Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow has expressed gratitude for the warm reception received from citizens across The Gambia during his constitutionally mandated three-week “Meet the People” tour, which concluded with a press conference on Monday. The President highlighted the importance of these interactions in shaping his government’s future policies and underscored his administration’s commitment to ongoing development projects.

“I am really very happy and even amazed that I have gone as far as Bulibana and Sare Demba Toro. In Sare Demba Toro, you’re in 24 hours of electricity—clean energy for that matter,” President Barrow remarked. “These were just dreams we were thinking about. We never thought they would happen. But I assure you, we will continue to follow up and put pressure to complete these projects.”

Call for Unity and Support

The President called on all Gambians, regardless of political affiliation, to support the government’s development agenda. He emphasized the need for unity and collective effort in advancing the country’s progress.

“I am the head of state of this country, but the Gambian people are my partners. They are my very important partners. I cannot do it alone. Whether you are in opposition or government, whether you are NPP or not, we need everybody to push,” he said. “I see light at the end of the tunnel, but everyone has to contribute.”

Addressing Economic Challenges

Responding to concerns about the rising cost of living, President Barrow described the situation as a global issue and outlined his administration’s plans to address it. He stressed the need to modernize agriculture and boost local food production to reduce dependency on imports.

“We have to go into farming, modernize agriculture, and industrialize. Investors like Hamidou Jah and Mohammed Jah are already partnering with the government to boost rice production,” he noted. “Rice is our staple food, and we need to ensure self-sufficiency in its production.”

Support for Farmers

The President also addressed concerns over the poor groundnut season, revealing plans for a comprehensive assessment before purchasing groundnuts from farmers. He reassured farmers that the government would prioritize their needs while maintaining quality standards for future crops.

“This is not a matter of guessing. We will do a thorough assessment to identify the best groundnuts and ensure they are used for seeds next year,” President Barrow stated. “We are very concerned about the farmers and will continue to support them.”

President Barrow reiterated his commitment to fostering rapid development and urged Gambians to remain patient and optimistic about the country’s future.