Economy: High Cost Of Living In The Gambia

With the constant talk of democracy and development in the country, there is one aspect of it which should never be forgotten. Most of the time though, very little is said about it. This is the high cost of living in the country.

Almost all commodities are skyrocketing and there doesn’t seem to be any end in sight. The cost of a bag of rice – the staple food in the country – is a thousand one hundred and fifty dalasis. Way too high.

The prices of oil, sugar, onions and potatoes are also very high. Indeed, the high cost of flour has caused a hike in the cost of bread which is eaten in virtually every household in this country. In fact, the bakers sometimes refuse to do so thus resulting in a shortage every now and then.

With the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan fast approaching, there are fears that there will be another increase in all these items soon. The Government of the day will do well to remember that no form of development will be noticeable if the prices of food items continue to be sky high.

It is therefore necessary for the government to come up with ways and means to ensure that the cost of these basic needs reduces so that the average Gambian will be able to put food on the table.