Africa-Press – Gambia. Former Chief Executive Officer of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), Sainabou Martin Sonko, has told the Local Government Commission of Inquiry that during her tenure, she could not authorize payments without the knowledge and approval of Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda.
Testifying before the commission on Thursday, Martin Sonko explained that nearly every financial approval required her to consult the mayor directly, even when documents had already been transmitted through the council’s official mailing system.
“Once it is received, I would go and consult him, especially if he has minutes on these documents, because sometimes it is difficult to read his handwriting,” she explained.
The former CEO further revealed that Mayor Bensouda often wrote “approved” on payment documents, occasionally specifying amounts. She added that it was routine for her to report to the mayor’s office each morning for briefings, during which the day’s activities and pending matters were discussed.
Martin Sonko also highlighted specific payments, including those made to General Procurement Services Limited. She alleged that the mayor instructed her to process payments for this company and other contractual obligations of the council.
“This is one of several payments that were just bombarded on me as CEO during my time at the council,” she said.
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