By: Binta Jaiteh
The United Democratic Party (UDP) has condemned the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA)’s recent decision to set a minimum floor price for mobile data services in The Gambia, describing it as “reckless, unlawful, and harmful to consumers.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the opposition party criticized PURA for undermining economic justice and the principles of a free market in a democratic society.
“PURA’s mandate under Gambian law is to protect the interests of consumers while ensuring fair competition among service providers. Instead, PURA has acted to shield GSM companies, effectively legalizing exploitation at the expense of the Gambian people,” the UDP remarked.
The party noted that The Gambia already faces one of the highest internet costs in the sub-region. “Rather than working to reduce these costs, improve access, and promote competition, PURA has sided with corporate profiteers, endorsing policies that further burden the public. This is not only unjust but illegal, as no authority has the right to fix prices in a way that disadvantages consumers or restricts fair market practices,” the statement added.
The UDP also questioned the role of The Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission regarding this issue, warning that silence could be deeply concerning. The party called on PURA to immediately reverse the decision and consult with stakeholders, consumer groups, civil society, and the general public to ensure data remains affordable.
“In every democracy, regulators are duty-bound to safeguard the welfare of citizens. PURA must prioritize the interests of Gambians, not GSM companies. We stand with the people in rejecting this exploitative move and will continue to hold PURA and the Barrow government accountable for policies that undermine citizens’ rights and welfare,” the statement concluded.