The event created an opportunity for members to come together and scrutinize the activities of the board of directors, who were entrusted to govern the affairs of the credit union in the past year under reviewed. It was also designed for board to report on the annual activities as well as listen to concerns, criticism of members to chart a way forward.
However, the theme for this year’s gathering was ‘strengthening compliance, innovation and growth for a sustainable credit union movement’.
Welcoming the gathering, Dada Deji, Station head, Basse, MRCG@LSHTM on behalf of the unit director, outlined the importance of the gathering and that their presence shared strong commitment and sense of community that continues to define the union.
The gathering, he added, is a cornerstone of the demographic values and a moment to reflect on the achievement and drives their challenges and most importantly, to chart a way forward.
He expressed appreciation with the level of team work, transparency and integrity, which he said, has guided their day-to-day efforts in the service of their members.
The union, he acknowledged, has made significant strides in the past years not only in strengthening financial performance, but also in enhancing member services and deepening the impact on the lives of those they served.
Presenting his report, Lamin Bojang, chairperson of the MRCG Credit Union board, used the forum on behalf of unit director, Prof. Umberto D’Alessandro, who he said, was un-able to grace the event.
He re-echoed the core values that bind them as a union, further reminding that in the spirit of solidarity to credit union, they are all one family.
However, the day, he added, is a perfect opportunity that allows them an opportunity to present report of the union annual activities as well as listen to the concerns, comments and recommendations made by members to chart a way forward.
He recalled that over the past two years, one of their key objectives is to make sure that they deliver to the members and embark on new pay-scale evaluation for the office staff.
This endeavour, he added, has been tedious but that they continue amid challenges, saluting the invaluable contribution of Baboucar Jeng, who is the head at the National Cooperative Credit of The Gambia (NACCUG).
“In this spirit of brotherhood and cooperation, these are the kinds of engagement we need for each and every one of us. In that regard, we are happy to announce that the new pay-scale and evaluation were implemented for the Office staff in March 2025.”
Chair Bojang also talked about the robust financial systems put in place at the union especially in managing their finance, something he said, wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and sincerity of the credit union staff.
He equally talked about some of the activities conducted by the board from meetings, capacity building to other activities, all geared towards enhancing staff’s skills especially in the fast-evolving tech work.
On the loan disbursement, Bojang recalled that ‘over the course of year under review’ the committee has sat over 903 loan applications.
Expanding their business outreach plans and compliance in terms of regulatory policies, he added, also forms another undertaking that the union board work to improve on.
He also spoke about the land acquisition, which he said, remains a top priority of the union in their broader efforts to make it easily accessible and affordable to all members.
Alagie Kuyateh, Information and Technology Director at NACCUG, made a presentation on the new credit union app available for members to access details of their financial transactions.
The initiative, he added, is courtesy of NACCUG in collaboration with credit unions and that it is a form of ecosystem for the credit unions in the country.
Dawda Samba, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, MRCG@LSTHM, while expressing delight to be associated with the event, reminded that the forum is an event to celebrate the achievement made over the years and to chart a way forward.
“With that I am reminded of the core values we share as union which includes the values solidarity, trust and mutual respect.”
Samba spoke with delight with the strides and steps that the union has taken in promoting equitable and inclusive environment that fosters respect, value and the dignity of staff.
To this end, he spoke about his resolve to creating an enabling environment, where all staff will feel seen, will be heard, respected and to benefit from the equal opportunity available for every single staff of the unit.
Samba also took members through the five fundamental values that his unit intends to promote as in line with the unit’s core operation areas.
Presenting his financial report, Saidina Babucarr Ceesay, treasurer of MRCG@LSHTM, revealed that the financial statement has been audited and certified by their independent external auditor.
“In terms of financial performance and positioning, we continue to witness steady and sustain growth in members saving compared to the year ended 2023.”
He acknowledged that members saving, which is the life blood of the union, has increased from 118, 319,754 to 127,665,446 representing a net increase of GMD345,692.
The AGM, however, witnessed the re-election of the past board of directors to serve another three-year, which demonstrate their dedication and commitment in repositioning the financial standing of the union.
They include; Lamin Bojang; Penda Johm; Kabirou Darboe; Saidina Babocarr Ceesay; Adama Bandeh; Kodu Jatta; Binta Kinteh and Adama Gomez. In addition, field reps from three field stations were re-elected and includes, Maget Secka- Keneba, Lamin LK Ceesay Farafenni and Kumba Jojo Barrow in Basse.
The adoption of the financial reports and award of gifts to individuals in recognition of their invaluable contribution to the union, also forms another important hallmark of the event.
