Independent presidential aspirant Abdou Dampha has criticised the government of President Adama Barrow, saying the administration is more focused on politics than policies.

Speaking to journalists after presenting his nomination documents at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Dampha said his decision to contest the December 5, 2026 presidential election was not based on the belief that the current administration had done nothing for the country.

He acknowledged the contributions of successive governments, including those led by former presidents Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara and Yahya Jammeh, as well as the current administration under President Barrow.

However, he argued that the government needed to shift greater attention towards policies that directly improve the lives of Gambians.

“We are not saying that they are not doing, they are not working. But we see that they are more focused on politics than policies,” Dampha said.

He maintained that national development should be a collective responsibility and that every Gambian should have an opportunity to contribute to the country’s progress.

Dampha said his proposed political direction would focus on creating an economy that works for all citizens rather than benefiting only a privileged few.

He also identified access to finance as a major challenge facing young people and women entrepreneurs, promising that his manifesto would prioritise improving their access to funding.

The independent aspirant said he was entering the presidential race to offer Gambians an alternative based on hope, economic inclusion and national development.

By Adama Makasuba