The Brikama Area Council revenue collector, Lamin Saidy, testified before the LG Commission of Inquiry that he was allowed to collect revenue without a cash book from 2016, when he joined the Council, to date.

The cash book should contain the details of the collections, such as dates, amounts, receipts, and deposit slips.

“None of my superiors told me that I should have a cash book. I was the one who requested it. Yankuba Kujabi was the one who told me to go to the Council to get a cash book from the Director of Finance. When I went to the Council, I did not find him there. I proceeded to Sonko Jileng and purchased the book for D100. It is my first and only cash book since I joined the Council in 2016,” he explained.

This is the second appearance of the witness. During his first appearance, Saidy testified that his cash books were missing and requested time to conduct a more thorough search in the Council. On his reappearance, he testified that he had found his missing cash book in the Council under a veranda behind a cupboard, adding that a good number of cash books belonging to different collectors were there.

Saidy was questioned about his 2018, 2019, and 2020 records, as the cash book he filed covered from the 4th of February 2021 to February 2022.

He responded, “I was employed in 2016 but was not told I needed to operate using a cash book. I came to know about the cash book in 2020.” Lead Counsel Gomez told him that he had a cash book before 2020. He maintained his testimony that the cash book he provided was his first and only cash book.

Saidy was asked how he was audited, and he responded, “The auditing was only done after I was issued a cash book,” adding that before he was given the book, he used to submit his collections to the market manager.

At this point, Gomez referred Saidy to his written statement, wherein he stated that in 2018 and 2019 he used to give the Market Master (Yankuba Kujabi) cash to deposit in the bank and receive a deposit slip, which he then took to the Council for submission and reconciliation.

Gomez told Lamin that it would not have been possible to audit him without a cash book that shows his collections and the amount.

Lamin said the period he referred to in the statement was when he got the cash book and that it was the cash book he purchased from his own funds after being told by the Market Master that he should use a cash book.

By: Michaella Faith Wright

For many fishermen in The Gambia, the rainy season brings a host of challenges, from rougher seas to stronger river currents. These harsh conditions not only make fishing more hazardous but also limit the number of days they can safely venture out. “During the rainy season, the waves are higher and more unpredictable,” said Lamin Sanyang, a fisherman from Bakau. “It can be dangerous, and sometimes we have to stay ashore for days, which affects our income.”

The reduction in fishing days and the increased difficulty in catching fish directly result in lower incomes for fishermen and their families. Many fishing communities in The Gambia rely heavily on daily catches to meet their basic needs. “When the fish are scarce, our earnings drop,” said Fatoumatta Jawara, a fish seller in Bakau Market. “It affects not just the fishermen but also those of us who depend on buying and selling the fish.”

Additionally, the rainy season often leads to higher prices for fish in the markets due to the decreased supply. This price hike strains household budgets, especially for low-income families who rely on fish as a primary source of protein.

In an interview with Allieu Saine, the president of the fishermen in Bakau, he shared insights from his 30 years of experience. “I have been into fishing for over 30 years, following in the footsteps of my parents. Fishing is our culture and livelihood,” he said. Saine highlighted several challenges they face during the rainy season, including the destructiveness of the rains, competition from industrial fishing, and the high cost of petrol. “Petrol is very expensive now, and it significantly affects our operations,” he added.

Saine also spoke about the successes and community benefits of his career in fishing. “I have been able to build a house and send three of my children to the University of The Gambia. I can support my community and provide for my family,” he said. His advice to young people is to work hard and think of their community and families.

Preserving the ocean is a key focus for these communities. “We clean the ocean, stop throwing waste and oils into the river, and educate others to do the same,” Saine explained. “If people stop polluting, our sea can come back to normal.”

Assan Njie, another seasoned fisherman from Bakau Wharf with over 45 years of experience, echoed similar sentiments. “The water is rougher now, and our nets often get damaged. We face many challenges, but I will not give up despite getting old,” he said. Njie urged the government to do more to support the fishing community.

By Dawda Baldeh

The National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance and Public Accounts (FPAC) and Public Enterprise Committee have commenced the public hearing on the allegations surrounding the sale of 36, 953. 614 metric tons of petroleum products valued at $30, 000, 000.

