Team Innovation, one of the competing slates in the upcoming Gambia Ferry Services Staff Association (GFSSA) elective congress scheduled for November 6, officially kicked off its campaign at the Banjul Ferry Terminal on Monday, October 27. The event, themed “Empowering Staff, Enhancing Welfare, Building a Better Future Together,” drew jubilant supporters and well-wishers, who cheered with chants and applause.
The launch follows the recent detachment of Gambia Ferry Services staff from the Gambia Ports Authority Staff Association. This shift was prompted by a concession agreement between the Gambian government and Turkey’s Albayrak Group, which established Alport as the new manager of the Banjul Sea Port. The separation has paved the way for the formation of an independent GFSSA, heightening anticipation for the congress.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Sulayman Junkung Sanyang, the aspiring president of Team Innovation, outlined a vision for a people-centered association. “We aim to prioritize staff welfare, promote fairness, and advance professional growth through innovation and collaboration,” Sanyang declared. He emphasized that the team’s agenda is grounded in actionable reforms to address long-standing employee concerns.
Key promises include the reintroduction of staff loan schemes, annual staff awards and parties, comprehensive health and medical coverage, improved working conditions, a staff housing scheme, and sports development initiatives. Sanyang also pledged to ensure overtime allowances for all frontline and operational staff, alongside targeted training programs for lower-cadre operations and technical personnel to boost capacity and career progression.
“We will advocate for increased transport refunds, mileage, and maintenance allowances,” Sanyang continued to a cheering audience. “We will push for provincial allowance adjustments to reflect the true cost of living and work conditions.” He positioned Team Innovation as a beacon of “action, transparency, and progress,” vowing to lead a team that “listens, acts, and delivers for all.”
Salimatou Njie, the aspiring vice president, echoed these sentiments, committing to fostering a transparent, inclusive, and supportive work culture. “Every staff member should feel heard, valued, and motivated to thrive professionally and personally,” Njie stated.
She promised to consistently voice staff concerns in leadership meetings and ensure equal representation across all roles and departments.
Other candidates reinforced the team’s unity and readiness. Ebrima Weathrol, vying for secretary general, and Amie Ann, running unopposed for public relations officer (PRO), highlighted the slate’s composition of “young, dynamic, and intellectual personalities” equipped with the knowledge, wisdom, and capacity to build a strong foundation for GFSSA’s growth.
The whole Team Innovation lineup includes: Sulayman Sanyang – President, Salimatou Njie – Vice President, Ebrima Weatherol – Secretary General, Haddy Njie – Assistant Secretary General, Amie Ann – Public Relations Officer, Ndey Mbye – Assistant Treasurer, Haddy Gaye – Auditor, Naffisatou Jarju – Assistant Auditor, Sirreh Ceesay – Social Welfare Officer, Ansumana Saho – Assistant Social Welfare Officer, Baboucarr Gaye – Sports Secretary, and Wuyeh Sanneh – Assistant Sports Secretary.
Supporters at the terminal expressed optimism, with many praising the team’s focus on tangible benefits.
