OPINION

By Gikey Drammeh, former Spokesperson of UTGSU legislative body

I am extremely concerned about the Gambia, a nation that has not changed in the fifty-nine years since it attained independence, nor am I aware that it is showing any indications of transformation. I cry so much sometimes when I think about the situation, we’re in. Many problems in the Gambia are getting worse. The following are a few possible contributory factors:

1. Lack of patriotism: It is very terrible, depressing, and dishonest to the country that the majority of the Gambians do not have a sense of nationality (NOT PATRIOTIC). Gambians don’t love Gambia. The country should always come first in anything that will contribute to growth, but Gambians prioritize their personal gain over the wellbeing of the nation. The incorporation of civic education into our curriculum at this point is very late. It has prevented many people from becoming patriotic thinkers since their elementary school days and fostered a culture of self-centeredness, all in the name of developing oneself rather than the nation. I urge every Gambian to adopt a new mindset that prioritizes the nation over self-interest; this is what truly defines a patriot, one who dedicates their life to advancing the nation’s interests. ALL NEGATIVE MINDS TOWARD GAMBIA SHOULD BE ELIMINATED, LET’S LOVE GAMBIA AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT.
2. Employment is not based on merit but on connection: Political ties, or who you know rather than what you know, are the basis for employment in the Gambia. It has been customary for many people to have jobs obtained through back doors, which means they did not fulfil the necessary qualifications for particular positions. The government of the Gambia should look into the need for significant civil service reform in order to establish an appropriate employment system in a morally upright way. This will help us have the right people in the right positions and do what is right and get it right. NO TO NEPOTISM, EMPLOYMENT SHOULD BE BASED ON MERIT.
3. Poor functioning of Government Institutions: Many of the government institutions that are essential to the daily functioning and provision of services in our democratic environment are not performing as expected. A nation with weak institutions is doomed to failure. To start,

