Finance Minister Seedy Keita squashed rumors that President Barrow spends D150,000 daily on food. Lower Saloum representative Sainey Jawara had asked him to point out where this expense appears in the 2025 budget. Keita responded firmly that people have spread wrong information about the president's eating habits.
The actual numbers paint a different picture according to Keita. He explained the entire 2025 budget sets aside D19 million for these expenses, far below what gossip suggests. The minister clarified they never spend more than D1.5 million yearly on the president's household meals, which breaks down to under D50,000 each day.
Keita went further to explain how the budget works. The money for presidential meals comes from the general State House upkeep funds. These dollars cover not just what the president eats but many other costs related to running the entire State House operation. The breakdown shows much smaller amounts than public perception suggests.
The finance chief made these statements during budget discussions with lawmakers. His direct answer addressed growing public concerns about government spending priorities. The response aimed to correct misconceptions spreading through The Gambia about extravagant presidential living standards compared to average citizens.
The actual numbers paint a different picture according to Keita. He explained the entire 2025 budget sets aside D19 million for these expenses, far below what gossip suggests. The minister clarified they never spend more than D1.5 million yearly on the president's household meals, which breaks down to under D50,000 each day.
Keita went further to explain how the budget works. The money for presidential meals comes from the general State House upkeep funds. These dollars cover not just what the president eats but many other costs related to running the entire State House operation. The breakdown shows much smaller amounts than public perception suggests.
The finance chief made these statements during budget discussions with lawmakers. His direct answer addressed growing public concerns about government spending priorities. The response aimed to correct misconceptions spreading through The Gambia about extravagant presidential living standards compared to average citizens.
