The body of the late VP arrived at the Banjul International Airport on Saturday evening, 21 January, 2023 ; received by The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), and escorted to the mortuary at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) in Banjul.

Among those that welcomed him at the airport were cabinet Ministers, Senior government officials, members from the diplomatic community, religious leaders and others.

President Adama Barrow announced the demise of late VP Joof on Wednesday morning, saying he was “heartbroken.” The presidency reported that the former VP was in India for overseas treatment. 

Badara Joof is the 10th vice president of The Gambia and second vice president to die in office.

The first Gambian vice president to die in office was Alieu Badara Njie. He died in a helicopter crash in 1982.  

Badara was applauded by many Gambians for his boldness to speak the truth in the name national interest.

Until his demise, Badara had served as minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology before being appointed the Vice President of The Gambia.

Badara will be remembered for his famous and circulated speech during the ministerial retreat held at the Sir Dawda Karliraba Jawara Conference Centre, where he dwelled on Ministers’ responsibilities to work for the betterment of the country.

According to a press release from the Office of the Government Spokesperson Ebrima G. Sankareh, there will be a vigil at the mortuary until today morning from where the corpse would be moved to the National Assembly (NA) to lie in state for mourners to pay their last respects. 

“His Excellency President Adama Barrow is expected at the National Assembly by 9:30am GMT for the official eulogies. Therefore, invited guests and members of the media are requested to be seated at the National Assembly grounds by 8:30am.” 

“Subsequently, the casket will be transported to the Banjulinding Mosque for the Islamic  “Fidaw” prayers before final internment at the local cemetery where the late Vice President, His Excellency Badara Alieu Joof will be laid to rest next to his mother’s grave.” 

“The Gambia Police Force will provide additional security throughout the funeral process including the regulation of vehicular traffic and management of the congregation at the late VP’s residence.”

“May the Almighty Allah continue to reward former VP Badara Alieu Joof for his impressive legacy and good deeds in positively touching and impacting lives within and outside The Gambia.”