By Madi S. Njie
Farafenni, North Bank Region — December 4, 2025
Federation urges government, donors and the public to strengthen funding and policy support for persons with disabilities at its Farafenni AGM.
The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) on Thursday held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Farafenni, reflecting on a year of notable advances for persons with disabilities, while underscoring persistent financial and institutional challenges facing the organisation.
The meeting, hosted at Wallimann Hotel, drew representatives from 19 Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), alongside board members and staff, to assess the Federation’s performance in 2025 and chart a path forward amid growing demand for inclusive development and stronger national backing.
Presenting the annual report, GFD Chairman, His Worship Muhammed Krubally, outlined achievements spanning employment creation, entrepreneurship, education and disaster preparedness. He highlighted the successful placement of a person with disability at the Mansa Koko Area Council as a significant milestone in the Federation’s push for workplace inclusion.
Krubally, who also serves as Principal Magistrate at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court and is the country’s only visually impaired magistrate, revealed that the Federation’s Special Needs Entrepreneurial Fund—launched in 2024 with support from the Human International Foundation—had trained and equipped 25 persons with disabilities in business skills during its first phase. A second phase in 2025 saw another 25 women graduate under the initiative, further strengthening economic self-reliance within the disability community.
In November 2025, GFD rolled out a micro-credit scheme, disbursing D1.5 million to 60 beneficiaries, each receiving D25,000 to boost small-scale enterprises.
On healthcare, the Chairman said the Federation conducted regional training sessions in first aid, health and hygiene to promote better access to essential services. GFD also strengthened collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to promote disability inclusion in disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
Inclusive Education and Advocacy Drive
Inclusive education remained central to the Federation’s agenda. GFD, in partnership with the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), developed a specialised training manual for teaching learners with disabilities, aimed at improving learning outcomes and accessibility in schools nationwide.
Krubally further reported on advocacy milestones, referencing The Gambia’s ratification of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights in 2024. He urged the government to reinforce its international commitments by adopting the Oxfam Protocol alongside the already ratified Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Financial Realities and Resource Mobilisation
Resource mobilisation emerged as a recurring concern during deliberations. Acting Executive Director Sainey Camara acknowledged that while approximately 40 per cent of funding now comes from reliable donors, financial limitations continue to constrain operations.
Treasurer Ousman Bojang presented the 2024 financial report, revealing a total income of D5.57 million—of which D3.6 million originated from the national treasury. Expenditures stood at D3.3 million, leaving a net balance of D2.27 million. Bojang assured the gathering that financial management remained transparent and accountable.
Capacity Gaps and Policy Endorsements
Members raised concerns over staffing constraints and limited funding, calling for intensified fundraising, volunteer recruitment and strategic partnerships to enhance service delivery. The AGM also approved new policies on finance, human resources and resource mobilisation to align GFD with international best practices and donor requirements.
Camara also disclosed that new disability groups from the Central River Region have submitted applications for membership, pointing to the Federation’s growing national footprint. Dedicated structures for women, youth and elderly persons with disabilities have also been established to enhance representation and inclusion.
The meeting closed with renewed calls for collective responsibility in advancing disability rights and programmes, particularly ahead of the 2026 national elections.
The AGM followed commemorations of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3, marked by a parade led by the Farafenni Scout Band and addresses from regional authorities, including the North Bank Region Governor and the Chairman of the Kerewan Area Council.
As it moves into 2026, the Federation reaffirmed its commitment to securing equal opportunities, dignity and participation for persons with disabilities across The Gambia.