Ebrima Tabora Manneh, leader of the People’s Alliance Party (PAP), has accused President Adama Barrow of using the government’s Meet the People Tour to strengthen his political position ahead of The Gambia’s December 2026 presidential election.
Manneh acknowledged that the president has a constitutional responsibility to engage with citizens across the country. However, he questioned the timing, cost and scale of the tour, arguing that its political implications cannot be ignored during an election year.
“Any leverage that the incumbent has to stay in power, they will utilise it,” Manneh said, suggesting that the tour was serving the interests of Barrow’s re-election campaign rather than focusing solely on the needs of ordinary Gambians and farmers.
He also raised concerns about the size of the presidential entourage, claiming that government vehicles and personnel from different departments are sometimes deployed for the exercise. According to him, the arrangement risks diverting public resources and officials from their regular responsibilities.
Manneh argued that a smaller delegation would be more cost-effective, particularly when the president is visiting farming communities to discuss agricultural concerns.
“If the tour is about farmers, he can select one or two ministers or their PS or other people who will at least add value to go with the president, which will minimise cost,” he said.
The PAP leader also questioned whether such an extensive exercise was necessary to identify the problems facing communities. He argued that citizens regularly communicate their concerns through the media and other public platforms, making it possible for the government to understand their needs without deploying large delegations across the country.
Beyond the tour itself, Manneh delivered a broader criticism of the Barrow administration’s performance, warning that another term could leave the country facing deeper economic difficulties. He asked if the government possesses the vision and capacity to tackle the challenges confronting The Gambia.
HHe also raised the country’s debt burden as a major concern, cautioning that increasing interest payments could put strain on public finances and hinder the government’s capacity to address other national priorities.
Although Manneh acknowledged investments made under Barrow in roads and electricity, he argued that these developments should not be assessed in isolation from the country’s wider financial position.
His remarks add to the political debate over the purpose and cost of the Meet the People Tour, as parties position themselves ahead of the December election. The central question, according to Manneh’s criticism, is whether the exercise is primarily an opportunity for public engagement or a means of giving the incumbent an advantage in the race for another term.
