A baker in Brikama has accused the police and the Bakers Union of targeting him after he sold a loaf of bread for D10 instead of the union’s recommended price of D12.

Yaya Jallow said officials from the Bakers Union, accompanied by a police officer, visited his bakery on Friday and threatened to fine him D5,000 and shut down his business for a month.

“They threatened to fine me D5,000 and close my bakery for one month. The police should not interfere in civil matters as this is not their role,” he said.

He added that he was told he had violated union regulations.

However, the Gambia Police Force has denied any involvement in enforcing bread prices or arresting Mr Jallow.

In an official statement, the police said an enforcement operation took place on 3 July at the request of the Bakers Union to check compliance with union rules, bread weight standards, and hygiene.

The operation was led by union representatives and Inspector Modou Lamin Sanneh from Brikama Police Station.

The police stressed that price enforcement was not part of their mandate.

They said Mr Jallow was not arrested and that the dispute related to his refusal to comply with union-agreed baking hours, as he insisted on operating 24 hours instead of the scheduled 8 p.m. to 10 a.m.

The police urged the public to rely on official information and avoid spreading misinformation.

By Adama Makasuba