This is good news and thanks to the Office of the President for
courageously reversing itself. Its never too late to do the right thing.
We will encourage them to adopt the same approach i.e get out the way
and let buyers and sellers duke it out!.  The government must get out
the business of tell people how they should sell bread meat, rice,
sugar or anything for that matter.  The government's role should largely
be "Chef de Garage". Make sure there is space for all those who want to
sell and buy, and no one cheats! Then of course let each pay their dues
whenever products change hands, for the upkeep of the market place, if I
may add.  If it can work peacefully at a village car park I see no
reason why it can work at national level.

Malanding Jaiteh


Courtesy
http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/govt-rescinds-ban-on-independent-groundnut-dealers


    Gov’t rescinds ban on independent groundnut dealers

Africa <http://observer.gm/africa/news> » Gambia
<http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/news>
Monday, January 14, 2013

*The government of the Gambia has rescinded the ban on the sale of
groundnut by farmers to independent buyers.*

A press release from the State House said many independent buyers are
offering higher prices to farmers this year, and giving the farmers the
opportunity to bargain the buying prices, adding that farmers can now
sell their groundnuts to the highest bidders in a bid to increase their
purchasing power and to adequately prepare for the next rainy season.

*/Below is the full text of the release;/*

It has come to the notice of the Office of the President that many
independent buyers of groundnut are offering higher prices to farmers
this year, and giving the farmers the opportunity to bargain the buying
prices. As the ultimate objective of government is to empower farmers to
get maximum benefit out of their farm produces, our earlier press
release banning the sale of groundnuts by farmers to independent buyers
is hereby rescinded.

Farmers can now sell their groundnuts to the highest bidders in a bid to
increase their purchasing power and to adequately prepare for the next
rainy season. However, farmers are advised that because the process
being offered may be so attractive, they should not sell all their farm
produce. They should save some for use as seeds during the upcoming
farming season, as well as some money for fertilizer.

Government will not be in a position to continue to offer free seeds and
free fertilizers to farmers especially around this time when there is
more money for their produce. Those independent buyers out at the fields
are strictly being warned to abide by the rules of engagement and ensure
that they are fully registered with the Gambia Revenue Authority for the
VAT. The law enforcement agencies will monitor compliances and anybody
found wanting will be dealt with accordingly.

Author: *Daily Observer*



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