Momodou Sabally, President of the National People’s Party (NPP) Youth Wing, has defended the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority’s (PURA) recent intervention in internet pricing, arguing that the move protects consumers from exploitation by GSM operators.
Speaking at a reunion meeting in Kerr Serign on Saturday, Sabally criticised mobile service providers for prioritising profit over patriotism, dismissing claims that they operate out of love for the country.
“These companies are not here because they love The Gambia. They are here for profit,” Sabally said. “Those selling their data at five Dalasi, all lies. The next day they will come and increase it.”
The former presidential affairs minister accused operators of initially luring customers with unsustainably low prices, offering what he described as “merger bites” of data too small to complete a two-minute call. He maintained that PURA’s pricing regulations were necessary to stabilise the market and safeguard consumer interests.
Sabally also emphasised the role of telecom taxes in funding government development projects, warning against unrealistic expectations of free or extremely cheap internet. “Even in the United States, there is no such thing as free data,” he said.
He urged citizens to express dissatisfaction with government decisions in a “mature manner” while respecting national laws and regulations.
Sabally credited the country’s peace and stability to the achievements of Gambian youth, citing success stories such as footballer Yankuba Minteh and Gambian Olympic athlete Gina Mariam Bass Bittaye.
Sabally concluded by applauding President Adama Barrow’s administration for what he described as a strong commitment to development. He claimed that during a recent nationwide tour, many young Gambians expressed appreciation for new schools and hospitals built under Barrow’s leadership.
“Every compound or country must have a leader to steer its affairs,” Sabally said, stressing the importance of leadership in national progress.