• Education system: This system in the Gambia is not as good as education in many other countries; our curriculum is not designed to help students become independent thinkers who can start their own businesses (Self Employment). Ministers in this sector should assess the educational curriculum and make improvements that would aid our education system. We should review our educational curriculum and tailor it in a format that will suit the academic atmosphere of the Gambia. However, if we want to see the kind of development we want, the government of the Gambia should prioritize education. Students are not given the learning environment and resources they need in schools to make good academic achievement. Students are confined to studying to pass exams and memorize words and numbers at schools. Instead of learning new talents or skills and gaining knowledge to start their own business (self-employment), It’s sad that even PhD degree holders are looking for jobs. People cannot create jobs for themselves, this is why the unemployment rate is high which is extremely depressing. GAMBIANS DESERVE BETTER EDUCATION SYSTEM.
• Interior: There should be a strong focus on the weakening security situation in the Gambia. National security needs to be closely watched in order to safeguard people’s lives and property as well as to foster harmony and peace. The minister in charge of this area should take the lead and work strategically with all of the heads of the security forces to support our men and women in uniform. To encourage our servicemen and women to protect lives, property, and the Gambia’s sovereignty, appropriate working conditions, protection gear, and other incentives should be provided. NO TO CRIMINALISM, LIVES AND PROPERTIES SHOULD BE PROTECTED.
• Judiciary System: Every nation’s hope and component for successful and efficient governance is this system, and the Gambia Judiciary system is weak. The legal system ought to be uniform, follow the law, and carry it out. Laws are not made to protect specific people; rather, they serve as a framework for standing up for what is right, supporting democracy, and national growth, protection of human rights, and the establishment of responsible government. NO TO INDECENT AND UNFAIR JUSTICE, GAMBIANS DESERVE A BETTER JUDICIARY SYSTEM.
• Agriculture: As it is commonly known the foundation for the development of any country. The landscape of The Gambia is favourable, with wide-open spaces, high levels of organic nutrients in the sand, and enough water bodies for the development of both crops and livestock. Agriculture as a ministry is stagnant even though it has the highest number of Master’s and PhD holders among its peers. All that we do is import rice, oil, and a wide variety of other necessities for human consumption. There’s not really much production as we expect from this ministry, because it lacks the authority and resources to engage in commercial farming due to corruption, farmers are discouraged from farming for economic gain. Instead, the majority of them practice subsistence farming, which involves cultivating for domestic consumption. The goal of becoming self-sufficient is not something we take seriously. Even though the Gambia has vast areas of land that may be used for this purpose. Why is the Ministry of Agriculture at Kombo rather than in the CRR, URR, or North Bank? Why are all Master’s and PhD holders in offices instead of out in the field carrying out technical and practical tasks? If we want to see change, let’s introduce new operating procedures in this ministry. All Agriculturalists, including the minister himself, should be sent to Jahal Pacha and numerous other farms in the Gambia’s rural areas. If done as directed, I believe this will help promote self-sufficiency in food and a sustainable way of life. ALL AGRICULTURISTS INCLUDING THE MINISTER SHOULD BE SENT TO FARMS, AND COMMERCIAL FARMING SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED AND OBSERVED CONTINUOUSLY.
• Tourism: The tourism sector of our government is the worst. What is the minister doing to support our tourism business? Nothing at all. This sector is important since it helps a state stimulate economic growth. The Gambia might have seen some changes if this industry performed as envisioned. However, it is disheartening that people in this sector only take per diem trips around the globe for fun and pleasure. Let the minister and his people use creativity to market the hospitality and tourism industry in a way that would call on the attention of tourists and foreign investors from all over the world. CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE TOURISM WE NEED, STOP ALL UNNECESSARY TRAVELS
• Trade and Employment: As a key area for national development, the trade and employment ministry should be carefully examined. The minister in charge of this area should have a strategic approach and establish policies for his ministry that will help in the growth of the labour, domestic, and international markets. This will boost economic expansion and positively affect the lives of Gambians and businesses. It is distressing to see how pricey our homegrown products have become. Why are the items made here in our own country so expensive? Such produce should be reasonably priced so that many people can afford it. CREATE MORE JOBS AND CONTROL PRICES OF IMPORTED GOODS AND MAKE OUR HOME GOODS AFFORDABLE.
• Finance and Economic Affairs: Every nation’s ability to flourish is influenced by its financial and economic position. The motivation underlying a country’s entire development programme is this ministry. We should request that the minister in charge of this area thoroughly investigate the ministry and create strategies to oversee all financial transactions. The flow of money should be relevant and strategic both inside and outside of our country in order to defend against corruption and avoid unnecessary spending. A comprehensive financial analysis must be in place before the available money for national development can be used appropriately. NO TO STEALING OF PUBLIC FUNDS, MANAGE THE PUBLIC FUNDS, PUBLISH ALL AUDIT REPORTS, SHOW ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY ON THE USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS.
• Health: Health should be everyone’s concern and it is sad to see hospitals are not equipped and find it difficult to have medicines. If our hospitals are built only to prescript medicines to go and buy at the private pharmacy, it is better we demolish all and give space for the herbalists who can help us with our traditional medicines. A lot of money was pumped into this sector, yet our public hospitals cannot even provide sufficient medicines. The minister for health should act urgently and fix this problem. This is very easy to do, just stop unnecessary workshops, treks and all forms of travel, use the money allocated for those areas and buy medicines and tools to equip our hospitals to a standard that will help provide proper medication for Gambians and non-Gambians. Maternity death rate is high in the Gambia nowadays, this is because there are no proper medical services and environments to help pregnant women in the labour rooms. NO TO CORRUPTION, WE NEED DECENT AND STANDARD HOSPITALS AND PROPER MEDICATIONS FOR THE POOR GAMBIANS!
• Environment: The environment serves as the heart for all activities and services, including accommodation, industrialization, agriculture, sports, and recreation. It’s essential as a result. The ecosystem needs to be protected and controlled; there is no justice for it. Seeing how filthy and littered the Gambia’s environment is, the government should implement laws enforcing reasonable environmental regulations to ensure that our surroundings are free of rubbish and pollutants. All parks housing various animal species should be protected; there should be no prejudice against the environment; wild animals have the same rights as humans to exist; and no reserve lands should be sold for personal gain. We should consider the younger generation and future generations for specific national structural development, as we should all be anticipating the county’s progress. NO TO ENVIRONMENTAL INJUSTICE!