The committee is chaired by Honorable Alhagie S. Darboe, Minority Leader and Co-Chair by Honorable Lamin J. Sanneh.

The first witness to appear before the committee was Honourable Sainey Jawara, the National Assembly Member for Lower Saloum who moved the motion on 22nd July 2024 seeking the parliament to establish a committee to investigate the Petroleum products imported from Russia.

Jawara told the committee that he had obtained substantial evidence to back his motion and urged the committee to carry out the investigation diligently.
He revealed details about vessels carrying substandard fuel products from Russia, which were rerouted to The Gambia due to regulatory issues in Ghana.

“These vessels carrying substandard fuel products from Russia were supposed to anchor in Ghana, but the Ghanaian regulations couldn’t allow them. So, they transfer the products to different vessels which come to the Gambia through the support of some Gambians in the petroleum sector,” he said.

He informed the committee that the vessels were stranded in the Gambian waters for three months.

“I have evidence of their messages on WhatsApp and reports from the Financial Intelligence Unit which I have presented to the committee,” he said.

Hon. Jawara cited the potential loss of revenue and tax evasion, saying both companies allegedly refused to pay tax on the transaction.

The witness identified Apogee Company through Ultimate Beige Logistic, and Creed Energy Limited as the companies responsible for the sales, with bank transactions conducted through Access Bank and Eco Bank.

He also highlighted the committee’s authority to summon witnesses to provide testimony on the scandal.

The ongoing investigation is expected to involve multiple witnesses to shed light on the significant petroleum scandal, which is described as one of the largest scandals in the country.

By Alieu Jallow

One Mustapha Barrow, a customs officer at the Gambia Revenue Authority, has been charged with stealing D1.1 million.

The Particulars of Offence reads: “Mustapha Barrow sometime in the month of February 2024 at diverse places in the Kanifing Municipality in the Republic of the Gambia, you fraudulently converted 1.100,000.00 (one million, one hundred thousand dalasis) to your own personal use, monies belonging to Mr. Ebou Njie, therefore committed an offence.”

While testifying before Magistrate Sallah Mbye, witness Mbye Drammeh stated that he handed the money to the accused in denominations of 200, which were placed in a box, and requested the accused to count it. He further testified that after receiving the money, he accompanied the accused to the flour factory where he parked his car.

In his defence, Mustapha Barrow refuted claims of accepting money allegedly placed in a box handed to him. Mbye Drammeh, identified as PW 1, claimed to have witnesses, naming one Mansour as an eyewitness, and stated that Ebou Njie contributed three hundred thousand, culminating in a total sum of one million, one hundred thousand.

The matter is adjourned to Tuesday, August 13, 2024, for a continuation of evidence in chief.

By Mama A. Touray

The accounts clerk at the Brikama Area Council, Omar Bah, has admitted to the ongoing Local Government Commission of Inquiry that he unlawfully withdrew D29.9 million from the council’s accounts.

The commission found out that Omar had unlawfully withdrawn D29.9 million, a fact he admitted to, stating the council does not adhere to the provisions of the financial manual.

Saidykhan further admitted a violation of the law in terms of payments and documentation. “We were not following the due process of law in terms of preparing payment vouchers and making payments,” he said.

He also stated that upon making withdrawals from the bank, he would receive payment vouchers to complete transactions and subsequently return those vouchers.

“Some of the withdrawals were given to some staff to deposit in other banks. I wouldn’t know whether they deposited or not,” he told the commission.

Omar was found to have withdrawn D5,725,875 from the council’s Trust Bank account between January 2021 and January 2023.

Reacting to this, he stated: “We flouted the provisions of the Financial Manual for Local Government Councils.”

The Financial Manual makes provision for checks and balances and Omar admitted to the commission that payments were made in his name, contrary to the dictates of the Financial Manual.

Just like the council’s Trust Bank account, Omar was again found to have withdrawn D24.9 million from the council’s Eco Bank account between 2018 and 2023.

“In 2018, you withdrew over D1 Million, in 2019 over D3.2 million, in 2020 over D2.9 million, in 2021 over D5.6, in 2022 over D9.3 and in 2023 over D2.5 million,” the commission’s report detailed.

Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez asserted that all the withdrawals were unlawful, an admission the witness reiterated, acknowledging they breached the Financial Manual’s rules. He complied with the instructions and, following the withdrawals, delivered the cash to Finance Director Alagie Jeng.

In 2018, he was also found to have withdrawn D20,000 from another council account. In 2020, the withdrawal was D1.5 million. In 2021, it exceeded D1.1 million. In 2022, the amount was over D1.15 million, and in 2023, it was over D196,000, totalling D4,061,849.

Gomez told him that all these were unlawful withdrawals as the transactions did not have supporting documents.

Furthermore, Omar was found to have withdrawn D1.4 million from the council’s Vista Bank account in 2021, over D7.5 million, and D1.1 million in 2023, which totalled over D10.2 million.

The Commission noted that from the 20th to the 26th of January 2023, Omar withdrew over D1.1 million. When asked to state the purpose of the withdrawal he said: “They were for payment of council expenses and salaries, and I never knew it was unlawful”.

Gomez told him: “You are sitting here and telling us that you do not have documents to support the withdrawals. It is very sad and pathetic. It is very sad.” To which, Omar responded “Yes”.

The accounts cashier, Saidykhan, testified that the deposits into the CEO’s account represented per diems for conferences attended, noting that the cheques were made out in his name. Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez asked for the details and justifications of these deposits, to which Omar responded by requesting time to provide them.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Shocking news has struck the Ceesay Kunda family in Bakoteh, who have discovered the remains of their beloved 10-year-old brother who drowned on Sunday afternoon.

The boy’s remains were discovered earlier this afternoon around the Kotu/Manjai bridge.

Speaking exclusively to The Fatu Network at the scene, Madi Ceesay, the deceased’s elder brother, said they have been enduring sleepless nights since their young brother drowned.

The 10-year-old boy was attending ‘Dara Abdourahmane in Bundung.’

“We were told that he fell into the water of a stream in the Bundung borehole. We conducted a thorough search but couldn’t find him until today because the rain was too much… it was this afternoon that we received the news that the body of a boy had been discovered at the stream near the Kotu/Manjai bridge,” he explained.

The discovery of the remains has sparked fears in the neighborhood as people gathered at the scene. Many could be seen crying endlessly, expressing their grief.

The police swiftly responded to the incident and informed the public health authorities for intervention.

The untimely death of the young boy has left the family in a devastating situation.

Ndey Mbye, the grandmother of the deceased, described his untimely death as tragic and heartbreaking. “I haven’t slept since the day we were told he drowned. We have been constantly searching for him,” she narrated.

The grieving family said they had been unable to trace the deceased since Sunday.

Meanwhile, Muhammed Ceesay and Sohna Ceesay, who share the same mother and father as the deceased, expressed their shock, saying the incident has left a serious mark on their hearts. They both said their younger brother was last seen on Sunday.

“My younger brother was out with his peers on Sunday around noon, and they came back and were afraid to inform us… since that day we have been searching until this afternoon when we received information that a body was discovered at the Kotu/Manjai bridge,” Muhammed explained.

Ceesay, who couldn’t hold back his tears, said his younger brother was a promising child who was attending Madarasa (Arabic School). “The children were shocked and afraid to inform their ustaz about the incident,” Muhammed narrated.

“We were shocked to receive the news,” said Sohna Ceesay, the deceased’s elder sister. She further narrated that the deceased’s peers attempted to rescue him when he fell into the water, but their efforts failed.

Eyewitnesses described the incident as shocking and advised parents to be vigilant and monitor the movements of their children, especially during the rainy season.

By Michaella Faith Wright

The arrival of the rainy season brings both blessings and challenges to the nation’s fishing communities along its coast and rivers. This period, characterized by heavy downpours and turbulent waters, significantly affects the daily lives and economic activities of fishermen who depend on the bounty of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gambia River for their sustenance and livelihoods.

