Sports Minister Bakary Y. Badjie has banned wrestling competitions and musical events at the Independence Stadium, saying the move is aimed at protecting the recently rehabilitated facility.

The Minister announced the restriction on Wednesday during the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services’ monthly press briefing at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center.

Responding to questions from journalists, Badjie said the decision was necessary to prevent activities that could damage the stadium and undermine efforts to preserve it.

“We want to maintain the stadium for many years,” Minister Badjie said.

The Independence Stadium has traditionally hosted major wrestling competitions and musical programmes, drawing thousands of people to the facility.

But under the new restrictions, such events will no longer be allowed at the stadium.

Badjie also ruled out the use of the facility for political programmes, although he said national events could still occasionally be held there.

The decision comes after the completion of rehabilitation works at the country’s main stadium, with the government seeking to ensure the facility remains in good condition for major sporting commitments.

Badjie said the stadium must be preserved as a suitable venue for international football fixtures, making its maintenance a priority.

The Minister was also asked about the upcoming international fixture between The Gambia and Somalia.

He said President Adama Barrow has promised to attend the match at the Independence Stadium.

The restrictions mark a major change in the way one of The Gambia’s biggest public sporting facilities will be used.

For years, the stadium has served not only as a home for football but also as a venue for wrestling bouts, concerts and other large-scale gatherings.

Badjie, however, said protecting the government’s investment in the rehabilitation of the facility was now a priority.

The government wants the stadium to remain available for national and international sporting activities for years to come.