BANJUL, July 20, 2026 — The Registrar General of Cooperatives has said The Gambia has entered a new era of reform and modernisation following a comprehensive review of the Cooperative Societies Act [Cap 50:02] and the successful validation of its revised version.
Aba G. Sankareh made the remarks during the annual general meeting of the Gambia Police Force Cooperative Credit Union [GPFCCU], held recently at the National Association of Cooperative Credit Union of The Gambia [NACCUG] Conference Hall in Bakau.
He noted that the existing Act was largely designed to regulate agricultural cooperatives and did not adequately address the growing diversity of cooperative enterprises, particularly financial cooperatives such as credit unions and other emerging forms of cooperative organisations.
“In recognising these gaps, the revised legislation has been developed to establish a more inclusive and responsive legal framework that reflects the evolving nature of the cooperative sector,” he said.
Sankareh said the upgraded Act aligns with contemporary realities, international cooperative principles and global best practices.
“The revised Act strengthens the legal and regulatory framework by promoting good governance, transparency, accountability, prudent financial management, effective supervision and enhanced member protection,” he said.
“Once enacted, it will provide the Office of the Registrar General of Cooperatives with a stronger legal mandate to regulate, supervise and support all categories of cooperative societies, thereby fostering a more vibrant, sustainable and resilient cooperative movement across The Gambia.”
The Registrar General also highlighted the launch of the National Cooperative Policy as another major milestone in the development of the cooperative sector.
He said the policy provides a clear strategic framework for the growth and transformation of cooperatives across all sectors of the economy. Before its national launch, he added, regional launch events had been conducted in collaboration with the offices of regional governors.
Furthermore, Sankareh disclosed the establishment of regional cooperative directorates, to be headed by directors or registrars, as part of efforts to decentralise services and bring cooperative development closer to the people.
He said the move would improve efficiency in service delivery by eliminating the need for cooperative members in distant regions, such as Basse, to travel to Bakau to access services.
“The National Cooperative Policy outlines the Government’s vision for building vibrant, inclusive, resilient and commercially viable cooperatives,” he said.
“It promotes good governance, professionalism, gender equality, youth participation, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, financial inclusion and stronger institutional partnerships. More importantly, it clearly defines the respective roles of government, cooperative societies, development partners and the private sector in supporting a modern and competitive cooperative movement.”
Sankareh added that the revised Cooperative Societies Act and the National Cooperative Policy would significantly strengthen the regulatory mandate of the Office of the Registrar General of Cooperatives.
“Together, these two important instruments will guide registration, supervision, inspection, compliance monitoring, dispute resolution, capacity-building and institutional development across all cooperative societies in The Gambia,” he said.
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