The president of the Gambia Teachers’ Union (GTU), Ismaila Ceesay, has called on the government to increase funding for public education, honour agreements on teachers’ allowances and approve the long-awaited Teacher Service Commission.
Ceesay made the call during the National Education Convergence held at the Sir Dawda Jawara International Conference Centre, organised by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) to mark International Day for Teachers
Though the GTU president welcomed the decision to increase MoBSE’s allocation to D5.9 billion in the 2027 budget, he said further investment is needed.
He accordingly urged government to work towards international education financing targets of 4–6 percent of GDP and 15–20 percent of total public spending, in addition to the provision of a clear roadmap to raise education spending to at least 20 percent of the national budget and 6 percent of GDP.
Ceesay demanded that the education budget be protected from mid-year cuts and funds released on time so that schools, teachers and learners benefit directly.
On teachers’ welfare, the GTU president criticised the current D250 monthly retention allowance, saying it is too low to keep experienced teachers in the profession, and it is the reason many teachers are leaving for private schools, NGOs, other sectors and opportunities abroad.
Ceesay also demanded the immediate establishment of the Teacher Service Commission, saying its regulations have already been completed and forwarded to Cabinet.
On civil service salaries, he said workers are not seeking another temporary salary increase but want the new civil service pay and grading structure fully implemented.
Ceesay also reminded teachers of their responsibilities, urging them to be punctual, prepared and professional while protecting children and working closely with parents and communities.