The Gambian member of parliament and representative for Wuli East, Suwaibou Touray, has called for tougher punishment for sale of skin bleaching.

MP Touray made the call during a session on the appropriation bill. 

The National Assembly yesterday (29 December) upheld the law criminalising skin bleaching in The Gambia in 2021. 

The law, which prohibits the importation, sale, possession and use of skin bleaching in The Gambia, was enacted under the regime of President Yahya Jammeh

Meanwhile, Touray told lawmakers that skin bleaching products are detrimental to the wellbeing of the country’s young people. 

“There should be heavy penalty on sale of skin bleaching products because it is destroying the youths of the country,” he said.

However, dozens of businesses reacted with dissatisfaction to the MPs call for tougher measures on skin bleaching cream.

They said the national assembly members should concentrate on addressing more pressing issues like high food prices besetting the country than going after businesses.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba