Gambia Competition & Consumer Protection Commission

18/08/2026

MARKET SURVEILLANCE IN BANJUL

Today, the GCCPC Market Surveillance Team was in Banjul conducting surveillance on commodities in the market.

The exercise is part of the Commission’s efforts to monitor the market and identify practices that may undermine fair competition or harm consumers.

As part of the exercise, the team also engaged consumers directly to hear their experiences, concerns and observations about the market.

Consumers have an important role to play too. Make it a habit to compare prices from different sellers before making a purchase. If you notice practices that you suspect may be anti-competitive, report them to the GCCPC.

Together, we can promote a fairer, more competitive and transparent marketplace.

GCCPC — Protecting Consumers. Promoting Fair Competition.

17/08/2026

‘REPORTING IT WON’T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE.’

You have a problem with a business. You believe your rights have been violated, but someone tells you, “Don’t bother reporting it. Nothing will happen.” So, you decide not to complain.

But what if you did?

At the GCCPC, when a consumer or business formally lodges a complaint, we take it, look into it and assess the matter. Where the matter falls within our mandate, the Commission takes the appropriate steps in line with the law.

This year alone, the Commission has resolved numerous complaints and cases brought to its attention.

So, don’t let the belief that “nothing will happen” stop you from reporting. Your complaint gives the Commission an opportunity to look into the matter and, where it falls within our mandate, take the appropriate action.

You have a right to seek redress. Give us the opportunity to look into your complaint.

📞 Kotu: 5000033
📍 Basse: 7800033 / 6976665
📍 Farafenni: 7800034 / 6976655

Your complaint matters. Report it.

14/08/2026

WHAT IF ALL THE RICE SELLERS AGREED ON ONE PRICE?

Imagine you go to the market to buy a bag of rice.

You visit three different shops, but all three sellers are charging exactly the same price.

You later discover that the sellers had met and agreed that none of them would sell the rice below a certain price.

That could be price fixing.

Under the Competition Act, 2007, agreements between competitors to fix selling or purchase prices can constitute prohibited anti-competitive conduct.

Fair competition means competing — not colluding to fix prices.

If you suspect businesses are engaging in price fixing or other anti-competitive practices, report it to the GCCPC.

📞 Kotu: 5000033
📍 Basse: 7800033 / 6976665
📍 Farafenni: 7800034 / 6976655

GCCPC — Protecting Consumers. Promoting Fair Competition.

12/08/2026

“GOODS ONCE BOUGHT CANNOT BE RETURNED.”

You buy a new electric kettle from a shop.

You take it home, use it properly, and two days later, it stops working.

You return to the shop and explain the problem.

The seller points to a sign behind the counter:

“GOODS ONCE BOUGHT CANNOT BE RETURNED.”

You ask the seller to address the defective product, but you are told:

“Once it leaves the shop, it is no longer our responsibility.”

Don’t simply walk away. And don’t take matters into your own hands.

If you cannot resolve the matter with the seller, you can lodge a complaint with the GCCPC for assessment and appropriate redress where applicable.

📞 Kotu: 5000033
📍 Basse: 7800033 / 6976665
📍 Farafenni: 7800034 / 6976655

Know your rights. Know where to seek redress.

GCCPC — Protecting Consumers. Promoting Fair Competition.

10/08/2026

MONDAY CONSUMER AWARENESS

YOU WANT BREAD, BUT THE SELLER SAYS “BUY MAYONNAISE TOO”?

Imagine you go to a shop to buy a loaf of bread.

The seller tells you:

“You can’t buy the bread unless you also buy mayonnaise.”

You only want the bread. But the seller insists you must buy both.

Is this allowed?

GCCPC EXPLAINS:

The Consumer Protection Act, 2014 prohibits a supplier from making the purchase of one good or service a condition for purchasing another.

This practice is commonly known as bundling or tie-in selling and can apply to any goods or services, not just food.

If you have experienced this, please contact the GCCPC.

📞 Kotu: 5000033
📍 Basse: 7800033 / 6976665
📍 Farafenni: 7800034 / 6976655

Know your rights. Know the law.

GCCPC — Protecting Consumers. Promoting Fair Competition.

03/08/2026

Monday Consumer Reminder

Every complaint tells a story.

Some lead to refunds.
Some help stop unfair business practices.
Others protect countless consumers from experiencing the same problem.

If you’ve experienced an unfair business practice or believe your consumer rights have been violated, don’t stay silent. Report the matter to the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC).

📞 Head Office (Kotu): 5000033
📍 Basse Regional Office: 7800033 / 6976665
📍 Farafenni Regional Office: 7800034 / 6976655

Your complaint could protect many others.

GCCPC – Protecting Consumers. Promoting Fair Competition.

30/07/2026

Consumer Question of the Week

A consumer asked us:

“If a bag of onions is labelled 18kg, but when I weigh it—without opening it—it weighs only 16.5kg or 17.6kg, what should I do?”

✅ GCCPC’s Response

If you suspect that a product does not match its stated weight, don’t ignore it.

Report the matter to the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC). The Commission works closely with the Weights and Measures Directorate of The Gambia Standards Bureau to assess complaints relating to weights and measures.

📌 Remember to:

✔ Keep the product in its original condition, where possible.
✔ Keep your receipt or proof of purchase.
✔ Report the matter promptly.

Your complaint could help protect many other consumers.

📞 Head Office (Kotu): 5000033
📍 Basse Regional Office: 7800033 / 6976665
📍 Farafenni Regional Office: 7800034 / 6976655

GCCPC – Protecting Consumers. Promoting Fair Competition.

29/07/2026

GCCPC Intervention Leads to Reversal of Bread Price Increase in URR

Last week, the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC), in collaboration with The Gambia Standards Bureau, engaged the Basse Bakers Association following concerns over an increase in the price of bread from D12 to D17.

The engagement resulted in the reversal of the price increase, with the price of bread returning to D12, bringing relief to consumers in the region.

In a separate intervention during the same week, the GCCPC, together with the Weights and Measures Directorate of The Gambia Standards Bureau, responded to a complaint from the Governor of the Upper River Region regarding bread being sold for D20 in Sare Bojo. The institutions engaged the relevant stakeholders to address the matter and restore normal pricing.

These interventions underscore the Commission’s commitment to protecting consumers by responding promptly to market concerns and working collaboratively with stakeholders to promote fair and transparent market practices across The Gambia.

29/07/2026

29/07/2026

What Would You Do?

You purchase a new mobile phone. Two days later, it develops a fault through no fault of your own.

The seller says:

“Once you leave the shop, we don’t take products back.”

What would you do?

🅰️ Walk away.

🅱️ Keep arguing with the seller.

🅲 Lodge a complaint with the GCCPC if the matter cannot be resolved with the seller.

🅳 Report the matter to the police.

👇 What’s your answer? Tell us why.