By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Prince Ebrahim Sanyang, leader of the newly launched Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) of The Gambia, has outlined an ambitious six-point agenda to lower food prices, create jobs, modernize infrastructure, support families, expand education and healthcare, and strengthen security.
Speaking at a hotel in Banjul during the official launch of the political movement, the businessman and philanthropist vowed to deliver free education and healthcare services for every Gambian. He also promised monthly payments of D1,500 to citizens aged 60 and above.
Sanyang said his decision to enter politics stemmed from the struggles of ordinary Gambians. “I have been motivated by the concern of the elders for their grandchildren, mothers struggling to provide, graduates searching for work, farmers seeking support, entrepreneurs needing finance, as well as families burdened by the rising cost of living,” he told supporters.
Many communities had urged him to move beyond private enterprise and philanthropy to take on greater national responsibility.
“I heard that call, I reflected upon it, I prayed over it and today, before Almighty Allah and before the people of The Gambia, I answer that call,” Sanyang declared. “We have not gathered merely to unveil a name, logo or flag. We have gathered to launch a national mission… We believe that poverty is not the destiny of the Gambian people; unemployment is not the destiny of our youth; underdevelopment is not the destiny of our nation.”
The first pillar of the agenda centers on food security. EFF plans to establish Freedom Stores offering subsidized essentials and a National Food Buffer Stock Company to stabilize supplies and prices. The party will support agriculture through machinery, irrigation, storage and finance under a “1 Village 1 Cooperative” program and a revived National Produce Marketing Board. A National Fishing Company using Gambian-owned vessels, cold storage and processing is also proposed to create jobs and make food more affordable.
On employment, Sanyang said EFF would pursue “zero unemployment” as a national mission. A “1 Ward 1 Industry” policy aims to bring production into communities, supported by a 24-hour economy across agriculture, manufacturing, transport, tourism and logistics. The package includes youth start-up grants, women’s enterprise grants, a “1 Ward 1 Bank” scheme, taxi finance support, and tourism tax credits.
Education and healthcare feature prominently. EFF pledges progressive free and quality education for all, including stipends, transport and expanded technical, vocational and digital training. Free healthcare would begin with primary, maternal, child, elderly and emergency care, delivered through “1 Village 1 Clinic” and “1 Community 1 Ambulance” programs. “Education and healthcare are not privileges for the wealthy. They are fundamental rights for all,” Sanyang emphasized.
A monthly Family Relief Package for low-income households, a living wage, improved civil-service conditions, affordable housing and support for persons with disabilities complete the social pillar. Gambians over 60 would receive D1,500 monthly.
Infrastructure plans include affordable water, electricity and internet, “1 Village 1 Borehole,” better roads and drainage, community buses, modern river transport, a national railway, a new international airport, a Gambian airline and a national shipping line.
On security and governance, Sanyang stressed: “No prosperity without security. No security without justice.” The party proposes “1 Community 1 Police Station,” district fire and rescue services, transparent contracts, anti-corruption measures and a foreign policy of “Friends with all nations. Servants only of Gambian interests.”
Acknowledging the scale of the ambitions, Sanyang insisted the program would be carefully costed, phased and monitored. “Some will ask: can all this be achieved? Our answer is yes – with discipline, careful planning and honest government.”
EFF positions itself as a democratic, peaceful and people-centered movement belonging to ordinary Gambians rather than any individual, tribe or privileged group. Its guiding principle, Sanyang said, is “Shared Values for Shared Prosperity.”
