Gambians Lament over Skyrocketing Prices of Commodities

Gambians have expressed in dismay over the skyrocketing prices of commodities in the country since the Barrow-led government assume power 2 years ago.

The growing concern-as prompted many Gambians to express concern over the fluctuating prices in the country.

Abdou Cham, a butcher at Serekunda market said business is not booming, as he said price of meat is unstable and stressful due to the challenges they face in the market industry.

“Customers mount a lot of pressure on them to bring down the price of meat, we prefer to sell it at a cheaper price but sometimes it depends on how the purchasing rate of a cow or goat is,” he said.

He said they are affected with the present situation in the country, as he added “the government should come up with governmental restrictions on the prices that can be charge for goods”.

However, Cherno Jallow, also a businessman at Serekunda market expressed dissatisfaction about Barrow-led administration saying “it is disheartened to note that since the new government took over they have suddenly developed a non challant attitude towards the economic development of the country”.

He said the prices of commodities like, rice, cooking oil, and sugar goes up when the demand exceeds the supply in the country.

He added: “Business is not booming like it should be at the present moment in the market, which is not in their favor nor their customers.”

For her part, Fatou K.  Sanyang, a fish seller at Serekunda market said: “we the sellers are facing a lot challenges in buying and selling fish.”

She further urged the government to put up mechanisms in controlling the prices of commodities in the country, which she said will help the economy of the country to boost.

Author: Mariama K.  Bojang & Maria Lopes