A press release from the Office of the President has warned against any interference in the Gambia Ports Authority’s recruitment of dockers or in the provisions of other services at the port.
 
The full text of the report, which identifies GPA as the mandated authority to provide port and other related services is reproduced below:

The public is hereby informed that The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) is a public institution mandated by Law to provide port and other related services to The Gambia population and the sub-region.

Therefore, there will be no compromise in the implementation of the functions and responsibilities of GPA because it has an obligation to provide these services in the most efficient, effective and sustainable manner. In doing so, GPA has the right to employ the required employees for the due execution of its functions as and when necessary including dockworkers.

Please note that nobody is obliged to work for GPA as a dockworker but nobody can also prevent the GPA and The Gambia Government from implementing the Port and Labour Acts.

Those who do not wish to be employed as dockworkers are free to seek employment elsewhere but they should not in any way try to interfere with the process of recruitment of dockworkers by GPA or in the conduct of stevedoring services at the Port. Doing so would be against the law and anyone found wanting will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Your cooperation is therefore solicited to ensure that essential services are rendered in the most efficient and sustainable manner for the benefit of the entire nation and beyond.