Barrow Rejects Claims of Hunger in Gambia, Pledges Continued Development

By Makutu Manneh

President Adama Barrow has rejected assertions that hunger remains a significant problem in The Gambia, dismissing remarks by an unnamed political rival who has pledged to eradicate hunger in the country.

Speaking at a political rally in Farafenni on Saturday, Mr. Barrow said he had heard a politician campaigning on a promise to eliminate hunger but questioned the premise of that pledge.

“This person doesn’t know what is happening in The Gambia,” Mr. Barrow said. “That is why the person made such statements.”

The president said he did not believe there was hunger in the country and instead pointed to his administration’s development agenda, saying the government would continue investing in roads, electricity, schools, hospitals, and ambulances.

Mr. Barrow said his government remained committed to addressing what he described as the most pressing needs of Gambians, particularly access to electricity, clean water, roads, and health care.

He also said he would soon begin his annual “Meet the People Tour,” during which government officials are expected to travel across the country to hear directly from communities and assess their development needs.

The 2026 tour is scheduled to begin on Oct. 1 and run for 19 days, according to the president’s National People’s Party. The itinerary includes 21 general meetings, 24 project-site visits, and seven inauguration and handover ceremonies.

Mr. Barrow portrayed himself as both a public servant and a development-oriented leader, saying his administration would keep responding to Gambians’ priorities.

“I am a servant and a developer,” he said, adding that he would continue working to provide what the people need.