Banjul Breweries has been saved from collapse as government steps in to shore up the troubled company.

The Minister of Information, Communication and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah, told the media that no one will be laid off work at Banjul Breweries Company again and that “everything is well and positive.”

Couple of weeks back, the company threatens to shutdown businesses as a result of government 75% tax hike on excise duty that led to the laying off of 18 workers putting another 150 workers in fear of losing their jobs.

Speaking at a joint press conference organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture over the weekend at Gambia Hotel School, Ebrima Sillah said “We believe that no one will be laid off attributed as a result of the purported difficulties that they are going through right now due to the tax hike.”

He said that the government will release information about the decision taken during the review process in the midweek.

He added: “I have to tell you that the discussion that started last week the review has almost come to an end and hopefully before the end of next week government will come out with a decision.

“So far, we can say that all is well and positive and I have personally reached out to the management of Banjul Breweries Limited just to reassure them of the dynamics that are going on and also the negotiations and reviews.”

Banjul Breweries Company Limited is the Gambia’s only brewery and one of the oldest companies in the country. It produces soft drinks, liquor and largely dependent on the tourism industry.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba