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The commission found out that Omar had unlawfully withdrawn D29.9 million, a fact he admitted to, stating the council does not adhere to the provisions of the financial manual.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Omar was found to have withdrawn D5,725,875 from the council’s Trust Bank account between January 2021 and January 2023.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.

By Dawda Baldeh

Ousainou Darboe, leader of the main opposition United Democratic Party, has called on Gambians to start making audios requesting President Adama Barrow to return the land allocated to him by the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs.

Darboe said the land allocated to the President belongs to the Chief Justice.

Speaking at the ongoing UDP Diaspora Convention in Spain, the UDP boss admitted that land was allocated to his wife and daughter, noting it was done with due process.

“If you know you are a Gambian and you love this country, let’s stand and demand Barrow to return our land.

“Make audio (s) every day and send it to WhatsApp groups. We have to do this for Barrow to return our land,” Darboe said.

Speaking further on the land allocated to his wife and daughter, Darboe explained that his wife was a principal at Gambia Hotel School and that she had trained a lot of people. However, responding to Barrow allocating land for his family, he said: “Just a mere land and every Gambian has a right to have a land, you think you have done something for me.”

“I challenge you (Barrow) to bring evidence of how you got the land which is the Chief Justice’s residence. The allocation did not follow due process, and you must return the land,” he said.

Darboe clarified that his daughter’s land allocation was done with due process, and claimed he never used his influence to get her the land.

“Let Barrow produce evidence of how my daughter got the land without due process and she will return the land even if we will go to Bansang or Dobo to get land for her,” he said.

He further told party supporters in Spain that his wife and daughter got their land at a time when he wasn’t in the government.

“Tell us how your wives and children get their lands. Show us evidence of due process.

You are sitting on corruption. That’s why you will never provide evidence on what I’m challenging you to do,” Darboe said.

He added: “Whenever I speak about your corruption, it feels like hellfire in your heart.

“You must return that land, and I am calling on every Gambia to make that demand,” he added.

Darboe further suggested Gambians protest for the return of the land.

He accused Barrow of not being willing to admit his faults.

“He should tell Gambians it was a mistake but he’s not ready to do that,” he suggested.

By Alieu Jallow

The mosque committee of the Brikama Jamisa-Nilakoto community is seeking financial and material assistance to complete the refurbishing of their central mosque.

According to the community, the mosque has been undergoing massive refurbishment since February 2021.

The community decried serious leakage during the rainy season and lack of adequate capacity to accommodate up to fifty people during congregational prayers which prompted them to commence resizing the mosque however the pace of work has been very slow and thus facing difficulties performing daily and congregational prayers.

Pa Modou Sillah, the chairman of the mosque committee, said the number of inhabitants of the community has over time increase therein leading them to extend the size of the mosque in so doing they have since 2021 tasked them to contribute and buy materials but lately encountered financial fatigue from their community members.

“We are tired of asking our own people to contribute after initially tasking them to pay each a thousand dalasis plus whatever an individual has. So, we are appealing for help from anyone because when it rains worshipers can’t have a place to even sit and perform their obligatory prayers, so we are seeking for your support ‘fisabilliahi’,” he appealed.

Re-echoing his colleague’s sentiment, Lamin Bojang, the Alkalo f Jamia, noted that support is all they need at this pointing in time as the rainy season gets to its peak.

“We are seeking support in cash or kind to enable us to complete the mosque which is why even the adjustment done on the mosque is built within the perimeter of the mosque. This is why we couldn’t demolish the old, dilapidated mosque to build a new mosque,” he said.

Ebrima Ceesay, the deputy Imam of the mosque, emphasised the teaching of Islam in supporting the cause of Islam, and pleaded with the Muslim ummah to come to their aid.

“We are seeking support from our fellow Muslims of any kind or amount for the sake of the Almighty Allah.

The mosque committee and community have called on Gambians home and abroad to support their cause and open any form of donation either in cash or kind. Anyone wishing to support them can kindly reach out to them on 2109966, 7050464, 7788099, and 5919282. Bank account number: Eco Bank 6280515034.

By Dawda Baldeh

Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, the leader of Gambia Action Party (GAP), has called on African leaders to prevent a repeat of an event like the assassination of former Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi, amid Western influence in the region’s politics.

