Source: President Barrow, during a meeting with Muslim elders on the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr
Claim: On March 30, 2025, President Adama Barrow, during a meeting with Muslim elders at the State House, claimed that the price of a bag of rice ranged between D1,700 and D1,900, and that the price of a bag of sugar had dropped from D2,600 to D2,400. He made these remarks while discussing food prices in The Gambia, referencing a supposed decrease in the cost of essential commodities during the Ramadan period. The statement can be viewed in the Kerr Fatou broadcast between the 50- to 55-minute mark. Watch the video on Kerr Fatou
Verdict: False
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To verify this claim, a fact-checking exercise was conducted by interviewing shopkeepers in different trading centers across The Gambia, including Brikamaba, Latrikunda, Brikama, Tabokoto, Foni Bullock, Serrekunda, Bansang, Barra/Essau, Farafenni, and Ndungu Kebbeh. The data collected presents a different picture from the President’s assertion.
In Brikamaba, two prominent shopkeepers confirmed that the price of a 50kg bag of sugar ranged between D2,650 and D2,600 during Ramadan—higher than the president’s claim of D2,400. The price of American rice in Brikamaba was reported at D2,300 and D2,350, significantly above the D1,700–D1,900 range stated by the president.
In Latrikunda, three shopkeepers were consulted. Two of them confirmed selling a 50kg bag of sugar between D2,600 and D2,650, while the third sold it at D2,600. Additionally, the price of a bag of rice varied, with one shopkeeper selling it at D2,200, while the other two sold it at D2,300. This is far above the President’s claim of rice costing between D1,700 and D1,900.
In Brikama, four shopkeepers confirmed selling a bag of sugar at D2,550. Meanwhile, three of them sold a bag of American rice for D2,300, while the fourth reported selling it for D2,250. These figures contradict the president’s statement, as all reported rice prices exceed D1,900.
In Tabokoto, two shopkeepers reported that a 25kg bag of rice cost D1,400, while a 50kg bag of rice ranged from D2,300 to D2,350. Although sugar prices were not explicitly mentioned in this area, the rice prices still do not align with the president’s claim.
In Foni Bullock, a major shopkeeper confirmed that a 50kg bag of rice cost D2,300, while a 50kg bag of sugar was selling at D2,700—once again contradicting the president’s assertion that sugar had dropped to D2,400.
In Serrekunda, retailers were selling a 50kg bag of rice at D2,200, while sugar was priced between D2,550 and D2,700, both of which exceed the President’s figures.
In Bansang, sugar cost D2,750, and American rice was sold at D2,250—well above the D1,700–D1,900 price range given by the president. Furthermore, other brands of rice, such as Yonna, were being sold at D2,050, while Sadam rice was significantly higher at D3,350.
In Barra/Essau, the price of a 50kg bag of sugar was recorded at D2,600, while a 50kg bag of rice was being sold for D2,200. Jah Agro rice, which was introduced as a lower-priced option, was being sold at D2,020—still above the President’s claim of D1,700–D1,900.
In Farafenni, sugar was also priced at D2,600, while a 50kg bag of rice was being sold for D2,200. Jah Agro rice was not available in this area.
In Ndungu Kebbeh, a 50kg bag of sugar was being sold for D2,700, while rice was priced at D2,200. Like in Farafenni, Jah Agro rice was not available here.
In Basse, a 50kg bag of rice is priced between D2,200 and D2,300, with Jah Agro rice sold at D2,050. A 50kg bag of sugar is sold at D2,800. Both prices remain significantly higher than the figures stated by the President.
Additionally, Jah Agro Farm recently imported rice from India, selling it at wholesale prices of D1,950 and retail prices of D2,000. This initiative aims to make rice more affordable and promote locally grown rice in the market. However, even with this effort, the lowest retail price of Jah Agro rice still exceeds the D1,700–D1,900 range stated by the president.
In conclusion, President Adama Barrow’s claim that the prices of rice and sugar have dropped is false. Market data shows a 50kg bag of sugar still costs between D2,550 and D2,750, not D2,400 as stated. Similarly, rice prices range from D2,000 to D3,350, contrary to the claimed D1,700–D1,900. These figures confirm that food prices remain significantly higher than suggested.
By Ebrima Mbye – Intern