GTSC receives Akwaaba Best Transport Award

Presented by Akwaaba Travels with support of the ECOWAS Commission and the African Travel Quarterly (ATQ), the award also symbolises the country’ potential and contribution to regional mobility and infrastructure development.

Besides, the award which was presented during the 8th West African Travel Expo held in Accra, Ghana, was held under the theme - ‘Re-imagining The ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol’ and reflects the growing regional calls for deeper integration and urgent reforms to improve mobility while unlocking the full potential of the travel and tourism industry across the region.

On Friday, June 4th 2025, the public bus company organised a ceremony to more shed light on the recent award and to further highlight some of their achievements as they look into the future. 

Addressing the gathering, Amadou Drammeh, director of Traffic Operations at GTSC, described the event as a momentous milestone in the country’s transport company, adding that the annual award recognises excellence in transport, travels and tourism across the continent.

This historic award, he said, places the GTSC as the fourth Gambian company to receive such a prestigious award, after ABC Transport in Nigeria and STC of Ghana.

Drammeh pointed out that the award also highlights the company’s resolve in bolstering regional integration, while also providing easy and accessible, reliable, safe road transport in the region.

Seedy Kanyi, director General of The Gambia Transport Service Company, pointed out the award is not just a plague or a trophy, but a symbol of progress, dedication and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.

“It is also recognition of GTSC’s strategic growth, customer focus and digital innovation and regional integration. And more importantly, it is a recognition of The Gambia’s potential and contribution to regional mobility and infrastructure development.”

DG Kanyi while dwelling on this year’s theme at the Ghana Expo, maintained it reflects the growing regional calls for deeper integration and urgent reforms to improve mobility while unlocking the full potentials of the travel and tourism industry across the region.

The expo, he said, celebrates travel and tour operators that are champions and enablers of Free Movement of People and Goods in West Africa so as to actualise the aspiration of the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol.

“One of the major highlights of the event was the recognition and award for the first time, a cross-country public transport operator in West Africa that has for years connected people across the region.”

DG Kanyi also used the platform to highlight some of their achievements in the past acknowledging that GTSC’s journey has been nothing short of transformational.

He talked about their strategic fleet expansion, recalling that in 2021, the company acquired 33 buses, expanded their capacity across domestic and regional routes.

“In 2022, thanks to the government support and our parent company - Social Security and Housing Finance Cooperation, we added 70 buses to enhance coverage. Most recently, in 2024, an additional 30 buses were deployed, modernising our fleet and stabilising transport fares while reducing road-related accidents.” DG Kanyi stated.

GTSC DG also spoke about the launch of their TAAMO Smart Travel Card and the fully digital ticketing services, which he said, marks a major shift towards modern, cashless commuting in the country.

On their partnership deals, DG Kanyi spoke about the partnership reached with the Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd in 2022 and most recently, WAVE Gambia.

“We are also proud to have installed bus shelter services across the country, a sustainable investment designed to not only improve commuter comfort but also safety.”

Famara Fofana, senior Corporate Affairs Manager, SSHFC, expressed delight with the award, saying the award is another demonstration of the company’s renewed commitment to serve the public not only in The Gambia but beyond borders.

As a parent company, Fofana recalled that their relationship with GTSC dates back to 2013 and that since then there has been cordial relation between the two organisations, which is anchored on mutual benefits.