This video features an interview on the show “Coffee Time with Peter Gomez” with Benjamin Adam Roberts, an economist, entrepreneur, and former Minister of Tourism and Culture for The Gambia.
In the interview, Benjamin Adam Roberts discusses his return to the political spotlight as a co-founder of the newly formed People’s Transformation Party (PTP. He shares his vision for the country’s future.
The interview can be watched from the YouTube link below.
Key Highlights from the Interview:
Formation of the Party
Benjamin Adam Roberts explains how the party was formed to bridge a gap in the political landscape. He noted a lack of clear political philosophies and ideologies in existing parties and wanted to create a platform that institutionalises political engagement rather than focusing on personality politics.
Party Principles & Vision
The PTP is built on core values of honesty, integrity, and innovation. Roberts emphasises leveraging technology for economic development and fostering national unity and patriotism over ethnic divisiveness. He advocates a shared Gambian identity, akin to Senegal’s national unity.
Coalition Politics
Pragmatism about the need for alliances. He acknowledges that for a new party to succeed in the 2026 elections, joining a coalition is likely necessary. He mentions participating in a “Coalition for System Change.”
Core Governance Challenges
Identification of three critical challenges facing The Gambia:
National Security: redefining security to include food, health, and economic security, not just military capability.
Leadership: A need for visionary leadership that prioritises succession planning and institution-building over day-to-day management.
Governance: Improving the culture of how institutions are managed.
Diaspora Engagement
Benjamin Adam Roberts highlights the immense economic contribution of the diaspora (citing ~$800 million in annual remittances). He argues for better data analysis to channel these funds into productive investments rather than just consumption. He also strongly advocates for diaspora voting rights, suggesting the diaspora could be treated as an “eighth region” of The Gambia.
The Singapore Model
Drawing on his studies in Singapore, Roberts believes The Gambia can replicate Singapore’s success, particularly by leveraging its port. He felt the current government’s decision to concession out the port was the wrong thing to do.
