The Government of The Gambia, through Neneh Macdouall-Gaye, Secretary of State for Information, has reacted to the continuing efforts by opposition elements and the BBC to tarnish the good name of our peaceful Gambia.

In a press release sent to all media houses yesterday the Secretary of State had this to say.

"The Department of State for Communications and Information Technology has reacted to a BBC Focus on Africa report on Ghanians protest over killing in Gambia and FOROYAA's issue of 17-18 March 2008 on the same subject.

It could be confirmed that in July 2005 eight bodies were found in the vicinity of Brufut/Ghanatown and not 44 bodies as reported. Furthermore the nationalities of the dead bodies are not known.

It could also be recalled that immediately after the discovery of the bodies, a press release from the Department of State for The Interior was issued inviting the public to assist in identifying the said bodies and any other pertinent information.

Furthermore a post-mortem was conducted on each of the eight bodies, the results of which were shared with the Ghanian delegation that visited the Gambia on the matter. The claims that they were suspected coup plotters hence the killing are utterly false.

The Gambia is known for its peace and stability. Similarly, foreigners have always enjoyed freedom and peace in this country. Ghanians have been residing in The Gambia for the past 50 years to the point of having their own dedicated town.

This unfortunate incident is equally a great concern to the Gambian authorities. Investigations are still on going and The Gambia and Ghana have agreed to have a joint international investigation committee to further investigate the matter". END

See Editorial Page 4