Africa-Press – Gambia. Banjul City Council (BCC) Mayoress, Rohey Malick Lowe has laid blame on the Finance Director and the Ministry of Local Government for multiple financial and administrative failures at the council, including the unlawful awarding of contracts and persistent delays in budget preparation.
Testifying before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry on Thursday, Mayor Lowe told Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez that the contract awarded to SAPS for revenue collection was not taken through the normal procurement process and did not follow established council procedures. She said the deal was finalised in her absence and without council approval.
“The finance director and the general council did not return the matter to the contract committee as required,” she said, adding that the decision was premeditated and made while she was away, leaving her deputy with no real oversight.
She described the Finance Director, Mr. Camara, as “the toughest in council,” alleging that he repeatedly bypassed procedures, credited payments without proper authorisation, and exerted undue influence over auditors. “He was operating above everyone, including me,” she told the Commission.
Lowe said she raised her concerns in meetings and in several letters, including one dated October 16, 2023, addressed to the Permanent Secretary, complaining about the delay in finalising the council’s budget. “Despite verbal and written reminders to the CEO, the finance director refused to cooperate,” she testified.
She claimed the ministry failed to act meaningfully on her complaints, choosing instead to transfer the finance director rather than hold him accountable. “This man was involved in A, B, C, D, and the ministry just transferred him,” she said. “They have a responsibility, but some people feel untouchable because of their contacts.”
When asked why issues like the SAPS contract were not tabled at council meetings for redress, Lowe said she feared being embarrassed or undermined by colleagues who had pre-aligned interests.
The Commission also heard that attempts by the BCC to discipline errant staff were often frustrated due to ministry inaction. Lowe cited a senior manager who was paid for seven months without reporting to work. “He wasn’t even in the country,” she said, but the ministry refused to stop his salary. The inquiry continues.
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