Gambiaj.com – (Changai Wollof, The Gambia) – Sulayman Waan, president of the Gambia Change Front Political Movement, has called on Gambians across the country to join his party, pledging sweeping reforms in governance, healthcare, agriculture, and youth employment if elected to office.
Mr. Waan made the appeal during a well-attended political rally held on February 8 in Changai Wollof, Sami Constituency, in the Wassu Administrative Region. The rally drew supporters and party members from across the constituency and beyond.
Addressing the gathering, Waan criticized the Barrow-led government, accusing it of mismanaging and “recycling” national assets to the detriment of Gambians.
He cited several transactions, including the concession agreement between the Gambia government and Albayrak on the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), the sale of Mega Bank, the transfer of the Senegambia Bridge to Africa50, the transfer of Mile II Central Prison to the GPA, and the sale of 60 percent of Gamcel to investors.
According to Waan, these actions reflect what he described as “incompetency and unpatriotism” on the part of the current administration.
“No serious government will massively embark on recycling and selling state assets,” he told supporters. “A government under the leadership of the Gambia Change Front will empower national assets with the needed finance and human resources to ensure sovereign wealth.”
He also raised concerns about the health sector, arguing that despite the National Assembly’s approval of billions of dalasis for the Ministry of Health in recent years, services continue to deteriorate.
“This shows that Barrow lacks the capability to govern the country,” Waan said, adding that a Change Front government would prioritize healthcare reforms. He pledged to improve health facilities, ensure adequate medication, procure modern medical equipment, and increase the number of trained health personnel.
On agriculture, Waan outlined plans to introduce new farming techniques, establish financial schemes for farmers, and shift from chemical to organic fertilizers.
He further promised to set up a groundnut processing factory, promote year-round farming through river-hinterland irrigation systems, establish livestock projects, and empower vegetable producers to drive national development.
Addressing youth unemployment, Waan said his administration would promote industrialization, provide grants to entrepreneurs, and introduce a five-year tax waiver for young entrepreneurs and a ten-year tax waiver for rural investors. He said these measures would significantly boost job creation and economic growth.
Waan also criticized President Adama Barrow’s “Meet-the-People” tour, alleging that the initiative has cost taxpayers D293.8 million since 2017. While acknowledging that such tours are meant to assess development projects and listen to citizens’ concerns, he accused the government of manipulating the platform for political gain.
“The Barrow-led government has been manipulating the entire tour, giving platforms only to NPP supporters to praise his weak government. This is a serious concern and needs urgent attention,” Waan said.
He added that a Change Front government would avoid what he described as reckless spending on such activities. “We would not spend huge amounts of money on such a tour while Gambians live in horrible conditions. Our priority would be the economy, healthcare system, agriculture, education, energy, and the living conditions of Gambians,” he said, calling on the government to reduce the budgetary allocation for the tour.
Other speakers at the rally echoed Waan’s message and urged Gambians to support the Change Front.
Hatab Jaiteh, spokesperson of the movement, said he joined the party because of its policies and programs.
“The Change Front Political Movement has the best programs and policies in the country. If empowered, the Change Front can bring historic development to the doorsteps of Gambians,” he said.
Sulayman Touray, head of religious affairs for the Change Front, said the party’s manifesto demonstrates a clear understanding of the country’s challenges and outlines practical solutions.
Haruna Jobe, described as a childhood friend of Waan, attested to his patriotism and commitment to development from a young age, urging the public to support his bid.
Other supporters, including Hawa Kasseh, a member of the movement, and Hasimium Sidibeh, a resident of Changai Wollof, also encouraged residents of the Sami Constituency and the wider CRR to back the Change Front leader.
The rally forms part of the Gambia Change Front’s efforts to expand its grassroots support as political activities intensify across the country.
