Prices of basic commodities have recently been on the increase on daily basis. To curb this menace, a community assistant group has taken it upon itself to ensure that prices are maintained at affordable levels. In a testimony of their efforts to curb the situation, the community assistant group over the weekend organised a one day sensitisation meeting with stakeholders in the business sector, including many big shop owners who mostly deal in basic commodities like rice, sugar, flour, oil amongst others.

Speaking at the occasion, Samba Aside, a representative from the Kanifing Municipal Council, stressed the need for the businessmen to refrain from over pricing, adding that if a bag of rice can be sold in Banjul for D660, why selling it in Serekunda for D750.

This he said was unacceptable. He also noted that in other countries in the sub region there have been constant crises over price of commodities which have led to chaos.

He said he would not hesitate to tell the business partners that "whether you are a Gambian or a non Gambian, as long as you are in the country, the maintenance of peace and tranquillity is the responsibility of every body."

He sort to echoed the Gambian leader, president Yahya Jammeh, that the peace and tranquillity of this nation shall never be compromised. Mr saidy further affirmed that most of these businessman do not have sympathy for Gambians, and that they are only concerned about their selfish interest. He said most of them send their profits back to their own country, instead of investing it for the benefit of the nation.

For her part Aja Arra Jatta, the president of the women of Serekunda market urged the businessman community to be mindful of some of the importers of rice, as some of them normally are of the habit of mixing old consignment with the new ones by emptying the bags and mixing the two. She finally urged the business men to ensure that they get receipt for any goods, purchased, which she said would help them know the bad element as some do emphasise that they bought their goods for certain amount, but cannot provide a prove.

Buba Sarr chairman of the community assistant group warned the businessmen to refrain from the attitude of increasing prices of commodities.

Other speakers include Ebrima Tamba, Bundung ward councillor.