04/07/2025
CLARIFICATION ON REPORTED BREAD PRICE ENFORCEMENT IN BRIKAMA
Date: July 4, 2025
In response to recent reports circulating on social media regarding the alleged arrest of a young baker, Yaya Jallow, in Brikama Sanchaba for selling bread at D10 instead of D12, the Gambia Police Force wishes to clarify the facts surrounding this matter.
According to official records, the enforcement operation conducted on Thursday, 3rd July 2025, was initiated at the request of the National Bakers Union. The objectives of the operation were strictly limited to the following:
1. Ensuring compliance with Union regulations.
2. Verifying the standard weight of bread.
3. Assessing the sanitation and hygiene standards of bakeries.
The operation was led by representatives of the Bakers Union, including Amadou Tijan Jallow (President, Brikama Chapter) and Saikou Omar Jallow (Chairperson, Brikama Chapter), alongside Inspector Modou Lamin Sanneh of Brikama Police Station.
At no point during this exercise did the team instruct, compel, or enforce the sale of bread at a fixed price of D12. Price enforcement was not part of their mandate.
Regarding the incident at Yaya Jallow’s bakery, it is confirmed that there was a disagreement over compliance with the agreed working hours for baking. Specifically, Mr. Jallow declined to adhere to the Union’s operational schedule, which stipulates baking should take place between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m., and insisted on operating 24 hours a day.
It was during this exchange that a video was recorded and shared online, which incorrectly suggested that Mr. Jallow was arrested over bread pricing. This information is inaccurate. The police did not arrest Mr. Jallow or any other baker during this enforcement exercise, nor has any arrest been made in relation to bread pricing.
The Gambia Police Force reiterates that its role in this operation was to provide support for the Union’s agreed regulations on sanitation, weight, and not to set or enforce bread prices.
The public is encouraged to rely on verified information and official statements to avoid the spread of misinformation.
For further clarification, you may contact the Gambia Police Force Public Relations Office on 9968885
