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By Dawda Baldeh
President Adama Barrow has faced criticism on social media after saying elected officials are chosen to serve the public, not to drive luxury vehicles or live lavish lifestyles, prompting debate over government spending and the realities facing ordinary Gambians.
Speaking at a meeting in Serrekunda on Saturday night, the president criticised politicians whom he said prioritise personal comfort over public service.
“Those who are voted into office are voted to serve the public, not to drive luxury vehicles or live in luxury,” Barrow said.
“Some are wearing designer clothes. They are not working. They don’t benefit you in any way.”
He argued that expensive vehicles, designer clothing and political rhetoric do not improve the lives of citizens.
“The vehicles they are driving, the designer clothes they are wearing and roaming the country and giving you empty promises will not bring you any development,” he said.
The comments quickly generated debate online, with some Gambians questioning whether the president’s own administration reflected the principles he was advocating. Much of the discussion focused on the fleet of vehicles procured for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit hosted by The Gambia.
According to official disclosures, the 89 vehicles purchased for the summit had a total contract value of €9,996,000, equivalent to more than D760 million at the time of the reported conversion. The vehicles were later distributed among government institutions, including the Office of the President and various ministries. The president’s convoy and the use of government vehicles featured prominently in the criticism.
One critic, Ousman Bah, said the president’s remarks appeared disconnected from the difficulties faced by many Gambians.
“Sometimes, when I listen to President Adama Barrow, I feel angry, sometimes sad, and sometimes I even laugh. Why? Because some of the statements he makes do not seem to reflect the reality that ordinary Gambians are facing under his government,” Bah said.
He cited concerns over poor roads, shortages of essential medicines, unreliable electricity, inadequate water supplies and rising food prices.
“We see expensive government vehicles, and when the president travels to different places, he is accompanied by a convoy of vehicles that cost millions. Yet, our people continue to struggle,” he added.
Bah said leadership should be judged by its impact on citizens rather than displays of wealth.
“Leadership is not about luxury, expensive vehicles, or grand speeches. Leadership is about serving the people, protecting public resources, and improving the lives of citizens,” he said.
He also urged Gambians to express their views through peaceful democratic participation ahead of the 5 December presidential election.
Others on social media questioned whom the president’s remarks were directed at, with some suggesting he was referring to opposition politicians, while others challenged him to scrutinise spending and lifestyles within his own administration.
Another critic, Buba Sanyang, described the comments as ironic and pointed to the costs associated with the president’s nationwide Meet the People Tour.
“And look at the convoy accompanying the president. They are spending millions of taxpayers’ money on this tour. Barrow is travelling frequently, his ministers are in and out of the country,” Sanyang said.
The exchange has renewed public debate about government expenditure, the use of state resources and whether political leaders are meeting the standards of accountability they call for from others.