The leader GAP was responding to a statement by US Senator Mr. Gate, who threatened that the US would use military power to forcefully dislodge the Presidents in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

He described the US senator’s comments as a strong warning.

“The African Union and African Presidents need to brace up and emancipate themselves from neocolonialism.

“This call for unity and resistance arises in response to recent disturbing and worrying remarks made by US Senator Mr. Gate,” he said.

In a video obtained by this median, Mr. Gate threatened that America will use military force to dislodge the presidents of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, describing these leaders as “thugs and useless.”

GAP leader said such comments are not only disrespectful but also highlight a continued pattern of neocolonial interference and aggression towards African nations.

“African presidents must never allow a repeat of what happened to Muammar Gaddafi of Libya in any African state.

“The tragic downfall of Gaddafi, orchestrated by Western powers under the guise of promoting democracy, left Libya in chaos and should serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of external meddling,” he said.

Batchilly urged African leaders to stand firm against these threats and protect the sovereignty and dignity of their nations.

He criticized the West, especially America and France, saying they should focus on addressing their internal issues, such as rampant racism and religious intolerance, rather than imposing their will on African countries.

According to GAP, the Western interest in Africa has always been driven by selfish and egocentric motives, valuing the continent only for its resources and strategic importance.

He stressed that Africans must unite and assert their independence, refusing to be pawns in the geopolitical games of Western powers.

“The future of the continent depends on the collective strength and resilience of its leaders and people.

Let this be a call to action for all African nations to rise together, for only through unity can we secure our rightful place in the world and ensure a prosperous future for generations to come,” he said.

By: Mama A. Touray

The Brikama Area Council Cashier, Amadou Touray, admitted before the ongoing local government commission of inquiry that he unlawfully withdrew D100 million of council funds without following due processes.

Touray made this admission when Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez questioned him about his withdrawals from the respective accounts of the council. Lead Counsel Gomez told him, “The withdrawals were unlawful” and that there were no supporting documents for the withdrawals, to which he admitted, “Yes, Counsel, the withdrawals were all unlawful.”

Amadou further admitted that he is responsible for the unlawful withdrawal. When asked by Counsel Gomez, “You are responsible,” he replied, “Yes, Counsel.”

For the Supersonics Microfinance Account, the witness on 7th February 2024 withdrew D400,000. When questioned about what the money was meant for, he said, “I don’t think I will be able to remember that because I was only issued a cheque to make the withdrawal.”

Gomez put it to him, “If you cannot account for this, it suggests that payment was made to you for your own benefit,” which he admitted. On 7th June 2021, he withdrew D213,000; on 12th February 2022, he withdrew D200,000 and further withdrew D500,000 from the Supersonics account of the Brikama Area Council on the same day. The witness was asked to account for each of those withdrawals.

Reacting to this, Touray said, “What I can recall is that it will be either for council expenses or payment or salaries.”

For the council’s Eco Bank account, the witness in 2019 withdrew D10,000; in 2020, he withdrew over D12.6 million; in 2021, he withdrew over D14.1 million; in 2022, he withdrew over D16.7 million; and in 2023, he withdrew over D15.5 million. He told the commission that none of those withdrawals followed due process. He further testified that the withdrawals were unlawful.

For the Vista Bank account of the Brikama Area Council, the witness withdrew over D320,000 in 2020, over D14.4 million in 2021, over D27.1 million in 2022, and over D2.16 million in 2023. He admitted that none of those withdrawals followed due process and that the withdrawals were unlawful.

For the GTBank account of the Brikama Area Council, the witness withdrew D673,968.45 in 2020; over D3.3 million in 2021; over D9.6 million in 2022; and over D1.4 million in 2023.

For the Trust Bank account of the Brikama Area Council, the witness in 2021 withdrew over D12.8 million, and in 2022, he withdrew over D14 million.

At this point, the witness was referred to the Financial Manual on salary payments and other council expenses. The manual demands that the financial officers and staff of the finance unit must ensure adequate care is taken when making expenses by adhering to the processes laid down, especially for salary payments and other council expenditures. The manual indicates procedures to be taken at each stage, including how to make withdrawals and payments.