4. Time for politics: Since there isn’t a designated time for politics in the Gambia, dialogues regarding challenging and pressing issues that need discussion aren’t given much thought. Politicians characterize their rivals as enemies and point out their deficiencies, but they rarely take decisive action to resolve some of the challenging issues at hand. Every day and everywhere, in homes, offices, and ghettos, there will be political talks. As Gambians, it is our duty to discern when, where and how to have political discussions. To see the Gambia through for development, individuals should support one another’s efforts and give priority to the national development plan. Politics is not the solution, and it will never help this country progress. When elections are approaching, we can all play politics, but everyone else should focus on their jobs, we all have rights to participate in politics and every right correspond with responsibility. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility as Gambians to make every effort to improve The Gambia. I recommend a National Bantaba every year or every two years, where all the politicians, National stakeholders, civil societies, pressure groups, youth and women groups to have National discussions on challenging issues and find ways of addressing them, this way we can develop as a nation. NO TO POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS IN OUR OFFICES, SCHOOLS, AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES WHEN IT IS NOT TIME FOR ELECTIONS!

FOR THE GAMBIA OUR HOMELAND.

OPINION

By Alasana Justice Jallow 
CEO, Peace Network

I recently returned from Rwanda where I spent some weeks training on peacebuilding organized by the Never Again Institute of Rwanda. I used the opportunity to explore the ecosystem of Rwanda and I concluded that the Gambia could learn a lot from Rwanda.

During my stay in Kigali, I was inspired and motivated by the sense of unity, solidarity and focus on National Development.  In Rwanda, everybody is working tirelessly towards the Peace and development of the country.

Rwandans are collectively and collaboratively working to ensure peace, security and stability prevail. They are united in the campaign against never again as their country witnessed one of the most horrendous violence in 1994. Today, Rwandans are focused on Reconciliation and Development. They have learned bitter lessons from the Genocide against the Tutsi which was motivated by discrimination and tribalism.

I learned that as Gambians, ethnic diversity should be wisely utilized to harmonize and consolidate our long coexistence and to create everlasting unity in our beloved nation. We should always be reminded that Gambia is one of the few countries in the world in which intermarriage has connected our flesh and blood and in fact, makes us close family in distant relatives.

Therefore, we should not tolerate ethnicity, tribe or religion to divide [us]. This will affect our national unity and could also hinder our development.  The case of Rwanda in 1994 led them to one of the most devastating and catastrophic genocide ever to be committed on African soil.  From 7th April to 18th July in 1994 over 1 million innocent children, women, youths, elderly etc were martyred mainly from the Tutsi ethnic group.

Today, Rwanda is rapidly developing, despite, the genocide still lingering in their mind. It’s the regrettable and unforgettable dark side of their history that will never be forgotten. They have liberated themselves by using ethnicity or religion to determine national or even communal matters. All that matters is that they’re Rwandan. The best is what the Country deserves.

We as Gambians have an opportunity to learn from what Rwanda has gone through. We have an opportunity to avoid and stop tribal, ethnic and religion-affiliated activities in our national developmental matters. We should be development-focused and development-oriented. We should be accommodative to each other and embrace tolerance.

The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland West Africa known to be the Smiling Coast of Africa. We have a track record of being one of the most peaceful countries in the sense that the country has not gone into any major blown armed conflict like the neighbouring countries.

However, from all conflict-sensitive indicators, day-by-day signs and symbols of potential violent conflict are being manifested. When this happens, it will be disastrous, and everybody will be affected directly or indirectly.  The frequent hate Speeches, disinformation, misinformation and remarks against ethics and religious attacks are things that we should be careful of as a country.  We should endeavour to build Bridges not to break barriers.

In addition, the security in Rwanda is something that is really enviable. There is a high degree of professional relation between the security personnel and the citizenry. The cordial relations between the security and the citizens are an example of mutual respect to ensure the country is safe for all.

As a country, I call upon all Gambians to be United and focus on issues affecting our national development and address them decisively. We have a Nation to Build. Let’s be united in our various diversities to build a peaceful and prosperous Gambia for the generations yet unborn

Wishing everyone a Happy Eid Mubarak!

Islam as well as other faiths are instruments of individual and societal transformations. The hardest of societies and people have been affected by one religion or the other. Islam calls for change beginning with oneself, family and wider society. How hard is it for us to change our habits?

