By Haddy Touray
The chairman of Brikama Area Council (BAC), Yankuba Darboe, has leveled scathing criticisms against Barrow administration, blaming it for economic mismanagement, rising living costs, and policies that worsened hardships for many Gambians.
Mr. Darboe made the remarks during a political meeting in Bassé, where he also urged voters to support the United Democratic Party (UDP) in the next elections.
He blamed the government for a persistent shortage of cement and sharp price increases, saying the cost of a bag of cement had risen from about D400 to D650 under the current administration. He said government policies have restricted small-scale cement importers across the Senegalese border and increased import taxes, limiting competition in the local market.
Mr. Darboe alleged that these measures had benefited a few companies, including Jah Oil and Gum Limited, which he said were allowed to operate freely. “The government does not want to make things easy for Gambians,” he said.
He criticized President Adama Barrow for highlighting spending on road construction while many Gambians struggle to afford basic food items. He suggested that some funds could be redirected to agriculture, particularly rice production, to reduce food prices and improve food security.
Mr. Darboe also criticized the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s (PURA) mobile data pricing policy, introduced in August 2025, which set a minimum price for mobile data, saying it made internet access more expensive for ordinary citizens.
He further raised concerns over the Karpower electricity deal, alleging that a government minister misled the public about debts owed to the power supplier, describing the actions as “stealing from Gambians.”
The council chairman accused the government of selling state assets, including Gambia Ports Authority facilities, the Senegambia Bridge, Gamtel, Megabank, and Mile 2 Prison, saying these decisions reflected poor management of public resources.
Addressing youth unemployment and migration, he said economic hardship had pushed many young Gambians to attempt irregular migration to Europe. He claimed about 1,400 youths left the country this year, citing activist data from 2024 that over 1,600 Gambians died attempting the journey, with many others intercepted or returned.
Mr. Darboe said loans taken by the Barrow administration could be repaid if properly managed, citing his experience at the Brikama Area Council, where he said outstanding loans were settled and council performance improved. He argued that similar development could be achieved at the national level under a UDP government, promising fair distribution of resources across the country.
In his closing remarks, he urged Gambians to vote for the UDP, describing it as the most viable option for ending economic hardship and improved living conditions.
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By Haddy Touray The chairman of Brikama Area Council (BAC), Yankuba Darboe, has leveled scathing criticisms against Barrow administration, blaming…
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