By Nelson Manneh
A group of concerned staff from Gamtel and Gamcel has called on the Gambian government to clarify conflicting figures over the World Bank’s approved compensation package for employees affected by the ongoing restructuring of the state-owned telecommunications companies.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, spokesperson Pierre Njie, flanked by colleagues, raised what he described as “serious concerns” about transparency and workers’ welfare amid the downsizing of the institutions. He said discrepancies in government statements regarding the total amount allocated by the World Bank for the social compensation plan had deepened anxiety among employees.
“One major issue is the lack of transparency surrounding the actual amount approved by the World Bank for the staff social package. According to Finance Minister Mr. Keita, the amount is $10 million, while the Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Mr. Jabbie, claims it is $6.4 million,” Mr. Njie told journalists.
The dispute over the figures comes as the restructuring process nears implementation. According to documents cited by Mr. Njie, the staff strength of Gamtel and Gamcel — which together employ over 1,000 workers — is expected to be slashed from 1,056 to just 350. He said 520 workers under the age of 55 had opted for voluntary departure, while another 155 between the ages of 55 and 59 were set for early retirement.
However, Njie claimed that many workers did not leave willingly. “Many staff were coerced into signing voluntary departure forms under the threat of receiving only six months’ salary if they refused. These forms were distributed on Thursday, 3rd April 2025, and staff were urged to return them by Monday, 7th April 2025.”
In addition to the compensation issue, Njie raised other grievances. “Another grave concern is the alleged disappearance of D13.4 million in staff contributions, which were deducted from our salaries but not paid into the Credit Union Account,” he said.
Njie said salary delays have become routine, affecting the lives of workers and their families. “Salary payments continue to be irregular. Previously, salaries were paid on the 26th of each month, but last month, many staff members received their salaries only after the Eid festivities on 7th May 2025.”
He also denounced what he called discrimination against contract staff. “Contract staff are also facing discrimination, with Senior Management claiming they are not entitled to the social package. However, our inquiries reveal that contract staff who have served for more than six months are eligible for the same social benefits as permanent staff.”
Mr. Njie said workers had submitted a formal petition earlier this year but that their demands remained largely unmet. “Following our initial petition submitted on 20th January 2025 to Gamtel, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, the Department of Labour, and other relevant authorities, we, the undersigned concerned staff, write again to inform you that most of our demands remain unmet.”
He said many critical matters still needed urgent attention. “As affected individuals, we must also bring to the attention of the authorities that numerous critical issues remain unaddressed and must be resolved in the coming weeks. The restructuring is expected to be fully implemented by 31st October 2025 — just four months away.”
He repeated the workers’ demand for transparency regarding the World Bank funding. “The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs publicly stated on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez on 27th May 2025 that $10 million (approximately D700 million) had been approved. However, on 26th June 2025, the Minister for Communications and Digital Economy told Parliament that the World Bank had allocated only $6.4 million (D448 million) for implementing the social plan.”
“We urge the authorities to provide clear communication and ensure that the entire $10 million approved by the World Bank is used exclusively for affected staff,” Mr. Njie said, noting that workers are aware that “significant payments have been made to certain individuals who conducted sensitization tours around the country concerning the restructuring.”
He outlined additional grievances included in the previous petition, such as “unavailable credit union deductions, even after approaching the Labour Department, lack of medical insurance, which is essential during the restructuring period, denial of access to Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) information, poor sanitary conditions and insufficient cash power.”
The petition was copied to Gamtel/Gamcel Credit Union (GCU), National Association of Cooperative Credit Unions of The Gambia (NACCUG), SSHFC, the State Owned Enterprises Commission, the Department of Labour, the Office of the Ombudsman, the National Human Rights Commission, the National Assembly, and the Office of the President.
Mr. Njie warned that if authorities fail to address the staff’s grievances, workers would be left with no choice but to take further steps “within the limits of the law” to protect their rights and benefits, “earned through years of dedicated service to this institution.”
