama Barrow and the Office of the President  who arranged a private jet and deployed a medical team to assist the victims, SJAG said this response does not absolve those responsible for the original travel decision.

“While we acknowledge the prompt response from H.E. President Barrow and the Office of the President in arranging a private plane to bring the team home and deploying a medical team to assist the victims, this does not excuse the initial negligence that led to this preventable incident,” the statement continued.

The Association is demanding a “transparent investigation into the decision-making process behind the choice of transportation” and urged the government and relevant sports bodies to implement stronger measures to protect athletes in the future.

“Our national teams deserve better. The safety, well-being, and aspirations of our athletes must always come first,” SJAG stressed, pledging to continue advocating for accountability and systemic reforms to ensure Gambian athletes are never put at such risk again.

By Ebrima KB Sonko