The Gambia Port Authority (GPA) as a semi autonomous state enterprise has recently paid 20% shareholder dividend to the Gambia government through the ministry of finance and economic affairs which amounted to D50 Million Dalasi as their key partners in development for the year ending 31st of December 2019.

Corporate social responsibility is fundamental as a mandate in the execution of the services for Gambia ports authority

According to the Communication officer for GPA Mr. Yankuba Manneh, stated that, as an semi independent state entity, they are obliged to plight back to the Gambia Government which persuaded them to pay about D20 million to the Gambia Government in 2018, he brags that the GPA has made a significant increase in the dividend compared to what has been paid in 2018 to 2019.  He added that the GPA activities are dictated by the  Gambia Ports act  of 1972 which limit them to Cargo operations and other offshore activities which generates income and accrued profit  for them to fulfil their corporate social responsibilities  as demonstrated in the payment of D50 Million to the Gambia Government .

Mr Manneh stated that, apart from paying share to the central government, the GPA is also overwhelmed with requests for interventions from the communities, individuals and institutions which they respond in fulfillment of their corporate social responsibilities. He added that, the GPA is currently sponsoring about 150 pure science students in the various academic degrees at the University of the Gambia fees of which is exorbitant. He added that the Management of the ports has recently toured some health facilities of the Gambia such as the Brikama general hospital where they may decide to adopt a ward which is also part of their social corporate responsibility to the people of the country.

He revealed that they have recently donated and installed a brand new giant printer to the Diabuku Batama community through their member of the parliament which is expected to the benefit the resident of the constituents also a water system recently was constructed for the Miamba Community in north bank region, according to him the floor of the kanifing general hospital was constructed by the GPA and also the Arch 22nd respectively.

Mr Manneh urged Gambians to give whatever support to the GRA as it employed about 1000 Gambians in various disciplines of the ports all working relentlessly to improve the socio economic development of the country.

 

By: Alkali Cham