The Port of Banjul has been thrown into paralysis after employees of the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) embarked on a sit-down strike, halting all port activities over unresolved staff welfare concerns.

The industrial action has disrupted cargo handling, vessel movement, and clearance operations, effectively freezing operations at the country’s main maritime gateway and raising concerns over trade delays and economic disruption.

At the centre of the dispute is a long-standing demand by workers for the management of staff welfare to be transferred from Alport Banjul back to the Gambia Ports Authority, which they argue is necessary to restore proper oversight and accountability.

Workers say the issue has persisted despite what they describe as a directive from the Office of the President aimed at resolving the matter, which they claim has not been implemented.

The Staff Welfare Association maintains that the action reflects growing frustration among employees over what they describe as prolonged neglect of their welfare concerns by the relevant authorities.

Adama Jatta warned that the strike would continue indefinitely if no meaningful engagement takes place, saying: “We will remain here until our demands are taken seriously and addressed.”

The shutdown has left shipping agents and clearing operators stranded, with containers reportedly stuck at the port and vessel-related activities suspended.

Traders have warned that prolonged disruption could affect supply chains, import timelines, and commodity prices across the country.

As of now, neither the Gambia Ports Authority nor Alport Banjul has issued an official response to the strike or the workers’ demands.

By Adama Makasuba