Sulayman Waan, President of the Gambia Change Front Political Movement, has called on Gambians to join his political movement, promising what he described as a new direction in governance and national development.

Mr. Waan made the call during a political rally held in Changai Wollof in the Sami Constituency, Wassu Administrative Region.

The rally attracted supporters and members of the movement from across the constituency and beyond.

Addressing the gathering, the Change Front leader accused the Barrow-led government of what he called the “recycling and sale” of national assets, arguing that such decisions are not in the interest of Gambians.

He cited several examples, including the government’s concession agreement with Albayrak involving the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), the sale of Mega Bank, and what he described as the recycling of the Senegambia Bridge to Africa 50.

He also mentioned the alleged sale of Mile Two Central Prison to the GPA and the sale of 60 percent of Gamcel to investors.

According to Mr. Waan, the government’s approach to state assets reflects “incompetence and unpatriotism,” adding that no serious administration would embark on massive asset recycling and sales.

“A government under the leadership of the Gambia Change Front will empower national assets with the needed finance and human resources to ensure sovereign wealth,” he told supporters.

On the health sector, Mr. Waan argued that despite the National Assembly approving several billions of dalasis for the Ministry of Health in recent years, the sector continues to deteriorate.

“This shows that Barrow lacks the capability to govern the country,” he said, promising that a Change Front government would strengthen the Ministry of Health and its satellite institutions.

He also pledged improved health facilities, adequate medication, modern medical equipment, and sufficient health personnel to address the healthcare needs of Gambians.

Turning to agriculture, Mr. Waan said his movement would introduce new farming techniques, establish farmer-friendly financial schemes, and shift from chemical fertilisers to organic alternatives.

He further promised the establishment of a groundnut processing factory, year-round farming through river-hinterland irrigation systems, livestock projects, and greater support for vegetable producers.

On youth unemployment, Mr. Waan proposed industrialisation, grants for entrepreneurs, a five-year tax waiver for young entrepreneurs, and a ten-year tax waiver for rural investors, measures he said would boost job creation.

He also criticised President Barrow’s Meet-the-People tour, stating that while such tours are meant to assess development projects and listen to citizens, the current administration has spent what he described as D293.8 million of taxpayers’ money on the initiative since 2017.

He alleged that the tour is being manipulated to give the platform mainly to NPP supporters.

“The Barrow-led government has been manipulating the entire tour, giving platforms to only NPP supporters to praise his weak government,” he claimed.

Mr. Waan said a Change Front government would not spend such huge sums on tours while citizens face hardship, adding that his priorities would include the economy, healthcare, agriculture, education, energy, and improved living conditions.

He called on the government to stop what he described as excessive budgetary allocations for the tour.

Meanwhile, Hatab Jaiteh, spokesperson for the Change Front, said he joined the movement because of what he described as strong programmes and policies.

“The Change Front Political Movement has the best programmes and policies in the country. If empowered, the Change Front can bring historic development to the doorsteps of Gambians,” he said.

Mr. Jaiteh also described Mr. Waan as patriotic and committed to national development, urging the people of Sami, Central River Region (CRR), and Gambians nationwide to support the movement.

Sulayman Touray, head of religious affairs for the movement, said Mr. Waan has the capacity to transform The Gambia into a modern state, adding that the party’s manifesto shows an understanding of the challenges facing Gambians.

“The Change Front and its leadership know the problems facing Gambians and it has solutions for those problems,” he said.

Haruna Jobe, described as a childhood friend of Mr. Waan, also urged supporters to rally behind the Change Front leader, saying he has shown patriotism since childhood.

By Adama Makasuba