Shipping Expert Dr Ismaila Badjie Proposes Severance Council to Prevent Future Alport-GPA Disputes

Written by: Alieu Jallow

Logistics and shipping expert Dr Ismaila Badjie has proposed the creation of a Severance Council to help prevent recurring labour disputes involving Alport Banjul and the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), warning that disruptions at the Port of Banjul carry serious economic consequences for the country.

Dr Badjie, a maritime specialist with more than 25 years of experience in the industry, made the proposal in an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network following last week’s port strike.

The latest dispute erupted after GPA workers staged a sit down protest over welfare-related concerns and the management of staff welfare matters. Workers maintained that their concerns had not been adequately addressed, while Alport Banjul argued that the issues had already been resolved and questioned whether the continuing industrial action was still about staff welfare.

According to Dr Badjie, many of the tensions surrounding the port concession could have been avoided through clearer communication and better planning from the outset.

“For me, the best way to resolve this issue is to play open book from day one and clearly explain the available positions, terms and conditions under the new terminal operator,” he said.

Dr Badjie argued that employees unwilling to transition to a new operator should be given a clear choice between remaining with their original institution or accepting a negotiated severance package.

“If you don’t want to move into those positions, then stakeholders can sit down, discuss and pay a severance package, as is done in other countries. Those who want to leave can move on with their lives, while those who do not want to work for Alport can remain with the Ports Authority,” he said.

He said severance arrangements are a common feature of concession agreements in many countries and could help prevent recurring conflicts between management and workers.

To institutionalise the process, Dr Badjie proposed the establishment of a dedicated Severance Council to oversee employee separation and compensation matters whenever public institutions undergo concessioning, privatisation or major restructuring.

According to him, such a mechanism would provide certainty for workers, reduce labour disputes and create a clear framework for future transitions.

The maritime expert stressed that transparency and documentation are critical during such processes.

“We live in the 21st century where everything needs to be documented. Everything needs to be agreed upon upfront. Staff, the Ports Authority, the Government and Alport should be clear from day one on who does what and where. Staff transferred to Alport need to work under Alport’s terms and conditions,” he said.

Dr Badjie also warned that repeated disruptions at the Port of Banjul could have significant consequences for the Gambian economy.

“The Gambia has only one major port through which virtually all imported commodities enter the country. A sit down strike, whether for one day or two days, has serious consequences on the economy,” he said.

He explained that delays at the port can generate substantial costs that are eventually passed on to importers and consumers, contributing to higher prices for goods and commodities.

“The charterers absorb those costs and transfer them to cargo owners, which ultimately contributes to price increases for commodities,” he said.

Dr Badjie further warned that prolonged disruptions could affect the availability of essential commodities, including rice, sugar, cooking oil and onions, while also slowing infrastructure and construction projects across the country.

“More than 50 percent of what we consume in The Gambia comes from abroad. Any prolonged delay means these commodities may not be readily available in the country. This is a serious issue,” he said.

He also cautioned that extended disruptions could affect government revenue collection and potentially encourage some importers to route cargo through neighbouring Senegal instead.

“If cargo is not being released in The Gambia, importers may decide to discharge their cargo in Senegal and transport it by road into the country. That means GPA loses revenue, and GRA may also lose part of their expected earnings if arrangements are not properly managed,” he said.

While acknowledging workers’ rights to raise grievances, Dr Badjie urged staff associations to prioritise dialogue and negotiations before resorting to industrial action.

He also called on the Government, particularly the Office of the President, to provide clear guidance on the implementation of the port concession agreement.

“The Office of the President is the highest authority to be involved in this matter. There should have been clear directives from the moment Alport took over operations. Concession agreements should clearly define terms and conditions, transfer of services and the pathway towards improved efficiency,” he said.

Dr Badjie concluded that sustained dialogue, transparency and a structured severance framework are essential to maintaining industrial harmony and uninterrupted operations at the country’s most strategic economic gateway.