By Nelson Manneh
A government-approved bread price hike from D10 to D12 per loaf has sparked public outrage across the country, as consumers say the promised increase in bread weight has not been delivered, leaving them paying more for what they insist feels like less.
Since July 1st, 2025, the new pricing structure — backed by the Gambia Bakers Union and the government — was meant to come with a corresponding increase in loaf size. Officially, “Senfur” bread was to grow from 133 grams to 160 grams and “Tapalapa” from 165 grams to 190 grams. But many consumers argue the loaves remain the same — or even smaller.
“I’ve sold bread at the Brikama car park for over five years,” said Yankuba Jallow. “Now they say it’s D12, but the weight doesn’t match the price. Who’s making sure we’re not being cheated?”
Vendors across urban and peri-urban areas — from Kanifing Municipality to West Coast Region — echoed similar frustrations, with some loaves being sold at D15 or even D20 depending on size. Consumers, already burdened by rising costs of essentials, say bread — a staple for breakfast and dinner — has become unaffordable and untrustworthy.
“I’m not a baker,” said Fatou Gaye, a vendor who sells bread and beans in Brikama, “but I’ve been in this business long enough to know that there’s no increase in size. The authorities should have increased the weight, not the price.”
Reports by Foroyaa confirm that many loaves on the market do not reflect the agreed-upon weight increases. This disconnect has ignited public anger, with many calling for immediate enforcement mechanisms to hold bakers accountable.
In the midst of the backlash, a video circulated on social media claiming that a young baker, Yaya Jallow of Brikama Sanchaba, was arrested for selling bread at D10 instead of the new D12. The video quickly sparked online debate and added to the sense of confusion and distrust.
But in a swift response, the Gambia Police Force denied making any arrests related to bread pricing. Speaking to Foroyaa, Police Public Relations Officer Cadet Assistant Superintendent Modou Musa Sisawo clarified that their role was limited to supporting an operation led by the Bakers Union — focusing on sanitation, weight compliance, and hygiene — not pricing enforcement.
“The operation, conducted on July 3, was requested by the Bakers Union,” Sisawo said. “It was not about forcing anyone to sell at D12. It was about ensuring bakers meet agreed weight standards and adhere to operational hours.”
According to PRO Sisawo, the incident at Jallow’s bakery arose from his refusal to follow Union-approved baking hours, which run from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. “There was no arrest made. The video misrepresented what happened,” he said.
Despite official assurances, the controversy continues to simmer. With bread prices now a national talking point, citizens are demanding greater transparency, stronger enforcement of weight regulations, and a public audit of how pricing decisions are made.
For many, the question remains painfully simple: If the bread still feels like a D10 loaf, why are they being asked to pay D12?
