Activist Madi Jobarteh has accused the government of misleading the public over claims that more than 163,000 jobs were created between 2023 and the first quarter of 2026.

In a detailed reaction to figures recently promoted by the Ministry of Information, Jobarteh argued that authorities were confusing labour force statistics with actual job creation.

According to him, the document cited by the ministry merely reflects the number of people currently employed or participating in the labour market, not new jobs directly created by government policies.

“Counting workers is not the same as creating jobs,” Jobarteh declared.

The activist questioned the authenticity and official status of the labour market report circulated by the ministry, noting that it had not been formally released by the Gambia Bureau of Statistics or published on its official platform.

He further argued that the report fails to explain where the alleged jobs were created, which sectors generated them, or whether they are permanent, formal, or sustainable forms of employment.

“Job creation and employment increments are not necessarily the same thing and are measured differently,” he stated.

Jobarteh also raised concerns over the country’s heavy dependence on the informal sector, which the report says accounts for more than 85 percent of employment.

“But who are these informal workers? Where are they employed? Are these stable full-time jobs or merely survivalist and part-time activities?” he asked.

He maintained that widespread unemployment and poverty across the country contradict government claims of massive job creation.

The activist warned the Ministry of Information against what he described as attempts to “win hearts and minds” through misleading public communication.

“The Ministry of Information must be advised to be honest and humble with Gambians and refrain from disinforming citizens,” he said.

Jobarteh concluded his remarks with a quote from African revolutionary Amílcar Cabral urging leaders to “tell no lies” and “claim no easy victories.”

By Adama Makasuba