By Buba Gagigo
The Gambia Teachers’ Union has confirmed that the government, through the Ministry of Finance, has paid the seventy-three million, two hundred and sixty-six thousand, one hundred and thirty-five dalasi (D73,266,135) owed to schools for the School Improvement Grant and Textbooks.
“Following the recent Press Conference organized by the GTU on Thursday 6 July 2023 over arrears owed to schools on the 2nd and 3rd School Improvement Grant, the Gambia Teachers’ Union wishes to inform the public that the Government through the Ministry of Finance has paid the total arrears of Seventy-Three Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-six Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty-Five Dalasi (D73, 266, 135. 00) owed to schools for the School Improvement Grant and Text Books,” the GTU said in a press release on Tuesday.
The GTU has been in discussions with various government stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, and the Ministry of Public Service, since their press conference. The discussions are in response to the matters raised at the press conference, and the GTU is seeking redress.
“At the closure of business on Tuesday (today), 11″ July 2023, the Union confirms the payment of the arrears owed and due for the School Improvement Grant and textbooks totaling D73,266,1 35.00. The Union wishes to thank Government for the frank and fruitful discussions and assures members of its renewed commitment to promoting the welfare of members and the advancement of the education sub-sector,” they concluded.