By: Malanding Darboe & Haddy Touray
The UDP’s administrative secretary for media & communication Tombong Saidy has asserted that it has remained a struggle for President Adama Barrow’s government to stem the soaring cost of living since assuming power in 2017.
The inability of the government to address the rising cost of living, according to Mr. Saidy, has been burdening the average Gambian unbearably, deepening poverty and widening the gap the inequality gap.
“Basic commodities such as rice, energy, fuel, onions, sugar, bread, and cooking oil have become increasingly unaffordable, exacerbating poverty and inequality in a country where many already live on the edge of survival,” said Mr. Saidy in a statement made available to this medium on Sunday.
The UDP official contended that The Gambia has been convulsing under President Barrow’s leadership.
“The Gambia, known for its vibrant culture and resilient people, the Smiling Coast, is facing a deepening economic crisis under the leadership of President Adama Barrow[and] NPP “KERENG KAFFO”[squirrel community]. President Barrow has turned The Gambia to the Frowning Coast,” he argued.
“Rice, the staple food in The Gambia, has seen a dramatic increase in price over the past few years. For a country that relies heavily on rice imports, fluctuations in global prices and exchange rates have a direct impact on local markets. A 50-kilogram bag of rice, which was once affordable for most households, now costs significantly more, forcing families to cut back on meals or switch to less nutritious alternatives,” Mr. Saidy further argued. He added: “Similarly, the prices of onions, sugar, and cooking oil have skyrocketed, making it difficult for families to prepare even the most basic meals. Adama Barrow’s NPP “KERENG KAFFO ” government has only brought hardship and misery to The Gambia, despite his promise of a good life for Gambians. Since he came to power, the Dalasi has been depreciating on a daily basis and thus brings more hardship to the people.”
Mr. Saidy maintained that energy and fuel costs have also surged further put strains on household budgets.
“The Gambia relies heavily on imported fuel and global oil price volatility, coupled with a weak Gambian dalasi, plus the government’s high taxes on imported fuel has led to frequent hikes in fuel prices. This, in turn, has driven up transportation costs and the prices of goods and services across the board. For many Gambians, the dream of reliable electricity remains elusive, as power outages continue to plague the country, forcing households and businesses to rely on expensive generators,” he stated.
He pointed out that despite these challenges, many Gambians feel that President Adama Barrow and his “NPP “KERENG KAFFO” administration have failed to prioritize their well-being.
“The government has not implemented effective policies to stabilize prices, boost local production, or reduce the country’s dependence on imports. Instead, the administration has been focusing on political manoeuvring and maintaining power rather than addressing the urgent needs of the population,” argued Saidy.
