Millions Raised From Tobacco Levies, But Enforcement Still Weak — RAID Warns Parliament

By Alieu Jallow

The African Network for Information and Action against Drugs (RAID) has urged The Gambia’s National Assembly to strengthen enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act 2016, warning that millions generated from tobacco levies remain inaccessible while public smoking continues largely unchecked.

Speaking before the Assembly’s Select Committee on Health, Refugees, Disasters, and Humanitarian Relief, RAID Programme Coordinator Omar Conteh said: “Despite these gains as a country, we continue to face serious challenges that threaten these gains. These challenges include increasing tobacco industry interference… weak enforcement, and limited financial and technical resources for effective tobacco control implementation.”

Conteh highlighted progress, such as graphic health warnings that ranked The Gambia third globally and first in Africa, and recognition through 12 WHO World No Tobacco Day Awards. But he warned that new products like vapes, shisha, and nicotine pouches are undermining efforts, while funds from approved tobacco levies remain out of reach for the Ministry of Health.

Committee Chair Amadou Camara acknowledged the difficulties, saying parliamentarians could propose amendments or push for increased budget allocations: “Once we are made of some of these issues, we can come up with a member’s bill… and of course, we can also continue to advocate for the ministry to have an increased budget.”

RAID stressed that Parliament has a critical role in resisting industry interference and ensuring that levies collected are channelled into enforcement. Conteh warned that without sustainable funding, The Gambia risks losing hard‑won gains in tobacco control.