Gambian consumers of various commodities in the commercial city of Serekunda are calling on the government of President Adama Barrow to introduce price control measures to address the high cost of commodities.
A large number of consumers at the busy Serekunda market expressed concern at the high prices of various commodities in the country’s biggest market.
Awa Sambou, a consumer, said consumers are finding it very difficult to buy items to prepare food for their families.
She said: “They are saying that the prices are down but that’s not happening. The market is just messed up with uncontrolled prices.”
Mrs. Sambou noted that the most expensive items in the markets are the basic commodities and called for lower prices.
“If the government doesn’t control prices, obviously, then anyone can do what he or she wants to do,” she said.
For his part, Alhagie Dampha said the prices of goods are very high in this month of Ramadan because of the CFA franc high rate of exchange to the Gambian currency, the dalasi.
For his part, Billy Gum, a cloth seller, said “customers complain about the prices of our garments and we have to bargain.”
The sellers and buyers are having different reactions to the economic situation. However, many people are trooping to the market because of the coming Eid-ul-fitr.
