Gambia’s Economy Sinks!!!

 As Massive Shortages of Basic Commodities Hit The Country

No Sugar In The Month Of Ramadan

By Staff Reporter Bakary Gibba & Pa Nderry M’Bai

Email: panderrymbai@gmail.com

Tel: 0011-919-749-6319

With barely few days for Muslims in The Gambia to observe Ramadan (Fasting), the country’s poverty stricken citizens are decrying the nation’s high cost of living, as sugar, and other basic commodities are missing in the market, the Freedom Newspaper can report. Across the country, housewives, farmers, teachers, Civil Servants, and community leaders are concerned about the growing shortage of sugar, which Muslims used to mix their tea for fast breaking. Shop owners, and local importers blamed the sugar shortage to high tax leveled against them by the Government. As a result, many Gambians would observe the Ramadan this year without having sugar for their evening tea.

Like other economies in the region, Gambia’s economy has been adversely affected by the global recession. The country has witnessed a dramatic increase on prices of basic commodities—most importantly rice, which is the nation’s main staple food, meat, onions, and sugar. The average Gambian can’t afford one decent meal a day, while unemployment is  jumping the roof. And with the current sky rocketing of basic commodities, many families would go to bed without food on the table.  

Besides the food shortages, the country has witnessed a sharp decline on its Gross Domestic Product, otherwise known as (GDP). Tourism and agriculture are the central nerve of Gambia’s ailing economy, but the two sectors have not been performing well over the years—largely due to lack of tourists, and marketing outlet to purchase farmers peanuts.  

For the past five days, consumers around the country complained about lack of sugar in  The Gambia. They are also concerned about the recent price hikes, which is seemingly threatening their livelihoods. They appealed to the Government to help stabilize prices for basic commodities. They also want the Government to look into the issue of sugar importation, adding that if the current sugar shortage continues, many families will suffer the brunt of the economic meltdown.

Meanwhile, an intelligence Taskforce has been set up to look into the price hikes, and possibly come up with a report  that would help alleviate the problem. Many here blamed the state for the economic meltdown. For example, they  said President Jammeh should not have engaged himself into the transportation industry, and other sectors of the economy—with the sole aim of exploiting poor Gambians. They challenged Jammeh to explain the source of his transportation company,  Unique Transport Services Company Known as (UTSCO). The concerned consumers accused Mr. Jammeh of shirking his responsibilities as a leader. They said the President is tempted to pursue personal wealth to the detriment of the nation.