GFD Highlights Milestones, Urges Greater Resource Mobilisation at 2025 AGM

Farafenni, North Bank Region — 4 December 2025:
The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) on Thursday convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Farafenni, bringing together leaders from 19 Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), board members and staff to review a year marked by major achievements, enduring financial constraints, and renewed calls for stronger national support. Held at Wallimann Hotel, the AGM showcased progress in employment, entrepreneurship, inclusive education and disaster preparedness, while also highlighting critical funding and capacity gaps affecting the Federation’s work.
In his address, GFD Chairman His Worship Muhammed Krubally presented a comprehensive update on the Federation's work over the past year. Highlighting several significant achievements, Krubally emphasized the Federation’s efforts in promoting employment for persons with disabilities. A major accomplishment was securing a position for a person with a disability within the Mansa Koko Area Council, marking a pivotal step towards economic inclusion. Mr Krubally who is also the Principal Magistrate at the Banjul Magistrates' Court and the only visually impaired magistrate also shared details of the Federation's Special Needs Entrepreneurial Fund, launched in 2024 in collaboration with the Human International Foundation. This initiative trained 25 individuals with disabilities in business management and provided them with essential tools, such as sewing machines, to help start their businesses. A similar program in 2025 graduated 25 women, further promoting self-employment and economic independence within the disability community. Additionally, GFD launched a micro-credit scheme in November 2025, distributing D1.5 million to 60 persons with disabilities, with each receiving D25,000 to support their small businesses.
On the health front, Krubally discussed regional workshops on first aid, health, and hygiene for persons with disabilities, aimed at raising awareness about health rights and access to services. The Federation also partnered with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in disaster preparedness and risk management efforts. Focus on Inclusive Education and Advocacy: Inclusive education remained a priority, with GFD collaborating with the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) to develop a manual for teaching persons with disabilities in schools. This initiative aims to equip educators and stakeholders with the tools to enhance educational access and inclusion. Krubally also updated attendees on the Federation's advocacy efforts, particularly the ratification of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights by the Gambian government in 2024. While the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was ratified in 2015, Krubally stressed the need for the government to also sign the Oxfam Protocol to strengthen disability rights in the country. Resource Mobilisation and Financial Challenges A central theme in both Krubally’s address and that of Acting Executive Director Sainey Camara was the ongoing challenge of resource mobilization. Despite securing 40% of its funding from reliable sources, GFD continues to struggle with limited financial resources, affecting its ability to deliver programs effectively. Camara emphasized the need for greater contributions from members and stakeholders to sustain the Federation’s operations.
At the AGM, Treasurer Mr. Ousman Bojang presented the Federation's 2024 financial report, which showed a total income of D5.57 million, with D3.6 million coming from the National Treasury. Expenditures amounted to D3.3 million, and the Federation recorded a net income of D2.27 million. Bojang assured attendees that operational expenses were sustainable and that the Board had adhered to transparency and democratic principles in managing the Federation’s finances. Capacity Constraints and Policy Development Several challenges were raised during the meeting, including the Federation's insufficient staffing and limited operational funding. Members urged GFD to prioritize resource mobilization, open volunteer opportunities, and develop stronger collaborations with other organizations to improve service delivery. In addition to financial matters, the AGM saw the endorsement of several key organizational policies, including those related to financial management, resource mobilization, and human resources. These policies are aimed at ensuring GFD meets international standards and maintains donor confidence. Strengthening Membership and Advocacy
Acting Executive Director Sainey Camara reported that GFD had received applications from new groups in the Central River Region (CRR) seeking to join the Federation, highlighting the importance of expanding the organization’s grassroots support. Camara also emphasized the establishment of dedicated groups for women, youth, and older persons with disabilities, which he believes are crucial for promoting inclusivity and advancing the rights of all persons with disabilities.
The meeting concluded with a renewed call for collective effort and collaboration to overcome the financial and operational challenges facing the Federation. Members reaffirmed the importance of resource mobilization, advocacy, and strengthening partnerships to ensure that persons with disabilities in The Gambia can fully participate in all aspects of society, including the upcoming 2026 elections. The AGM was preceded by the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) commemoration on December 3, 2025, which included a march led by the Farafenni Scout Band and speeches from various dignitaries, including the NBR Governor and Kerewan Area Council Chairman. As the Federation looks forward to 2026, GFD remains committed to advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring their inclusion in all sectors of society, and continuing its work towards a more equitable and accessible future

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