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 » Gambia
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The government of the Gambia has rescinded the ban on the sale of groundnut by farmers to independent buyers.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farm produces, our earlier press release banning the sale of groundnuts by farmers to independent buyers is hereby rescinded.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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