Nelson Manneh

Story: The article "Food prices in The Gambia: Ousmaila Joof’s official inflation rates and prices ‘on the ground’" examines the discrepancy between Gambian Trade Minister Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof's claims of stable commodity prices and the reality faced by traders and consumers. Published by Foroyaa and also investigated by the fact-checking organization Dubawa, the story highlights the conflict between government-reported economic data and the public's lived experience. While official inflation data from the Central Bank of The Gambia or the Gambia Bureau of Statistics might suggest a stabilization or decline in overall rates, the article reveals that many Gambians are still struggling with high food costs. Trade Minister Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof announced that the prices of basic commodities had been stable for several months, with specific items like potatoes and onions seeing significant price drops. This statement drew heated reactions from the public. Journalists visited local markets to verify the minister's claims with traders. The market vendors largely disagreed with the official government position, insisting that prices were still high and that inflation was a persistent problem. The article points out that even when the overall inflation rate showed a decline in early 2024, food prices remained high. For example, in March 2024, overall inflation dropped to 14.9%, but food inflation was at 19.7%. Import dependency: The Gambia relies heavily on imports for basic items like rice, sugar, and cooking oil. Global market changes: Rising international prices for commodities can directly impact domestic costs. Exchange rate fluctuations: The weakening of the Gambian dalasi can also drive up the cost of imports.

Published in: October 14, 2025