Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) has announced plans to stage a protest at the offices of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) following its recent decision to set a data floor at 50 dalasi per megabyte.

The group urged the public to “make it your business to occupy PURA tomorrow,” citing widespread public dissatisfaction with the move.

PURA has defended its decision, saying it is intended to protect consumers from exploitative pricing and ensure fair competition among telecommunications companies.

However, many citizens have expressed frustration, calling the intervention unnecessary and costly.

Social media has become a platform for debate and criticism.

Kalipha Bah questioned the rationale behind PURA’s decision, saying the authority needs to clearly explain its reasoning.

Nyanki Nyafuneh described the data pricing as excessive, urging for adjustments to ease the burden on ordinary users.

Meanwhile, Amie Sarr drew attention to the steep cost, asking:“how can data be more expensive than lunch?”

Fatima Janneh Ceesay called the move “nonsense” and called for accountability from the PURA chairman.

Analysts note that mobile data is a critical service for work, education, and communication, particularly in urban areas.

By Adama Makasuba