The Gambia Teachers Union (GTU) is demanding an urgent review of the mass transfer of teachers and the demotion of a head teacher at Buduck School, Region 5 North, in the Central River Region. This demand follows an investigation into the incident, which reportedly involved the cancellation of Musa Cham's invitation for political reasons after alleged interference by some natives associated with the governing NPP. The GTU has since completed its investigation, producing a preliminary report and recommendations. The union stated, "On the 7th August, our panel of investigators met some of the affected staff to hear their accounts and the circumstances surrounding the incident and their subsequent transfers. Based on the findings, the panel recommended, among other measures, MoBSE urgently review the transfers of all affected staff." The union's call for review addresses both the transfers of numerous teachers and the specific demotion of the head teacher, noting the severity of the situation at Buduck School.
Affected Staff and New Postings
The transfers significantly impacted several staff members from Buduck School, leading to their reassignment to different locations. Omar M Cham, for instance, was reassigned to Soma. Alpha Njie was transferred to Sabi, while Saloum Jafuneh received new postings to Kabafita. Omar AM Sallah, who served as Principal at Buduck School, faced a particularly severe consequence, as he was transferred to Karantaba and simultaneously demoted to a classroom teacher. This demotion represents a significant professional setback for the former principal. Kebba Touray, who held the position of deputy headmaster at Buduck School, was moved to Ballanghar. Additionally, Kaddy Darboe was transferred from Buduck School to Darsilami, further illustrating the widespread nature of the transfers affecting the school's teaching staff. These reassignments have disrupted the educational environment at Buduck School and raised concerns among the teaching community.
Ministry's Rationale and Union's Findings
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) attributed the mass transfers to teachers inviting opposition figure Musa Cham as a guest speaker to a graduation ceremony. This invitation, according to MoBSE, was the catalyst for the subsequent actions. However, Minister of Basic Education Habiatou Drammeh stated that the objection to Mr. Cham’s presence originated from the community and was not based on political motivations, offering an alternative explanation for the events. The Gambia Teachers Union (GTU) launched its own inquiry into the matter to ascertain the facts independently. The GTU reported, "On the 7th August, our panel of investigators met some of the affected staff to hear their accounts and the circumstances surrounding the incident and their subsequent transfers." Following these meetings and a thorough review of the circumstances, the union's panel recommended that MoBSE urgently review the transfers of all affected staff members. This recommendation shows the union's belief that the transfers were unwarranted or improperly handled. In response to the ongoing situation, the Permanent Secretary has committed to engaging with local authorities, the Buduck community, and staff from the Regional Education Directorate to address the issues comprehensively and seek a resolution.
Resolution and Monitoring
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) has pledged to resolve the dispute by ensuring the return of all affected teachers to Region 5 North. This commitment signals a potential reversal of the controversial transfers. The Gambia Teachers Union (GTU) confirmed that Omar AM Sallah, previously demoted, will have his position as school head restored and be posted to a school within CRR-North, effectively rectifying his demotion and re-establishing his leadership role. The GTU stated its panel of investigators met affected staff on August 7 to gather accounts, leading to a recommendation for MoBSE to urgently review the transfers. The union will continue to monitor the implementation of these agreed measures to ensure full compliance and to safeguard the rights and professional standing of the teachers involved. The GTU's ongoing oversight is key to ensure that the agreed-upon resolutions are fully honored and that similar incidents are prevented in the future.