By Fatou Sillah
The leader and secretary general of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), Mama Kandeh, has described President Adama Barrow’s administration as the most corrupt in the country’s history.
Speaking to journalists, Kandeh said the level of corruption under the current government is unprecedented.
“The type of corruption that exists in this country today has never happened in the history of The Gambia,” he stated.
Kandeh emphasized that the GDC is committed to fighting corruption and ending the exploitation of Gambian youth. He criticized the government for consistently awarding major contracts, such as road construction projects, to foreign companies instead of empowering Gambians.
“We should empower our youth and equip them with skills. But here, most contracts are awarded to foreign companies. Why can’t Gambians handle these projects? Is it because we lack the skills? GDC will fight against this,” he said.
He also pledged that the GDC would defend workers’ rights and strengthen national security to curb armed robbery and other crimes.
“You cannot just employ people and fire them at will. GDC will ensure fairness and stability. We will also work to improve security across the country,” he added.
Highlighting his party’s long-term vision, Kandeh said the GDC is the only political party with a national development plan spanning from 2026 to 2050.
“We are not only thinking about today or tomorrow, but about the future of The Gambia,” he stated.
Turning to agriculture, Kandeh underscored the need to modernize the sector as a path to achieving self-sufficiency and economic independence.
“Our agricultural sector must be modernized because we cannot claim independence if we cannot feed ourselves,” he said.
He cautioned voters against believing politicians who promise to lower food prices without committing to invest in agriculture.
“Any politician who tells you they will reduce food prices without investing in agriculture is not telling the truth,” Kandeh warned.
Kandeh concluded by comparing the current administration’s agricultural spending unfavorably with that of former President Yahya Jammeh’s era.
“During Jammeh’s time, the agriculture budget was higher than what we see today. How can we expect to feed ourselves when only one and a half percent of the national budget goes to agriculture?” he questioned.