Challenges on the Water

For many fishermen, the rainy season means contending with rougher seas and stronger river currents. These conditions make fishing more hazardous and often limit the days they can safely venture out. “During the rainy season, the waves are higher and more unpredictable,” said Lamin Sanyang, a fisherman from Bakau. “It can be dangerous, and sometimes we have to stay ashore for days, which affects our income.”

Increased water levels and stronger currents also make it more difficult to navigate traditional fishing boats, posing a risk to both fishermen and their equipment. Many fishermen report higher maintenance costs due to damages incurred during this season.

Economic Strain

The reduced fishing days and increased difficulty in catching fish directly translate to lower incomes for fishermen and their families. Many fishing communities in The Gambia rely heavily on daily catches to meet their basic needs. “When the fish are scarce, our earnings drop,” said Fatoumatta Jawara, a fish seller in Bakau Market. “It affects not just the fishermen, but also those of us who depend on buying and selling the fish.”

Additionally, the rainy season often leads to higher prices for fish in the markets due to the decreased supply. This price hike can strain household budgets, especially for low-income families who rely on fish as a primary source of protein.

Voices from the Community

In an interview with Allieu Saine, the president of the fishermen in Bakau, shared insights from his 30 years of experience.

“I have been into fishing for over 30 years, following in the footsteps of my parents. Fishing is our culture and livelihood,” he said.

Saine highlighted several challenges they face during the rainy season, including the destructiveness of the rains themselves, the competition from industrial fishing, and the high cost of petrol.

“Petrol is very expensive now, and it significantly affects our operations,” he added.

Saine also shared some of the successes and community benefits of his career in fishing.

“I have been able to build a house and send three of my children to the University of The Gambia. I can support my community and provide for my family,” he said.

His advice to young people is to work hard and think of their community and families.

Environmental Stewardship

Preserving the ocean is a key focus for these communities. “We clean the ocean, stop throwing waste and oils into the river, and educate others to do the same,” Saine explained. “If people stop polluting, our sea can come back to normal.”

Assan Njie, another seasoned fisherman from Bakau Wharf with over 45 years of experience, echoed similar sentiments. “The water is rougher now, and our nets often get damaged. We face many challenges, but I will not give up despite getting old,” he said. Njie urged the government to do more to support the fishing community.

Looking Ahead

The rainy season highlights the resilience and adaptability of The Gambia’s fishing communities. Despite significant challenges, these communities continue to work hard and support one another. Improved infrastructure, such as better harbours and storage facilities, along with ongoing training on sustainable practices, could help mitigate some of the adverse effects.

As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, understanding and adapting to these seasonal changes will be crucial for the sustainability of The Gambia’s fishing industry. By addressing these challenges head-on, Gambian fishing communities can continue to navigate the storms and secure their livelihoods for future generations.

While the rainy season presents significant challenges to fishing activities and livelihoods in The Gambia, the resilience and adaptability of its fishing communities offer hope. Through collective efforts and continued support, these communities can weather the storms and thrive amidst the changing tides.

By Mama A. Touray

President Adama Barrow has said the demolition and relocation involved in the construction of the 50km OIC road resulted in a cost of D60 million for his government, surpassing the initial estimate of D50 million.

Barrow highlighted the challenges faced by his government during the implementation of the OIC road project, noting that the costs of demolition and relocation were significant obstacles.

“It cost us a lot of money. Our target for the 50km OIC road was D50 million, but now we are almost to D60 million because the areas are developed already, and we have to demolish [and] do relocation to make sure that there is access and that is very challenging,’ he said.

He informed reporters that the project’s timeline has been extended due to the unexpected multitude of challenges encountered

“These are developed areas. When areas are developed, it is always difficult because they were developed and not planned. Now, it’s after development that we are planning and when you plan, it will obviously affect the people”.

During his visit to the OIC roads, Barrow mentioned that he often inspects the roads as they are close to his heart, emphasizing that without infrastructure, there can be no development, and the reverse is also true.

“So far, we are happy as our target is October, which is the next three months, we have to do 100% furnishing of the roads in October such as drainage, roads, streetlights and furniture.

“These are not ordinary roads. This is the first time The Gambia is enjoying this type of road, so it is very important to us, and we thank the contractors, NRA, and the Minister of Works and his team for their hard work and commitment to these roads,” he said.