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Gambia News: New law sets up competition commision

The National Assembly Members have passed the Competition Bill 2007, which envisages the establishment of an independent commision. Moving the Bill before the legislators on Monday September 3, the Secretary of State for Trade, Industry and Employment, Abdou Kolley, said the Bill is to promote competition in the supply of goods and services , by prohibiting collusive agreements and bid rigging, by prodivind for investigation and control of other types of restrictive agreements.

Mr. Kolley said his Department of State in 2000 requested for assitance from the Economic and Legal Advisory Services Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat to develop a competition policy and law suited to the economic circumstances of The Gambia.

"Available capacity within existing Departments of State or other state agencies such as the Central Bank and PURA (Public Utilities Regulatory Authority) will be used to undertake the task of investigating cases and collecting evidence on the commision's behalf," the Secretary of State outlined.

Mr. Kolley added that the Independent Competition Commision will be made up of a chairperson and four other commisioners and will have information gathering powers and conduct any formal hearings. "It will also have sole responsibility for taking decisions under the competition law and for determining penaltities and remedies," said the SoS.

The law will make provision for a right of appeal against the decision of the commision to the commercial division of the High court.

seconding the bill, Sulayman Joof, member for Serrekunda West, said the bill seeks to ensure free market, promote efficiency and transparency in delivery of goods and services. Mr. Joof said this will reduce prices and protect consumers from exploitation. Majority leader and member for Kiang West, Momodou Sanneh said the bill has come at the right time and hoped that it will be implemented. Sidia Jatta, the representative of Wuli West, said free market goes with free competition and hopes that the law will work well.

Mama kandeh, Member for Jimara said the law will protect consumers