Commission study-tour is critical in safeguarding rights of students – GCCPC board chair

Yassin Senghore was speaking at the validation of the education sector study-tour report organised by the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC).

She described education as not just a service, but a fundamental right enshrined in Section 30 of the 1997 Constitution, which she said, calls for free, compulsory, and equitable access to educational opportunities especially at the basic education level.

"Ensuring that this sector functions in a manner that is fair, accessible, and competitive is central to the mandate of the Commission." she declared.

The study, she added, delves deep into the challenges students and families may face such as unfair market practices and anti-competitive behavior perpetrated by schools and other key players in the value chain such as book dealers and uniform dealers that can limit access to quality education.

"Although the study showcased a moderate level of compliance by schools and other key players in the value chain with the Consumer Protection and Competition Act, it also uncovered serious violations of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act such as: tying and bundling of educational services by schools, mostly private ones, especially in regions 1 and 2; the existence of a 24-hour return policy by bookstores and stationeries which contravenes the Consumer Protection Act, 2014; the lack of a conducive environment and facilities for physically challenged students and girls in some schools; and the lack of safety, hygiene, security, and medical standards are major concerns for parents." she added.

She revealed that they were tasked to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and partners for the implementation of the study recommendations, hence ensuring a more inclusive and equitable education system in the country.

Madam Senghore revealed that the commission conducted a study in the education sector, due to frequent complaints in relation to anti-competitive and unfair practices by some of the schools, in particular private schools.

The objective of the study, she added, was to assess the state of competition and consumer welfare in the basic and secondary education sector and to propose mechanisms to make the sector more competitive and consumer- oriented, in an effort to enhance the welfare of all students, nationwide.