Outgoing GPU Prexy Congratulates New Executive

Former GPU President

Exiled former president of The Gambia Press Union (GPU), who was voted out last weekend at the Union’s triennial congress, has passed on good wishes to her replacement, Mr Bai Emil Touray and team.
“I write to congratulate you on your election as president, executive members of the Gambia Press Union,” Ms Ndey Tapha Sosseh said.

The Gambian journalists’ umbrella body’s first women president was denied a second and final term of office after steering the affairs of the Union in the last three years.
She took over the leadership in 2008 from the publisher of The Daily News, Mr Madi Ceesay, who stepped down after the elapse of his three year tenure.
Despite many challenges, Ndey and team’s tenure have witnessed remarkable improvements in GPU, especially in terms of capacity building for journalists and enhancing the financial status of the Union.
She was nominated for the presidency in absentia, but lost to her secretary general, Bai Emil Touray, who has been in GPU executive for the past six years.
The Foroyaa newspaper news editor comfortably polled 36 votes compared to Mr Famara Jawneh, deputy editor in chief of The Point newspaper and Ms Sosseh who collected 19 and 14 votes respectively.
The rest of the members of the newly elected GPU executive are: Mr Baboucarr Ceesay, first vice president, Amie Sanneh, second vice president, Gibairu Janneh, secretary general, Madi Njie, first assistant secretary general, Lamin Njie, second assistant secretary general, Haddija Jawara, treasurer, Sarjo Camara and Saikou Ceesay, co-opted  members.
“I do hope that this tenure will build on the achievements, successes of our previous mandate,” said Ms Sosseh in a note made available to The Daily News.
She added: “As you know we will have to make a formal handing over, let me know when you are available and we can do this over Skype. I’ll also do you some handing over notes and documentation from my end and will be sent to you.”