By Fatou Sillah
The Acting Administrative Director of the Banjul City Council (BCC), Yusupha Jallow, appeared before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday to provide testimony.
During his appearance, Jallow was questioned about the findings of the 2022 internal audit report, which raised concerns about the use of unofficial receipt books at the Albert Market. The witness initially stated that he could not recall the specific audit findings.
Upon being shown the report, Jallow reviewed the document and informed the commission that he had never seen the report before and did not recall it being discussed during their senior management meetings.
“It might have been discussed in my absence when I was away,” he explained.
Jallow further clarified that although external audit reports are occasionally discussed during senior management meetings, internal audit reports are typically not addressed. He also noted that the senior management meetings are held once or twice a month.
Regarding the mayor’s participation in these meetings, Jallow revealed that the mayor is not always present but could not explain the reason for the absence.
The Lead Counsel, Patrick Gomez, also questioned Jallow about the appointment of Binta Conteh as Secretary to Mayor Lowe. Jallow explained that Conteh joined the Mayor’s office in 2018 when Mayor Lowe assumed office. However, he clarified that he was not serving as Acting Administrative Director at that time.
Jallow stated that he was in the finance department during the appointments of Binta Conteh, Makumba Sanneh (Council Adviser), Pa Modou Ndow (Trade License Manager), and Isatou Njie (Personal Assistant).
Lead Counsel Gomez inquired about the process through which these individuals were appointed, specifically asking how the establishment committee made the appointments if they were brought in by the mayor. “How did the establishment committee get to appoint these people when they were brought by the mayoress?” He Asked
The witness explained that he couldn’t provide an answer, as he was not in office at the time, noting that he was working in the finance department. When lead counsel inquired about the chairman of the committee at that time, the witness stated that it was Omar Touray, who is no longer part of the council.
Jallow also shared his long tenure with the BCC, having been appointed on May 1, 1995, as a timekeeper. Over the years, he has held various roles, including car park supervisor, cash officer, and cashier at the Albert Market.