Africa-Press – Gambia. Lawmakers on Wednesday approved three nominees to serve on the newly established Gambia Anti-Corruption Commission, marking a significant step in the government’s effort to confront graft under the Anti-Corruption Act of 2024.
The Minister for Public Service, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General, introduced the motion to confirm Serigne Mass Jallow as chairperson, alongside Almami S. Manga and Isatou J. Nahra as commissioners. Jallow is a veteran audit director, Manga a senior law-enforcement officer, and Nahra a legal practitioner.
During a debate that stretched across the afternoon, lawmakers broadly welcomed the appointments, though several used the moment to underscore the scale of corruption facing the country and the region.
“Corruption is a cancer, and it has eaten into the coffers of nations, particularly in Africa,” said Madi Ceesay, the member for Serekunda West, citing an estimated $587 billion in losses to corruption and illicit financial flows across the continent in recent years. He endorsed the commission but criticized the current administration. “This government seems to be the most corrupt government. The records in the courts are a clear manifestation of that.”
He urged the incoming commissioners to act with independence and fairness.
Others echoed similar hopes. The member for Foni Kansala described the commission’s launch as timely but cautioned against allowing it to become symbolic. “The Anti-Corruption Commission is not an easy commission,” he said. “Let’s not be setting ghost commissions that will not be properly funded.”
Representatives from Lower Saloum and Kiang West also voiced support. Sainey Jawara of Lower Saloum said he had “no objection” to the nominees and viewed the move as a positive step for citizens.
“This is in the right direction for the government that we expect to do such things for the citizens. This is just a simple thing. I also stand with my people, the majority of whom I have no objection to the nomination,” he said.
Lamin Ceesay of Kiang West praised Jallow’s integrity, noting his own experience working with him. “The anti-corruption commission is one of the most important commissions that we have. Looking at the nominated chairperson of the commission, Serigne Mass, whom I have worked with at the PEC, he is a man of impeccable character,” he said.
The commission, once operational, is expected to oversee investigations, enforcement, and public education related to corruption—a role that advocates say is long overdue in a country where concerns over public-sector accountability persist.
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