The Gambia government has agreed to the demands of striking teachers, saying they will be paid their Covid allowances on Thursday.

The government statement came amid a nationwide strike by teachers who are demanding payments of their Covid allowances.

Gambia Teachers Union (GTU) yesterday called on teachers in all public schools to “put down their tools until advised otherwise”.

The strike has affected thousands of students as classes were cancelled and other educational activities disrupted.

Now the Ministry of Basic Education is working with the union to resolve the matter.

The ministry’s permanent secretary Louis Moses Mendy said the government had already authorised the payment to teachers. 

He blamed “administrative issues” for the delayed payment but said the teachers will be paid by Thursday. 

“Although it is painful, I am asking for patience to allow the process to take place for everybody to be paid and be happy and schools re-opened. 

“It’s only GTU that can solve this problem by asking its members to resume work,” Mr Mendy told The Standard newspaper.