By: Fatou Krubally
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has strongly criticized the Barrow Administration over what it describes as a deepening economic crisis that is crippling the lives of ordinary Gambians.
In a statement issued by the party’s Administrative Secretary for Media and Communication, Tombong Saidy, the UDP accused the government of mismanaging the economy and turning a blind eye to the sufferings of the population.
According to the opposition party, the cost of living has spiralled out of control since President Adama Barrow took office, with prices of basic food items, fuel, rent, and utilities soaring beyond the reach of most Gambians. A 50kg bag of rice now costs over D3,000, up from D1,200, while a bag of onions has jumped to D900. The price of petrol has surged to D81 per litre, pushing transport fares to record highs. Electricity and water tariffs have risen by over 60 percent since 2020.
“The average Gambian is barely surviving,” cried Mr Saidy, adding that the housing crisis in the Greater Banjul Area has worsened, with landlords demanding up to six months’ rent in advance for single room apartments now priced at D5,000 to D8,000 monthly.
The party also pointed to the dalasi’s sharp depreciation, now trading at D620 for 5,000 CFA, as a key driver of rising prices of imported goods. Groundnut farmers, once a backbone of the rural economy, are struggling, as government procurement prices have stagnated at D28,000 per ton far below Senegal’s CFA 300/kg rate.
While accusing the government of neglecting the poor, the UDP criticized recent pay hikes for top officials, including the president and ministers, while civil servants continue to earn below D10,000 monthly. “This is a government of greed, not governance,” Saidy charged.
As the 2026 elections approach, the UDP is calling on Gambians to demand immediate reforms, including currency stabilization, food subsidies, and support for farmers. “The time for change is now,” Saidy declared.
