Buah Saidy, governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia, has said the new dalasi notes will be circulated in the markets in March.

The first batch of Dalasi notes were due to be distributed in February to replace the old and torn notes. But it was delayed due to logistical issues. 

Speaking during the quarterly Monetary Policy Commmitte meeting in Banjul yesterday (28 Feb.), Mr Saidy placed the delay on their contracted printers. 

Gambians especially traders and consumers have been complaining for years about the circulation of damaged and torn dalasi notes. 

“The condition of the old dalasi notes is disheartening to us and it’s also shameful to us. But we got disappointed by our printers in terms of shipment because shipment is a challenge and we understand their constraints,” Mr Saidy said. 

“But the new notes will be here in March and we will supply all commercial banks so that any Gambian anywhere can get. So, that we can withdraw these old notes. We have enough of them,” he added. 

Mr Saidy said the bank will give preference to the commercial banks and supermarkets for the circulation of the new notes in the market.

According to him, these old notes will remain in circulation until they are completely replaced.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba