Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – On July 5, 2025, President Adama Barrow laid the foundation stone for the construction of a deep-sea port at Sanyang, ushering in a new era in The Gambia’s maritime history. This milestone represents the culmination of decades of work by dedicated professionals and visionary leaders who have shaped the journey of the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) since its establishment in 1972.
As the GPA marks over 50 years of existence, it is fitting to recognize the individuals whose leadership, technical expertise, and institutional foresight positioned the Authority to navigate shifting regional and global dynamics in trade, logistics, and maritime policy.
Captain Baboucarr Malleh Sallah: Founding Visionary
At the heart of GPA’s early success stands Captain Baboucarr Malleh Sallah, the Authority’s first Gambian Managing Director. Appointed at its inception in 1972, Captain Sallah was a seasoned seafarer, trained at the Ghana Nautical College, with experience at Ghana’s Black Star Shipping Line.
Under his stewardship, GPA underwent rapid institutionalization. He led crucial maritime boundary negotiations with Senegal, championed the localization of port operations, and prioritized the systematic training of Gambian professionals to manage and operate the nation’s vital maritime gateway.
Captain Sallah’s legacy extends beyond national borders—he later served as an international consultant, including for the British Virgin Islands Port Authority, showcasing Gambian maritime expertise globally.
James George: The Quiet Engineer of Port Infrastructure
Often working behind the scenes but instrumental in GPA’s technical evolution was James George, an engineer whose contributions were pivotal during the Authority’s infrastructure expansion phase.
Colleagues recall his dedication to the development and maintenance of GPA’s mechanical and civil engineering operations, which strengthened port reliability during its formative years.
Alieu Mboge and Pa Cham: Silent Pioneers
Alieu Mboge played a key operational role during the Authority’s growth phase, while Pa Cham’s contributions in port security and administration were vital in building institutional capacity amid emerging challenges.
Alpha Barry: Guardian of Fiscal Discipline
As Director of Finance, Alpha Barry ensured prudent financial management during critical periods of GPA’s growth, helping to maintain financial stability and support the Authority’s expansion of services and infrastructure.
Dodou Bami Jagne and Lamin Sanneh: Champions of Negotiation and Development
Dodou Bami Jagne, a senior official at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and Chairman of the Major Tender Board, together with the late Lamin Sanneh, Director of Technical Services at the Ministry of Works, played significant yet often underappreciated roles in port development.
They were instrumental in securing international loans and contracts that financed essential infrastructure upgrades during vulnerable periods for the Authority.
Their integrity was tested during the politically charged 1996–1997 port development dispute. Both were unjustly detained on baseless accusations of blocking a major project for personal gain.
In a rare display of courage, the police investigation team refused to fabricate evidence against them. Jagne and Sanneh spent the entire month of Ramadan, including Koriteh, in police custody—a painful episode recounted in my unpublished memoir, In the Quiet of Service: A Public Servant’s Journey Through The Gambia’s Changing Landscapes.
I too was questioned in connection with the case, a reminder of the precariousness faced by public servants acting in good faith within politicized systems.
Mamburay Njie: Diplomatic Initiatives
Mamburay Njie, The Gambia’s Ambassador to the UAE, also deserves mention for his efforts to attract foreign investment. He successfully engaged the Port of Dubai in discussions about investing in the Port of Banjul.
Though the initiative did not result in a formal partnership, it demonstrated proactive diplomacy in pursuit of strategic port development.
Adama Deen and Ousman Jobarteh: Modernizing the Maritime Gateway
Between 2002 and 2004, Adama Deen led GPA as managing director during a reform-driven era. With a master’s degree in city and transport planning, he brought a systems-focused approach, emphasizing revenue improvement, operational modernization, and master planning—principles that still guide the port’s expansion today.
His later role as Transport and Infrastructure Adviser to the African Union’s NEPAD Agency reflects his broader impact on African infrastructure development.
Today, GPA’s transformation continues under Managing Director Ousman Jobarteh. He has been instrumental in driving digital transformation, improving trade facilitation, and forging international partnerships—particularly with Turkish and Chinese firms.
Under his leadership, GPA has expanded berth capacity, improved logistics, and advanced reforms to boost efficiency and climate resilience. His contributions earned him the African Public Service Excellence Award in 2021.
Recent Progress and Regional Hurdles
The relocation of the Denton Bridge fish landing site to Sanyang reflects ongoing efforts to optimize port operations and enhance fisheries management—projects that not only improve efficiency but also promote sustainable economic growth.
The foundation of the deep-sea port at Sanyang signals a bold step toward strengthening The Gambia’s role in regional maritime trade. However, longstanding challenges persist—particularly non-tariff barriers imposed by neighboring Senegal, which have for decades hampered trade.
For instance, cashew shipments from Guinea-Bissau transiting through Senegal face arbitrary delays and charges, undermining The Gambia’s competitiveness as a regional trade hub. Resolving such issues is crucial to fully capitalizing on The Gambia’s geographic and logistical advantages.
Competitive Dynamics
While The Gambia enjoys a strategic location and a steadily improving port infrastructure, regional competitors such as Senegal, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire continue to invest heavily in modernizing their own ports—expanding capacity, integrating digital technologies, and enhancing services.
This growing competition poses challenges but also presents opportunities for cooperation and regional integration.
The Gambian government, the GPA Board, and management deserve recognition for their sustained efforts to modernize port operations and improve transparency and sustainability, ensuring The Gambia remains a key player in West African maritime trade.
From Captain Baboucarr Malleh Sallah’s foundational leadership to Ousman Jobarteh’s digital innovations, the story of the Gambia Ports Authority is one of resilience, foresight, and service. Honoring both the pioneers and present-day leaders is essential to appreciating the evolution of this vital national institution—one that continues to connect The Gambia to the world.
