The recent disclosure by the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Rohey John Manjang, that the government, through the National Environment Agency, spent about D1.2 million within just five days to enforce the ban on plastic bags, raises important questions about both the cost and effectiveness of environmental regulation in The Gambia.
The intention behind the plastic ban is widely understood and supported: to reduce environmental pollution, protect drainage systems, safeguard marine life, and improve public health. Plastic waste has long been a visible and persistent challenge across urban and rural communities alike. In principle, strong enforcement action signals government commitment to environmental protection.
However, the reality on the ground tells a more complicated story. Despite the significant financial and administrative effort reported, plastic bags remain widely visible in markets, streets, transport hubs, and even rural settlements. This persistent presence suggests that enforcement alone, particularly when conducted in a short and intensive burst, may not be sufficient to achieve lasting behavioural change.
One key concern is sustainability. Spending over a million dalasi in five days for enforcement raises questions about whether such operations can be maintained over time, and whether they are producing proportional results. Environmental policy is most effective when it combines enforcement with education, stakeholder engagement, and the availability of affordable and practical alternatives.
Another challenge lies in public compliance. For many traders and consumers, plastic bags remain a cheap and convenient option. Without accessible substitutes and consistent awareness campaigns, enforcement measures risk being perceived as punitive rather than transformative. This can weaken public cooperation and ultimately undermine the policy’s objectives.
A more holistic approach may be required—one that strengthens collaboration between regulators, local authorities, businesses, and communities. Investment in reusable packaging alternatives, recycling systems, and sustained public education could help bridge the gap between policy and practice.
Ultimately, environmental protection is not achieved through enforcement alone. It requires consistent policy implementation, adequate infrastructure, and broad-based public ownership. The persistence of plastic waste, despite significant enforcement expenditure, should therefore serve not as a sign of failure, but as a call to refine strategy and deepen engagement.
The goal remains clear: a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable The Gambia.