"Our students today will be the leaders, innovators, and contributors to The Gambia’s growth tomorrow," he stated at a validation workshop of education sector study organised by the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC).
PS Dampha indicated the gathering reflected the collaborative efforts they have undertaken to address key issues related to competition and consumer protection in the education sector, a sector that holds the key to the future of The Gambia.
According to him, the services and opportunities provided within the sector must adhere to the highest standards of quality, fairness, and accessibility.
"Ensuring that all Gambians, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have access to equitable, affordable, and competitive educational services is paramount to achieving sustainable development," he emphasised.
The study will serve as a comprehensive effort to examine the educational landscape through the lens of competition and consumer protection. Mr Dampha said by identifying key challenges, such as affordability, transparency, and service quality, the study “provides critical insights into how we can enhance the system to serve all Gambians more effectively”.
However, he noted, it is clear that the findings underscore both the achievements and the gaps in The Gambia’s current educational framework. "Issues such as unequal access to education inflated tuition fees, and the sometimes-opaque nature of service offerings all present challenges that we must address," he advised.
He mentioned that these challenges disproportionately affect the country’s most vulnerable populations, especially children from low-income households, girls, and those in rural areas.
"This situation is not only a consumer protection issue but a human rights issue that directly affects the future workforce and our country's economic competitiveness," he emphasised.
The Ministry reaffirms the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights of consumers across all sectors, including education, he reassured, saying: "We are dedicated to fostering an environment where educational institutions are held accountable to the highest transparency, fairness, and affordability standards."
He commended the GCCPC for its proactive role in conducting the study and highlighting the aforementioned critical issues. “The Commission’s work is invaluable in ensuring that competition is fair and that consumers, in this case, students and their families, are protected from unfair practices,” he stressed.
