By Mustapha Jallow
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, business mogul and CEO of GACH Global, Abubakary Jawara, through his Foundation, on Monday, 24 February 2025 launched its annual Ramadan donation, with a distribution of over D9 million worth of essential food items to support Muslims across the country.
The foundation’s generous donation included 7,000 bags of rice and 2,000 bags of sugar. These items are aimed at alleviating poverty and fostering community solidarity during Ramadan. The foundation sees this as just the latest gesture in its ongoing efforts to uplift vulnerable communities. In previous years, it has distributed thousands of bags of rice, sugar, and other vital food items as part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility and the socio-economic development of The Gambia.
The distribution event, held at the foundation’s headquarters in Bakau, attracted a gathering of prominent figures, including Muslim clerics such as Imam Abdoulie Fatty, Chebou Cham, Alhagie Essa Jawara of Bilal Islamic Institute as well as representatives from the Supreme Islamic Council, government officials, and staff from the GACH Foundation, among others.
In his opening address, Abubakary Jawara, CEO of GACH, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to improving the lives of Gambians, particularly those facing economic challenges.
“My goal is not just to contribute to our nation’s development but also to address the challenges that many Gambians face today,” Jawara stated.
He continued, “Charity has been a long-standing tradition in our family—a legacy passed down from our late father. We are determined to continue this noble path, not for recognition, but to support our fellow Muslims during this significant month of Ramadan.”
Mr Yusupha Jawara, Chairman of the Foundation, emphasized the immense rewards associated with giving out charity, especially to the needy during the holy month of Ramadan. He added, “We pray that this spirit of Ramadan generosity continues year after year, bringing hope and aid to those in need.”
“Charity is a selfless act, not a mere display of wealth or social status,” Jawara explained. “As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us, the hand that gives is always above the one that receives. It is essential for each of us to embody this spirit of generosity and contribute what we can.”
He further emphasized, “As the saying goes, charity begins at home. Our efforts have always started within our own families, among our friends, and within our communities.”
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported and followed our initiatives. We hope to continue with this gesture for many years to come,” Yusupha concluded.
Haji Jawara, the Consular General in Angola, also stressed the importance of peace and stability in The Gambia. He encouraged all Gambians to uphold harmony and extend a helping hand to one another, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
Imam Abdoulie Fatty expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Jawara Foundation for its ongoing efforts to support those in need during Ramadan. “With more individuals like the GACH leadership, our community would face fewer challenges, particularly during this blessed month,” he remarked.
Imam Kebou Cham, a renowned scholar, also commended the foundation’s continuous dedication to humanitarian work. He said the importance of supporting fellow Muslims, particularly during the month of Ramadan, cannot be overstated.
Several other speakers acknowledged in one way or the other to have received support from the GACH leadership, even in the absence of Ramadan. Some recollect that Jawara and Co extended their tentacles to boarding schools and also provided Tobaski Rams to people in need.
They prayed for CEO Jawara and his staff to be granted long life, good health, and as well as for continued progress of the foundation and The Gambia as a whole.