“I’ve found that “the system” is designed to preserve itself. It doesn’t want to be changed, it is designed to correct and defend itself, by any means necessary — and it doesn’t mind getting personal.”
CÉLINE SEMAAN

In that spirit, changing a system is challenging. Those tasked with reforming a system are themselves a product of a comparable or similar system. It is believed that it takes 25 years to transform deeply ingrained cultures, beliefs, values and institutions. Some people mistook populism and superficial (cosmetic) modifications for true system transformation.

We are all products of a dominant or past system that stifles the desire for significant change. Why is system change so difficult? Fear, uncertainty, human nature, social norms, poverty, inequality, outside influences, and so forth. It is always simple to expect people to change when you do not change yourself.

Political parties inherit – permanent civil servants who are the real ‘armchairs’ in the public sector and it is they who deliver policies. How easy is it to change them? Can a five-year political term effect any meaningful change to their work cultures and service deliveries? Nation-states are social constructs, and not everyone believes in how a state should be run or the direction it should take.

Youths aged 33 and under in the Gambia are more susceptible to what is known as ‘dictator’s syndrome’ than the older generation. And that age group will continue to dominate the public sector and society. Yahya Jammeh’s charisma has had a greater impact on the younger generations. Have our intellectuals identified the Yahya Jammeh syndrome for us as a people? The older generation that anchors the public service system is mostly a product of the prior 30 years of PPP administrative systems. And the same experts oversaw the 22-year-old APRC system. A combined political journey of the 52-year history of like-minded technicians moves our systems.

As a result, it is critical that we alter ourselves first and then society, both individually and collectively, to achieve the much-touted institutional and system change. Political parties are rooted in a particular system favourable to their electoral chances, even if that is not wholly desirable.

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair once said, “the hardest part of governing is trying to make civil servants accept and implement a new government’s ideas and policies.” The Mandarins as they are referred to in Whitehall -UK civil service machine -wields unseen powers, yet project humility on the outside. This is not radically different to ours, however, western systems are more mature due to millennia of continuity.
Impactful service delivery is highly desirable for political parties in government, yet radical reforms are an objective for the future, a risky venture which is hard for many political parties to venture into. Taking risks with outside established institution figures is not easy, especially in a tense political environment. The focus can only be on a few key areas.

System change was a tough call for Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him), for Isa Alaysalam (Jesus Christ), Moses and other great men of God.
May God help us transform ourselves and our societies. Amen.
Not the usual Eid message.

Suntou Touray – London, U.K

OPINION

By ML Drammeh

In recent years, the Gambia National Team has faced significant challenges, notably the strained relationship between two key institutions: The Gambia Football Federation and the Ministry of Youth & Sports. This discord, whether known to the public or not, has greatly affected the team, including the salary of the former head coach, Tom Saintfiet, which the GFF reportedly covered with about 50 million dalasis due to the ministry’s failure to fulfil its financial obligations.

However, I felt a ray of hope emerged during the signing ceremony of the new head coach for the senior national team when Lamin Jassey, the General Secretary of the GFF, announced that the GFF and the ministry had forged a new relationship. Better late than never, because this “new relationship,” if genuine, could bring enormous benefits and support the progress of the new coach.

I have heard so much about the two institution’s relationship, but my understanding of the relationship between them deepened during my trip to the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Through interactions with staff from both the federation and the ministry, I was really able to substantiate the ‘sour’ relationship, which was characterized by a focus on each other’s faults rather than collaboration, between them.

As a young football administrator, I am always absolutely inquisitive about any issues hindering the progress of our football, especially those involving the ministry and the federation. It was because of this interest I capitalised on the situation in Ivory Coast to understand the underlying issues.

After several interactions, I had not discovered any bad that was insurmountable. These were things that could have been circumvented if the leaders of both institutions had prioritized collaboration over conflict.

Take, for example, the issue of the renovation of the Independence Stadium. A senior member at the federation told me that the ministry kept them in the dark regarding the renovation and the requirements to be met. To the person, the last CAF inspection failed because the ministry managed the renovations alone, without involving the federation. Although the government, through the ministry, controlled the funding and renovations, one would expect GFF, as the body governing football in the country, to be informed or involved by CAF regulations. However, this was not done because of the perceived “sour” relationship between the two entities. This is an issue that both institutions should sit and discuss in the interests of football in The Gambia. It is avoidable and both parties should look at the interest of the people.

