The Management of the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), has reacted sharply to the appeal for sponsorship made by one of its staff, Alhaji Ismaila Manneh, to undergo medical treatment in Dakar published in the Friday, July 20th 2012 edition of the Daily Observer captioned: ‘Veteran broadcaster needs assistance for medical treatment.

In an a reaction sent to this paper Friday, the management 0f the national broadcaster said it has never been formally informed by Manneh that that his health condition requires treatment abroad.

Below is the full text of the management’s reaction.

The management of Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) have read your story on your widely circulated newspaper on the above mentioned caption in relation to the predicament of one of our dedicated, hardworking and long serving staff member in the person of Alhagie Ismaila Manneh.

According to the published article, Mr Manneh is seeking assistance from individuals and philanthropists to undergo medical treatment in Dakar, Senegal as he was diagnosed with Hermaturia at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital and needs overseas treatment.

GRTS management would want to clarify the issue for the consumption of the general public hence t is in the public domain, that our management has never been formally communicated to whatsoever by Mr Manneh that his health condition requires treatment abroad. Management was however aware of his admission at the RVTH and his subsequent discharge, the aftermath of which he was reporting for normal duties at Radio Gambia.

It is rather unfortunate that out of his own volition opted to take up his health predicament to the press without approaching management on the matter.We would want to vividly state that one of our management’s cardinal principles is to ensure that the welfare of GRTS staff is not the least compromised.

Staff motivation and development remains a high priority within the institution.We are proud to report that GRTS has in the past evacuated its staff for overseas treatment and will continue to do so and when the need arises.For several years, GRTS has facilitated high premium Medical Insurance Scheme for all its category of staff.

Currently management has been vindicated by the fact that funds have been disbursed to Alhagie Ismaila Manneh by GRTS to undergo medical treatment in Dakar, Senegal and are wishing him a speedy recovery.