By Alkali Cham
The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) over the Weekend observed a peaceful protest to show their dismay at certain issues affecting the country and its population.
The issues protested against include the high cost of living, corruption, government inaction on various audit reports, deportation, TRRC report, draft constitution, unemployment, and deaths related to kidney disease among other things.
Speaking to members of the press present at the protest, the Secretary General of the group Celestine Kujabi said as citizens they are concerned about the government’s disregarding the serious irregularities that slow and retard the development and progress of The Gambia.
Also, he said, the government’s inaction towards fighting these irregularities poses a very severe negative social impact on the lives of the citizenry, coupled with the surge in the rate of unemployment, widespread corruption amongst the public servants and institutions they serve is a great cause of concern.
“The Coalition of Progressive Gambians is also deeply concerned with the government’s lack of concern for the suffering and unbearable living conditions of the citizenry. Unfortunately, the country is faced with a lack of action to fight corruption, and the will to promote transparency and accountability,” he stressed.
Kujabi, however, added that CoPG is determined to hold the leadership and government accountable for failing to promote discipline, truthfulness and honesty, integrity, sincerity, commitment, and hard work within civil service institutions.
He stated that the executives of the pressure group promised never to relent in their fight until the government addresses these concerns in the best interest of the country.
It could be recalled that COPG attempted to protest last year but due to the intervention of the Supreme Islamic Council and other stakeholders, the protest was put on hold until recently the IGP granted them the approval to show their frustration against various issues for the Government to amicably address.
