The Gambia Teachers’ Union Cooperative Credit Union (GTUCCU) has celebrated three decades of service, honouring its founders, educators and cooperative leaders who contributed to the growth of the institution.
The anniversary celebration, held at the Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof Conference Hall in Brikama, brought together Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow, government officials, education stakeholders, cooperative leaders, veteran teachers and members of the media.
Established by teachers as a member-owned financial institution, GTUCCU has expanded over the past 30 years to provide savings, loans and other financial services to educators across The Gambia.
Officials at the ceremony said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the vision and sacrifices of the cooperative’s founders while reaffirming its commitment to good governance, innovation and financial inclusion.
“We gather not only to honour the visionary men and women who laid the foundation of GTUCCU, but also to celebrate a legacy that has become a source of pride for our nation,” said GTUCCU officials.
President of the Gambia Teachers’ Union (GTU), Ismaila S. Ceesay, traced the origins of the credit union to 1992 when a group of teachers began developing the idea of establishing a financial institution owned and managed by educators.
He said the founders drafted bylaws and loan policies through evening meetings despite having limited resources, no external financing, permanent offices or institutional support.
Ceesay praised the contribution of Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Defence and former leader of the cooperative, for his role in expanding GTUCCU from a small initiative into an institution managing assets worth billions of dalasis.
He said the credit union had supported teachers through various services, including medical assistance, education financing, motorcycle loans and retirement support.
Foday A. Sanyang, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Cooperative Credit Unions of The Gambia (NACCUG), described GTUCCU as a key institution within the country’s cooperative movement.
He said the credit union had maintained representation on the NACCUG Board since 1996 and contributed to improving governance, accountability and oversight within the sector.
Sanyang disclosed that GTUCCU currently has 46,795 members and recognised former cooperative leaders for their contribution to strengthening The Gambia’s cooperative movement.
Reflecting on the institution’s journey, Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof commended the current leadership for introducing new initiatives while preserving the founding principles of cooperation and mutual support.
He said GTUCCU’s slogan, “Credit Unions, Happy Family,” had gained recognition beyond The Gambia, including through cooperative training programmes in the United States and Canada.
Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow, a former teacher, described GTUCCU as an example of community-led development and self-reliance.
He said the credit union’s support for home ownership, education financing, savings and investment complemented government efforts to promote national development.
“By mobilising domestic savings and converting them into productive investment, we have demonstrated that Gambians possess the capacity to finance their own development,” Jallow said.
He added that access to decent housing provided more than shelter, describing it as a source of dignity, security, stability and hope.
The anniversary celebration concluded with awards presented to pioneering members whose contributions helped establish and strengthen the credit union.
Organisers said the event would serve as an annual platform to honour veterans and promote the values of unity, self-help and shared prosperity.