Photo credit: Fact check Gambia
By Awa S Jallow
As the Islamic fest (Tobaski) approaches, many families across The Gambia are grappling with a harsh economic reality- soaring food prices that continue to make this period of celebration more difficult than ever.
Markets that were once filled with eager consumers preparing for the fest are now filled with worried discussions about inflation, affordability, and survival.
At serekunda market, the largest trading hub in the country, vendors and buyers alike are feeling the strain of increasing prices. Amie Bah, a consumer, expressed her frustration at the market.
“The way things are going is really hard for me and my family. Even with four hundred dalasis, I can’t buy enough for lunch and dinner. And when I compare that to my salary, it’s really sad because I won’t have anything to save for future plans.” she decried.
Samba Bah, a vendor at the Brikama market, shares his struggles: “The Gambia is getting tougher and harder every minute.
Even to sell sometimes is a problem because people are finding it hard to buy due to high prices. I personally can’t do anything about it because taxes are high, which is why prices keep increasing.” he lamented.
The Gambia government has acknowledged the economic strain on citizens and has pledge to monitor market prices closely, in the drive to address the growing cost of living in the country.
