The President of the Gambia Transport Union, Omar Ceesay, has apologised to the Gambia Police Force over recent remarks he made about traffic officers and pledged to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions.
Mr. Ceesay’s apology came on Friday during a courtesy visit by a Union delegation to the Police Regional Command in the Upper River Region (URR). The delegation was received by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Yerro Mballow and his team.
The Transport Union leader had earlier sparked controversy in a West Coast Radio programme, where he alleged that a traffic officer was using enforcement duties to “generate income” at the expense of struggling drivers. Addressing the police in Basse, Mr. Ceesay said he regretted those comments and extended a formal apology.
Beyond reconciliation, the Union used the meeting to raise long-standing grievances in the transport sector. Mr. Ceesay outlined concerns over mandatory fines, frequent disputes over fares, high fuel prices, the influx of foreign-registered vehicles, the spread of unauthorised “Tuk-tuk” motorbike taxis, and challenges linked to garages. He revealed that the Union is drafting a strategic plan to address these problems in a systematic way.
In response, DCP Mballow thanked the Union for its outreach and welcomed the development of a strategy plan. He reaffirmed the Police Force’s readiness to support the Union in its efforts, stressing that effective collaboration with all stakeholders is vital to achieving sustainable solutions.
Friday’s meeting appears to mark a turning point in relations between the Union and the Police, which have often been strained over enforcement disputes. Both sides said they are committed to working together to improve conditions in the transport sector and ease tensions on the ground.
