Nelson Manneh

Story: "Insight into non-enforcement of Tobacco Control Act 2016" indicated that while The Gambia has a comprehensive law to reduce tobacco use, it is poorly enforced. The article highlights the discrepancy between the strict regulations on the books and the common sight of vendors and individuals violating the law with little consequence. The Tobacco Control Act 2016 was adopted in December 2016 and came into force on December 17, 2018, with the goal of discouraging all forms of tobacco consumption. The Act prohibits smoking in indoor public places and workspaces, bans most forms of tobacco advertising and promotion, and restricts the sale of tobacco to minors and in single sticks. Displaying tobacco products at points of sale is also prohibited. Despite the law's "eloquent design," findings from vendors and smokers reveal that the law is not being properly enforced by agencies. A vendor in the Serrekunda market noted that as long as cigarettes are available, people will continue to buy them, regardless of the cost. The article includes quotes from a member of the public who believes the government is good at enacting laws but lacks an implementation plan, citing other non-enforced laws like the Anti-Littering Act. The article also references World Health Organization statistics on the millions of deaths caused by tobacco use globally, framing the local issue within a larger public health context

Published in: October 16, 2025