Image Source: Alhagie Bambo.
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Claim: Alhagie Bambo, a supporter of the National People’s Party (NPP), claims that a bag of cement has reduced to D325 from D650 a few weeks prior.
Verdict: False. Alhagie Bambo’s claim that a bag of cement is available in The Gambia for D325, down from D650 a few weeks ago, is false. There is no evidence to support that a bag of cement now costs D325; the price actually ranges from D415 to D650 in various stores nationwide, as we visited cement stores.
Full Text
On Saturday, December 13, 2025, Alhagie Bambo, a strong advocate for the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), claimed that a 50kg bag of cement had been reduced to D325 from D650 a few weeks ago in The Gambia.
His post comes amid a significant cement shortage in the country, which has led to soaring prices and halted numerous construction projects.
The post, captioned “You can now get cement for D325, the price is coming down, thank you government of the day,” garnered over 1,000 likes, 284 comments, and 21 shares.
The comments section displayed a mix of reactions, with many expressing enthusiasm about the news, while others disputed it, indicating that cement prices remain between D600 and D650 nationwide.
One commenter, Kalilu Touray, asked, “Where can we get it at that price, please, and the telephone number?” demonstrating eagerness to purchase cement.
Bakary Kuyateh noted that the reduction is not a government initiative, but rather the result of efforts by local cement companies.
Ousman Fatty noted, “Jah Oil factory price is D390, where can you find cement for D325?” while Rasta Banora also inquired, “Where can you find it? I need 200 bags.”
Conversely, Maddy Mbye, a Brikama resident, stated that a bag of cement costs D650, and Waka Jagne mentioned that cement costs D650 in Brusubi.
Yunusa Badjie also confirmed that a bag of cement is D650 in Sukuta Salagi.
As the claim gained traction, DUBAWA aimed to investigate and verify its authenticity, especially given the current cement shortage.
Verification
DUBAWA contacted Alhagie Bambo, the source of the claims, to find out where exactly he bought from and the evidence for the price he quoted. In a response, he stated, “It’s Salam that I sell the cement for D325 per bag.”
However, he has failed to provide any proof, but stated that he also relied on third-party sources, which claimed the figure is unofficial.
Our investigation found that as of December 15, 2025, a bag of cement costs between D415 and D650.
However, despite the ongoing cement shortage and price increases, Jah Oil, a leading cement importer with a monopoly, is selling bags at a wholesale price of D390 from its factory.
Our reporter visited Jimpex, a significant cement-selling hub in the Kanifing Municipality, where local brands such as Jah Oil, Salam, and Gaccem are available.
All the stores in that area are retailing cement at D650 per bag. To further validate the claim, we contacted cement importers who have recently received permission to import cement from Senegal due to the shortage.
Kebba Camara, a senior journalist working with cement importers, labelled the claim as misleading, saying the claimant should be specific.
“The cement imported from Senegal sells for between D420 and D450, which includes a D30 excise tax per bag imposed by the Gambia Revenue Authority.
In a recent press conference concerning the cement shortage, Momodou Hydara, General Manager of Jah Oil Company, confirmed that Jah Oil is selling cement at a wholesale price of D390 per bag.
Our reporter also spoke with local customers who indicated that cement prices remain high. “Today, I bought ten bags of cement in Bakoteh for D650 each,” said Ebrima Ceesay, a building contractor.
A cement importer with a Special Investment Certificate (SIC), Modou Jobe, Secretary General of the Association of Cement Importers, said they sell cement at a price range of D415 to D450, depending on the customer’s location.
DUBAWA also contacted Nyima Sanyang, a cement importer, who said they are selling cement at a wholesale price of D525.
We also checked various news outlets across the country, but found no such reports. All collected information indicated that cement prices are higher than the figures the claimant circulated.
Conclusion
According to the information gathered by DUBAWA, Alhagie Bambo’s claim that a bag of cement has been reduced to D325 is false. There is no evidence to substantiate the assertion that a bag of cement is sold at D325, with the price remaining between D415 and D650 in the market.
