Rohey Malick Lowe, Mayor of Banjul City Council
By Buba Gagigo
The Local Government Service Commission has directed the Banjul City Council to place twenty-seven (27) staff members on administrative leave as the police investigate findings from an audit report.
In a letter referencing HC93/474/01/VII (4), dated September 9, 2024, from the National Audit Office, the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) expressed its concern regarding the audit findings for Banjul City Council pertaining to the financial years ending December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2022, as well as the EU Banjul-Ostende project covering January 1, 2020, to April 31, 2024.
“I refer to a letter REF: HC93/474/01/VII (4) dated 9 September 2024 from the National Audit Office regarding the above captioned matter. The Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) at its meeting of 14 October 2024, noted with concern, the audit findings of Banjul City Council for the financial years ending 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2022, as well as the EU Banjul – Ostende project for the period 1 January 2020 to 31 April 2024,” the commission said in a letter to the council.In light of these findings, the Ministry has communicated with the office of the Inspector General of Police and has informed the LGSC, requesting a thorough investigation into the matter.
“To that effect, the Commission has accordingly decided that those who have been adversely mentioned (as listed below) be sent on administrative leave with immediate effect,” they said.Consequently, the Commission has decided that those staff members adversely mentioned in the audit report should be placed on administrative leave with immediate effect. The individuals affected are as follows:
1. Muhammed Cham – Finance/Project Manager
2. Katim Touray – Director of Planning & Development
3. Abdoulie J. Corr – Audit Manager
4. Essaha Sowe – Senior Procurement Officer
5. Adama Faye – Admin Secretary
6. Ousman Jobe – City Link Coordinator
7. Macoumba Sanneh – Council Adviser
8. Mustapha A. B. E. Sarr – Trade Licence Collector
9. Fatou Mbenga – Assistant PRO
10. Assan Jallow – Auditor
11. Oumie Darboe – Receiving Cashier
12. Kaddijatou Penn – Finance Officer
13. Marget B Samba – Protocol Officer
14. Alagie Njie – Market Collector
15. Maimuna Touray – Market Collector
16. Fatou Joof – Market Collector
17. Jorjoh Sagnia – Market Collector
18. Jalika Manneh – Market Collector
19. Amie Sallah – Market Collector
20. Ndey Ida Gaye – Market Collector
21. Oumie Darboe – Main Receiving Cashier
22. Sarjo Jammeh – IT Officer
23. Annette Camara – Visibility/Communications Officer
24. Mbugouma Ismaila Jeng – Field Supervisor
25. Ousman Jobe – Coordinator EU Project
26. Momodou Kalleh – Field Supervisor
27. Timothy Secka – ElectricianThe commission said these staff members will receive half of their salary while the investigation is ongoing.
The Commission has instructed that they hand over their duties and any Council or project-related property to their deputies immediately. Future decisions regarding their status will be made based on the investigation’s outcome.
“Finally, they are to hand over their responsibilities and any Council or project properties at their disposal to their deputies immediately, without fail. Any subsequent decisions) by the Commission will be based on the final outcome of the Police investigation. Thank you in anticipation of your swift action,” they concluded.
A source at the council expressed concerns to Kerr Fatou, stating, “It seems like the commission is only set for the Banjul City Council, how can you indicate 27 staff? Who are the people left to work at the council? I don’t think it is fair.”