By Seedy Jobe
The national youth president of the United Democratic Party, Hagi Suwaneh, has sharply criticized the administration of Adama Barrow, describing The Gambia’s economic situation as “alarming” and attributing the rising cost of living to entrenched corruption.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Mr. Suwaneh said many Gambians are struggling to afford basic necessities, arguing that everyday commodities have become increasingly inaccessible. Even staple foods such as fish, he said, are now beyond the reach of many households.
“The problem isn’t a lack of resources, but corruption,” Mr. Suwaneh wrote. “Officials are living large, with luxury buildings and foreign properties, while the poor get poorer.”
He cited audit reports that he said revealed billions of dalasis unaccounted for, contending that public officials were enriching themselves as economic hardship deepened for ordinary citizens. According to Mr. Suwaneh, high-profile infrastructure ventures amount to distractions from more pressing governance concerns.
“They’re distracting us with white elephant projects, but we won’t be fooled,” he said. “We need accountability and transparency.”
Mr. Suwaneh also questioned how some officials with comparatively modest public salaries have been able to acquire high-value properties and other luxury assets in recent years.
“Those around President Barrow were renting a few years ago, but now they have luxury assets. How’s that possible?” he asked. “It’s not from their salaries.”
He accused the government of placing personal enrichment above the welfare of citizens and argued that corruption, rather than scarcity of national resources, is driving soaring market prices.
“The markets are expensive because corruption is rampant, not because Gambia lacks resources,” Mr. Suwaneh said. “We deserve better governance, transparency, and accountability. The cost of living is high, but the cost of corruption is crippling.”
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