Lamin Jabbi, Minister for Communication and Digital Economy
By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Hon. Lamin Jabbi, provided an update to members of the National Assembly on the petition submitted by Gamtel/Gamcell staff concerning issues with delayed salary payments and access to credit union contributions.
Hon. Jabbi addressed the matter during a National Assembly session, responding to a query from the National Assembly Member for Bakau Constituency, Hon. Assan Touray. Hon. Touray had asked for an update on the status of the petition and the ministry’s actions in response to the concerns raised.
In his response, Minister Jabbi outlined the steps taken to address the issues highlighted by the staff petition. He informed lawmakers that, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, his ministry had allocated D9 million to Gamtel/Gamcell. These funds are intended to cover at least two months’ worth of staff salaries while longer-term solutions are being explored.
”Allocation of funds, the ministry in collaboration with the ministry of finance and economic affairs allocated D9 million to Gamtel/ Gamcel to ensure the payment of staff salaries for at least two months while efforts to find a permanent solution are being studied on the way,” Minister Jabbi said.
He also noted that a social plan was presented to and approved by the Cabinet, which outlined the steps the government is taking to address the challenges facing the institutions. The ministry held two separate meetings with the management and board of directors of Gamtel and Gamcell to discuss the concerns raised by the staff, as well as a meeting with the staff members who filed the petition. During this session, the ministry provided clarifications and reassurances regarding the government’s commitment to revitalizing both Gamtel and Gamcell.
Minister Jabbi emphasized that both short-term and long-term strategies have been put in place to address the immediate challenges while ensuring sustainable growth for the institutions. Efforts to engage with key stakeholders in search of lasting solutions for Gamtel and Gamcell are ongoing.
“In the short and long-term planning over the past month, our ministry initiated several programs and strategies aimed at addressing both immediate and long-term challenges. Efforts to engage key stakeholders in the quest for lasting solutions for Gamcel and Gamtel are ongoing,” he said.
The minister further highlighted that his ministry is exploring various avenues to modernize resources and secure a strategic partner for Gamcell. He noted that a thorough review of Gamcel’s records and challenges is guiding their resource mobilization efforts.
He noted that it is crucial to underscore the vital role that Gamtel and Gamcel play in the socio-economic development of The Gambia.
“It is evidently clear that any matter concerning Gamtel and Gamcel is a priority and is treated with the utmost urgency,” he said.
In January 2025, Gamcel staff submitted a petition to their management, highlighting concerns over delayed salary payments and difficulties accessing their credit union contributions. The petition demanded immediate action and improvements in these areas.
The petitioners called for the prompt payment of all outstanding salaries owed up to December 2024 within one week. Additionally, it emphasized the need for transparency and accountability regarding credit union deductions.