Africa-Press – Gambia. Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally on Friday dismissed mounting public criticism over corruption and the rising cost of living, arguing that such concerns are confined to “a few people sitting in radio and television stations” and do not reflect the views of ordinary Gambians.
Speaking at a joint “Meet the People Tour” gathering in Sanementereng for residents of Kombo South and surrounding communities, Mr. Sabally said that throughout the nationwide tour, no citizen had raised allegations of corruption or complained directly to the government about economic hardship.
“We have followed the president since the start of this tour, and not a single Gambian has talked about corruption,” Mr. Sabally told the crowd. “This shows the trust Gambians have in President Barrow’s government and its development efforts.”
The minister went on to characterize media critics as disgruntled former professionals.
“It is only a few people who do not have work—people who have been sacked or retired from the UN—who sit on radio programs talking about corruption because they have nothing else to do,” he said.
Echoing remarks made earlier by a local councillor, Mr. Sabally argued that complaints about the high cost of living stem from personal financial difficulties rather than national economic realities. “If one does not work to earn a living, of course they will face hunger and suffering,” he added.
Mr. Sabally defended the government’s handling of commodity prices, stating that a 50-kilogram bag of rice sells for D1,700 and a bag of fertilizer for D1,100—figures he said are lower than in most West African countries. He also cited the current pump price of gasoline at D85 per liter, claiming it remains well below prices elsewhere in the region.
“But since these people have no job, they just go on radio and TV to mislead you that the cost of living is high and gasoline is expensive,” he said. “These things are cheaper in The Gambia than in other countries.”
The minister also argued that The Gambia’s relative price stability is evident in cross-border trade, asserting that rice and fertilizer purchased in the country are frequently taken to neighboring states because of their affordability.
Mr. Sabally’s remarks come amid persistent public debate over inflation, fuel prices, and allegations of government corruption—issues frequently raised by civil society groups, opposition parties, and independent media, even if absent from the government-led tour’s public forums.
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