By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Basse Area Council has confirmed that its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Finance Director have been sent on administrative leave pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation of the Basse Area Council by the Local Government Service Commission.
The decision to send them on leave was made following a resolution passed by the General Council on June 16, 2023, upon the receipt of a letter from the Local Government Service Commission informing them of an ongoing investigation into the council.
“Following a resolution passed by the General Council dated the 16th of June 2023/REF: GC/RS/2023/0001. The general council has resolved to send those adversely mentioned to have engaged in financial malpractices of the council to be sent on an administrative leave.”
The statement from the Area council went on to list the two officials involved and the actions taken against them while investigations continue.
As a result, the commission has made the decision to interdict two council staff members, namely the chief executive officer and the finance director,”
“The two will be placed on administrative leave immediately effect until the investigation is concluded. We understand that this development may raise concerns among our community members,”
The council has not released any details about the investigation, other than the tidbit that it is related to financial malpractices. The CEO and Finance Director have been placed on leave with pay, and they will continue to receive their full salaries until the investigation is complete.
The Council has pledged to keep the public apprised of any new developments in the investigation.