Africa-Press – Gambia. The civil society movement Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) has sharply criticized the responses issued by several state institutions to its petition demanding action on what it describes as entrenched corruption, misuse of public resources, and persistent institutional failures.
Earlier this year, GALA submitted a petition focusing on three key areas: alleged financial irregularities involving the National Sports Council (NSC) and the Gambia Football Federation (GFF); governance and oversight concerns within the National Assembly; and the government’s management of petroleum importation and sales. The group says the responses it has received fall significantly short of demonstrating any real commitment to accountability.
According to GALA, serious inconsistencies remain unaddressed in the GFF’s administration of FIFA Forward funds from 2016 to 2022, amounting to USD 11.4 million. Despite earmarked funding for infrastructure, equipment, and competitions, many football facilities remain in a state of disrepair, and league clubs are still owed substantial arrears from the 2023 season. Instead of exercising its oversight mandate, GALA alleges, the NSC has appeared more inclined to shield the GFF from scrutiny.
“The NSC has a responsibility not to defend shortcomings but to uphold accountability, compliance, and the integrity of sports governance,” the organization stated.
GALA welcomed the National Assembly’s acknowledgment that audit-related issues raised in the petition are admissible, noting that it stands ready to collaborate with lawmakers to improve oversight and strengthen institutional checks.
However, the organization expressed deep concern over the government’s response to allegations of corruption within the petroleum sector. GALA argues that the authorities sidestepped key issues, including systemic corruption, mismanagement of funds, and abuse of institutional authority—despite clear recommendations issued by the National Assembly under Sections 102, 109, and 110 of the Constitution.
“The government’s selective response reflects a deeply troubling lack of political will to confront corruption,” the statement added.
GALA maintains that the overall responses from institutions reveal a lack of genuine commitment to tackling corruption, warning that such indifference poses risks to national stability and democratic progress. The movement is calling for the full implementation of National Assembly recommendations, accountability measures within the GFF and the Gambia Ports Authority, prosecution of individuals implicated in wrongdoing, and the publication of key documents, including the state land list, the GPA investigation report, and outstanding audit findings.
“Corruption is not a political issue; it is a national crisis. Until truth is revealed, accountability enforced, and justice delivered, GALA will remain on the frontlines,” the group declared.
The movement urged citizens to remain engaged, reiterating, “We will not relent. Public resources must serve the public good, and no one is above the law.”
Source: Kerr Fatou Online Media House
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