By Matty Senghore
Bankole Yao Jojo Ahadzie has spoken to the nation for the first time since billboard showed the Banjul native planning to run for president.
Ahadzie confirmed his plan to run for president to reporters at the Badala Park on Friday where he laid out his manifesto.
The Mbolo Kunda (collective) vocalist said he intends to serve a one five year term, bring free education, good jobs and develop sport by investing one billion into it.
On the issue of cannabis, Bankey who works at MRC said: “I believe in legalizing cannabis. Now, legalizing in Gambia is a national thing, it has to go through parliament. Now, why do I believe in legalizing it? Because the UN has decriminalize cannabis. Because the WHO is calling for studies on the medical benefits of cannabis.
“In Gambia, it is not illegal for me to buy a bottle of beer. No police will arrest me for buying alcohol but they will arrest you for smoking cannabis. If we’re going to allow alcohol, we’re going to allow cigarettes, we’re going to allow prostitution, then let people smoke [cannabis].
“Economically, places like Uganda, places like Morocco are making billions from selling cannabis. In Gambia, we are sowing groundnut and selling it at pittance. So for these and other reasons, I support the legalization of cannabis.”
