By Lamin Kujabi
His Excellency President Adama Barrow on Friday, 30th August 2024 received in audience the executive members of the National Bakers’ Union. They were accompanied to the State House by Honourable Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment.
After meeting the President, the Union’s Secretary General, Lamin Dibba told the press that they thought it wise to call on the President, having newly established the Union, and discuss with him pertinent issues surrounding bread production in the country.
This, he said ensured challenges are identified and solutions preferred for the smooth operation of bakeries and bread production.
Describing bread as an essential commodity, Mr Dibba noted the importance of having a healthy environment and standards and regulations for its production. He lamented the high overhead cost in production and the absence of unified regulations; hence urged for support in that regard.
Mr Dibba stressed the importance of having flour supply in both quantity and quality since is highly consumable in the country.
The Secretary General pointed out the issues of regulation and coordination in the business but expressed optimism that with the coming into being of the National Bakers Union and with the collaboration of all stakeholders they will be able to mobilise to facilitate standardisation and regulation in the business.
“The first plan of the union is standardise; to make sure that every bakery operating in the country operates within the set standard. We will also capacitate our members on the standards, as well as monitor them for quality,” the SG concludes.
