By Adama Makasuba
Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration has refuted the claim that President Adama Barrow gave instruction that the over D700 million foodstuff contract should be given to a Gambian business tycoon, Abubakary Jawara.
The circulated rumor as indicated that Mr Abubakary Jawara, proprietor of GACH Group company is a close friend and financier of President Barrow.
Reports later abounded that it was Mr Jawara and his sister that were given the exclusive rights to deliver rice, sugar and oil to the government of The Gambia for distribution to Gambians.
Mr Jawara was however present when President Barrow launched his government’s food relief package in Banjul on Sunday.
The Ministry’s reaction to the claims comes two days after President Barrow has launched the over D700 million food support package for at least 84 per cent of the country’s population.
The foodstuff is meant to help Gambians amid coronavirus pandemic, as the country is in a 45 days lockdown to curtail the spread of the virus.