I found the above issue of the Independence Stadium a bit confusing partly because the General Manager of the Independence Stadium, who is also a staff member of the ministry, holds an executive position within the GFF. How the ministry shunned the federation and the reason for it is still a mystery that I cannot understand.

Another issue that highlighted the strained relationship between the GFF and the ministry in the past was the hiring of Tom Saintfiet as the head coach of the national team. Normally, the government would hire the head coach and cover his salary. However, in this case, the GFF had to bear the full responsibility for paying the coach’s salary. This financial burden is likely why Tom Saintfiet was not based in the country, despite recommendations from some quarters.

Just yesterday, a senior staff member at the federation told me over the phone that the GFF had spent about 50 million dalasis on Tom Saintfiet’s remuneration. The reasons why the ministry did not pay the former head coach’s salary remain unclear to me; I never asked the minister why, but such situations surely indicate underlying issues. Unfortunately, I left journalism in February, just as I was planning to interview the minister. Nonetheless, I am relieved that this matter is behind us, and it appears that the government has hired the new head coach, taking on the responsibility for his salary and bonuses. This is a significant improvement, as it allows the federation to allocate funds to their intended purposes rather than covering the head coach’s salary.

Impressively, many people characterized the unveiling of the new coach as unprecedented, unlike the former coach, whose contract signing was bizarrely done outside the country. Apparently, all was not well in the past, and Lamin Kaba Bajo substantiated it when he spoke during the unveiling of the new head coach. He didn’t precisely say all was not well, but he spoke about unity and how Gambians can collectively work together towards achieving our common goal in football instead of fighting for positions at the federation. Some of us, who are familiar with certain issues at the top, can tell you exactly what Mr. Bajo meant. Certainly, with united efforts, we can overcome any obstacle and move mountains and cross bridges to be successful.

“The new relationship/collaboration between the Ministry/NSC and GFF is at an all-time high which is a great thing we should all cherish and safeguard,” the General Secretary of the GFF, Lamin Jassey posted on his Facebook account as he celebrates the new relationship that they all denied Gambians of in the recent past.

In this new relationship, the GFF and Ministry should also sit and address the national team’s financial concerns. On several occasions recently, the GFF has often redirected funds allocated for other important activities to support the national team, primarily because of the purportedly insufficient government funding provided to the ministry according to the federation’s budget. Such issues should be in the past since there is a new relationship. While I encourage it to be in the past, it is only natural that the federation does realistic budgeting.

The technical department of the GFF through the finance department should do an annual budget for the games of the national team/s and forward it to the Ministry of Youths and Sports. This way, the ministry can put the budget in their budget for onward submission to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs to be captured in the national budget for approval at the parliament.

For the game to flourish in the country, Hon. Bakary Badjie and President Kaba Bajo must collaborate closely to ensure the government fully honours its obligations to the national teams. This will avert the need for the federation to divert funds allocated for other purposes to support the national team.

My delight was undeniable when Lamin Jassey revealed their new partnership. I am quite confident that both Hon. Bakary Badjie and Lamin Kaba Bajo aspire to be fondly remembered for any achievements the national teams may accomplish during their tenure at the helm of the federation and the ministry.

Maybe, the GFF can also use this “new relationship “to lure the government into funding the national leagues, since the GFF could only convince Baluwo for a sponsorship. Let them place the project before the ministry because football has created a huge number of employments for many young people in the country, both on and off the pitch. This could entice the ministry to begin committing something to the league. Maybe, 10-15 million dalasi every year. It is very possible!

The unfortunate reality is that a senior staff member at the Ministry of Youth & Sports told me that the ministry does not trust the federation. Clearly, the federation’s financial reputation is tainted. This is all the more reason for the federation to engage with the ministry to ensure that everything is properly managed.

The GFF needs to acknowledge the ministry’s role, and the ministry must also understand its duties regarding the national team to progress in this new partnership.

The new relationship, should it extend beyond the initial presentation of the new head coach, is certainly a move towards the right direction. We possess the potential to rise to prominence. Nevertheless, despite Lamin Jassey’s remarks, we have not yet reached the status of a giant in African football. We may achieve this distinction soon, but only if the GFF starts taking appropriate actions. Our ascent is contingent upon our commitment to doing the right things.

