By Fatou Sillah
The President of the Republic of the Gambia, His Excellency Adama Barrow, On Friday, February 24, 2023, Presided Over the Swearing-In Ceremony of Commissioners appointed to the newly established Commission of Inquiry into the Conduct of the Local Government Councils and Connected matters at State House in Banjul.
Speaking at the Swearing-in Ceremony, His Excellency President Adama Barrow said, the setting up of the Commission of inquiry, is the result of complaints sent from four councils about alleged financial and administrative irregularities
“The setting up of this Commission of inquiry is the result of complaints sent from four councils about alleged financial and administrative irregularities. Guided by section 200 of the 1997 constitution of the republic of the Gambia. I deemed it necessary to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the alleged irregularities. In discharging our responsibilities as a government, we are committed to the principles of accountability and transparency.
Thus, we have to take proper steps to strengthen professionalism in all public institutions, including the local Councils. As a commission of inquiry, your task includes conducting a holistic and fair review of the financial and administrative operations of councils with the objective of improving their Governance and service delivery components based on standard procedures,” He stated.
The president added that establishing this commission is appropriate, considering the nature of the irregularities brought to the government’s attention.
“Establishing this commission is apt considering the nature of the irregularities brought to the government’s attention, to provide evidence in support of these lines of actions, the Ministry of lands Regional Government and Religious Affairs receive complaints from four local councils about alleged financial and administrative irregularities,” he said.
Jainaba Bah-Sambou, the newly Sworn in Chairperson of the Commission, Said, they believe that this is a great responsibility
“We believe that this is a great responsibility, and we humbly accept with full understanding of the task bestowed upon us. Your Excellency, we pledge to do our utmost during the period that we serve to warrant your trust, confidence, support in the execution of our duty” she said.