Gambia’s First Lady bags regional role to combat environmental degradation The First Lady of The Gambia, H.E Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, has been appointed regional chair for West Africa in continent-wide efforts to combat environmental destruction.

First Lady of The Gambia, H.E Fatoumatta Bah Barrow - Photo credit: Office of The First Lady

Reacting to the development, the First Lady commented: “I am profoundly honoured to announce that I have been selected as the Regional Chair for West Africa by the African Union Commission to lead efforts in ensuring a pollution-free Africa. In this new role, I am tasked to spearhead the campaign to ban and eradicate plastics on the Continent. As the Chair for West Africa, I am committed to the gradual eradication of plastics through advocacy and awareness raising on the impacts of plastics and share experience on strategies and measures being undertaken to address the menace of plastics”. She added: “The Government of The Gambia is conscious of the health and environmental hazards associated with the growing demand for plastics, and remains committed to maintain the ban on plastic bags. I express appreciation to the African Union Commission and colleague First Ladies from across Africa at the High Level Working Session on Banning Plastics in Africa, for this laudable initiative and the honour bestowed on me as Champion for West Africa”.