By Staff Reporter
Saikou Camara, Administrative Secretary for Media and Communications of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has stated that President Adama Barrow told Banjul elders and religious leaders that representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had advised his government to exercise restraint in capital expenditure.
According to Camara, the IMF’s recommendation is neither unusual nor unreasonable, stressing that responsible governments must avoid excessive reliance on loans and grants while spending beyond their means. He noted that fiscal discipline remains essential for maintaining economic stability.
However, Camara expressed concern over what he described as President Barrow’s reported response, in which the President reportedly suggested that the IMF should focus on providing financial support while allowing the government to independently pursue its development agenda.
He described such a stance as troubling, arguing that it risks undermining sound economic management. He drew an analogy comparing the situation to a patient advised by a doctor to reduce sugar intake but instead asking for money to continue consuming sugar, calling it “reckless and self-destructive.”
Camara warned that disregarding expert financial guidance could lead to serious economic consequences, including rising inflation, unsustainable debt levels, and potential economic instability. He emphasized that effective leadership requires both development ambition and disciplined resource management.
He concluded that ignoring expert advice, in his view, does not reflect strength but rather poses a risk to the country’s economic future.
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