By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Seedy Kanyi, Managing Director of Gambia Transport Services Company (GTSC), hailed the company’s recent accolade as the “Winner–Enabler of Seamless Travel in West Africa” as a testament to its progress, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence. The prestigious award, conferred by Akwaaba Travels with support from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Travel Quarterly (ATQ), was celebrated during a ceremony at GTSC’s headquarters in Kanifing.
The award was presented at the 8th West Africa Travel Expo in Accra, Ghana, on June 27, 2025, recognizing GTSC’s pivotal role in enhancing regional mobility and supporting the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol.
“This award is not just a plaque or a trophy; it is a symbol of progress, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence,” Kanyi declared. “It reflects GTSC’s strategic growth, customer focus, digital innovation, and commitment to regional integration, as well as The Gambia’s contribution to regional mobility and infrastructure development.”
This year’s Expo theme, “Re-imagining the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol,” underscored the urgent need for reforms to enhance mobility and unlock the potential of West Africa’s travel and tourism industry. The event celebrated operators championing the free movement of people and goods. GTSC stood out as one of two cross-country public transport operators recognized in the Enabler of Seamless Travel category in West Africa.
Kanyi highlighted GTSC’s transformative journey, emphasizing its robust and reliable transport network serving national and regional passengers. Key milestones include a strategic fleet expansion, with 33 buses acquired in 2021 to bolster domestic and regional routes, followed by 70 additional buses in 2022, supported by the Gambia Government and the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC). In 2024, GTSC added 30 modern buses, stabilized fares, and reduced road-related accidents.
A significant leap toward modernization came with the 2024 launch of the TAAMO Smart Travel Card and a fully digital ticketing system. Partnerships with Guaranty Trust Bank Limited in 2022 and WAVE Gambia in 2025 have simplified payments, enabling passengers to recharge TAAMO cards remotely for greater convenience. “These innovations mark a major shift toward modern, cashless commuting in The Gambia,” Kanyi noted.
On the regional front, GTSC operates six weekly services to Dakar, transporting over 10,000 passengers monthly, aligning with ECOWAS’s vision of regional integration. The company is exploring new routes to Sierra Leone, Mauritania, and Mali, though services to Guinea-Conakry and Guinea-Bissau remain paused due to road and security challenges. “We are committed to resuming these routes when conditions allow,” Kanyi affirmed.
“This success belongs to our customers, partners, dedicated employees, and the people of The Gambia,” Kanyi said. “We pledge to serve better, innovate further, and represent The Gambia with pride on every road we travel.”
Famara Fofana, Corporate Affairs Manager at SSHFC, the parent company of GTSC since 2013, praised the strong technical and financial partnership between the two entities. “This award testifies to GTSC’s remarkable work in providing safe and reliable bus transportation services to Gambians and beyond,” Fofana said, reaffirming SSHFC’s commitment to supporting GTSC’s mission.
Other speakers, including Amadou Drammeh, Director of Traffic Operations, and Amie Jallow, Director of Administration and Human Resources, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the staff’s dedication to delivering efficient, timely services. “Our team’s commitment has been instrumental in achieving this milestone,” Drammeh noted, while Jallow highlighted the resolve to maintain high standards for GTSC’s growing clientele.
The award highlights GTSC’s role as a trailblazer in West African transportation, promoting connectivity and economic integration. As the company continues to innovate and expand, it remains a beacon of progress for The Gambia and the broader ECOWAS region, driving toward a future of seamless, accessible, and sustainable travel.
