President Adama Barrow has told residents of Brikama that the construction of a proposed modern market, designed to host 1,200 shops and stalls, will only proceed if they vote out their current council chairman, Yankuba Darboe.

Addressing a large crowd during his engagement in the busy West Coast town, the president issued a direct ultimatum linking the project to the removal of the Brikama Area Council leader.

He said residents must replace their chairman if they want to benefit from the much-needed market upgrade. Mr Barrow added that the project would not advance under the current leadership.

The remarks have sparked intense national debate, with critics accusing the president of using development as a political bargaining tool.

Opposition supporters argue that citizens should not be denied basic infrastructure based on their political choices, insisting that all communities are entitled to fair development support.

Yankuba Darboe, known for his outspoken criticism of the Barrow administration, has had ongoing tensions with the central government over resource allocation and governance.

Brikama voters strongly backed the opposition in the last local elections, deepening the friction between the local council and the executive.

Supporters of the president say his comments highlight the need for cooperation between local and national authorities, arguing that a lack of collaboration hampers development.

Brikama, one of the largest commercial hubs in the country, has long struggled with overcrowded markets and inadequate facilities

By Adama Makasuba