By Staff Writer
The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) has announced that it will assume full responsibility for human resource and administrative matters affecting port staff, bringing an end to a tense standoff between workers and Alport Banjul management.
In a press release issued on Thursday, April 23, 2026, GPA Management confirmed that it had resolved the dispute involving staff transferred to Alport under the Port of Banjul concession agreement. The Authority stated that while Alport will continue to oversee operational activities, all human resource and administrative functions will now fall under the GPA.
“Operations have resumed immediately, and GPA Management shall be responsible for all human resources and administrative matters while operational instructions remain with Alport under the concession,” the statement read.
The development follows rising tensions earlier in the week when staff of Alport Banjul issued a 28-day ultimatum on Tuesday, April 21, citing what they described as management’s failure to fully implement conditions tied to their transfer from the GPA. Workers had warned of a potential sit-down strike if their concerns were not addressed within the stipulated timeframe.
Efforts to resolve the impasse began with a planned meeting on Wednesday, April 22, involving representatives of the staff association, GPA management, and Alport management. However, according to a source familiar with the discussions, the meeting failed to proceed as expected after senior Alport officials did not attend, with only a deputy representative reportedly present.
The staff association had insisted that any commitments from management be communicated in a general staff meeting, emphasizing that all workers were signatories to the petition outlining their demands.
The source further disclosed that the association had obtained a memo from GPA management addressed to Alport, indicating that certain staff benefits—including health insurance—would not be paid due to outstanding financial obligations owed by Alport to the GPA.
At a rescheduled meeting held on Thursday, April 23, the staff association reiterated its demand for GPA to take over administrative and human resource responsibilities, while allowing Alport to maintain operational control. Management reportedly agreed to respond by 4:00 p.m. GMT the same day.
The GPA’s subsequent press release confirmed that the workers’ key demands had been met. Sources indicate that staff have welcomed the resolution and have since returned to work, restoring normal operations at the Port of Banjul.
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