By: Ahmad Jobe (aka The Pen Messiah)

The dispatch accusing Jah Oil Company and the Gambian government of engaging in massive corruption, kickbacks, bribery, and monopolistic practices in the cement industry requires careful examination. Many of the claims made are either misleading or factually incorrect, and it’s important to address these inaccuracies to provide a clearer picture of the situation. The assertion that the Gambian government’s import duty hike on cement blocks all African imports by road in favor of Eurasian imports is misleading. The policy changes are designed to balance the market and encourage local economic activities, not to favor distant imports. Jah Oil Company, for instance, imports cement and re-bags it locally, which supports local employment and infrastructure development.

The claim that Jah Oil’s market presence and success are due to connections with high-ranking government officials such as Trade Minister Baboucarr Joof, Finance Minister Seedy Keita, and others is unsubstantiated. Jah Oil’s consistent recognition for tax compliance, effective delivery outcome, quality, standards, and contributions to national development highlights our commitment to ethical business practices. The company has been awarded for being the most compliant Oil Marketing Taxpayer for five consecutive years, emphasizing our transparency and dedication to legal obligations. Jah Oil Company has always supported the principles of the ECOWAS free market, allowing outside investors, including those from Senegal, to invest in the cement business. However, it’s baffling that these investors can enter our country without paying the regular border taxes and distort our economy. Despite these challenges, Jah Oil has consistently won the Oil Marketing Taxpayer of the Year award for the past five years, including 2023.

Fellow Gambians, it is important to resist foreign dominance. Some Senegalese interests are advocating against Gambian interests, and we must be vigilant. For example, cement products like SALAM were rejected entry into Senegal because Senegalese businesses dominate that sector. Gambians must learn from this and protect our local industries. The statement that Jah Oil employs only family members from Mali and not Gambians is false. In reality, 95% of Jah Oil’s workforce is Gambian, and the company’s significant role in local employment and economic empowerment has always been based on merit and competence. The economic impact of Jah Oil includes paying over D65 million in taxes monthly, which supports national development projects and public services.

The criticism about Jah Oil’s pricing of Tiger brand cement being higher than Senegalese brands fails to consider market dynamics and the quality of products. Price differences can be attributed to various factors including production costs, import duties, and logistical expenses. The overpricing of cement in The Gambia can be attributed to various factors, one of which is the difference in quality among different varieties of cement. While some importers bring in cement primarily intended for plastering, which is of lower quality and unsuitable for construction purposes, Jah Oil Company prioritizes supplying cement specifically designed for construction. Evidence has consistently shown that the cement Jah Oil provides is of higher quality and meets stringent construction standards. This distinction is crucial because using inferior-quality cement can compromise the structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure. Furthermore, it’s important to note that while Senegal may indeed have high-quality cement, the varieties exported to The Gambia are often cheaper and not of the same standard as those sold within Senegal itself. Therefore, the pricing differences between Jah Oil’s cement and the Senegalese imports reflect these disparities in quality and suitability for construction purposes.

The accusation of monopolistic practices is not supported by evidence. Jah Oil operates in a competitive market alongside other companies like Gacem and Salam, which ensures that no single entity can dominate the market to the detriment of consumers. The existence of multiple players in the market promotes consumer choice and competition. And Jah Oil alone can supply the whole country as we are able to produce 110,000 bags daily. Jah Oil’s contributions extend beyond the cement market. The company is involved in various sectors including fuel, building materials, and basic food items. Their new warehouse complex at Bond Road in Banjul, capable of storing 160,000 metric tons of food items, is a significant investment aimed at enhancing food security in The Gambia amidst global supply chain disruptions.

Finally, the commendations from the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) and other officials affirm our quality delivery, standards, commitment to transparency, and tax compliance. The company’s consistent tax payments and awards for compliance for the past five years reflect our dedication to supporting the national economy through legitimate means. The accusations against Jah Oil Company and claims of massive corruption and monopolistic practices are largely unfounded and fail to consider the full context of the company’s operations and contributions. Jah Oil has proven a strong commitment to quality, fair pricing, local employment, and tax compliance, making it a cornerstone of the Gambian economy. The company’s success is a result of its ethical business practices and dedication to national development, rather than any undue government influence or corrupt practices.