The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment has admitted to a lack of comprehensive data on the domestic consumption of essential food items, sparking fears over the government’s ability to stabilise prices during the current moratorium on onion and potato imports.

During a National Assembly session, Minister Mod K. Ceesay was questioned by lawmakers regarding the government’s strategy to prevent shortages between March and July 2026. 

While the Minister cited a mid-January survey suggesting local production would suffice, he conceded that the Ministry has yet to compile detailed monthly statistics for Irish potatoes, onions, and rice.

The admission drew sharp criticism from Hon. Momodou Lamin Bah of Banjul North, who argued that such data is “essential information” for implementing the import ban efficiently. 

Without these figures, lawmakers warned that the government cannot accurately predict when domestic supply might fail to meet demand, potentially leading to artificial inflation or unexpected shortages.

In response, Minister Ceesay defended the state’s liberal free-market approach, emphasizing that the Ministry monitors stock levels and offers incentives to traders rather than enforcing direct price controls. 

However, Hon. Suwaibou Touray of Wulli East countered that these measures are insufficient to protect citizens from “unfair price hikes” during the critical Ramadan and Lent periods.

While the Minister promised continued monitoring and social welfare support for vulnerable households, lawmakers remain concerned that a “hands-off” approach based on incomplete data leaves Gambians exposed to significant market volatility during the 2026 harvest season.

Source: The Point News
Image Credit: Voice Out Digital