The Government of Gambia has initiated a criminal investigation into Banjul Mayoress Roheyatou Malick Lowe following allegations of conflict of interest and misuse of Council funds. The probe is based on the findings of a Commission of Inquiry into Local Government Councils, which was established in February 2023. The Commission's report revealed several irregularities in the procurement of 300 dustbins valued at D13.8 million and other financial mismanagement issues.
According to the Commission's findings, the supplier of the dustbins admitted to having a personal relationship with Mayoress Lowe, and the tender was directly communicated to him by her. The procurement process was also marred by restricted tendering, with only three bidders, and unverified qualifications, which compromised fairness and value for money. These irregularities have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the procurement process.
The Commission's report also found that Mayoress Lowe interfered in the political, administrative, and financial operations of the Banjul City Council. She issued verbal directives for payments outside approved budget lines, which were later retroactively endorsed by Councillors without proper documentation. This conduct contravened several sections of the Local Government Finance and Audit Act 2004 and the Local Government Act 2002.
Furthermore, the Commission discovered that Mayoress Lowe and Councillors failed to review financial reports, convene oversight meetings, and ignored audit findings. This failure to perform their oversight roles breached Sections 132 and 133 of the Local Government Act 2002. The Commission also found that the Mayoress had unretired imprests, including D400,000 for the Banjul Rehabilitation Project, which she acknowledged were done under her instructions.
The Government has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate the D13.8 million contract, as well as other financial transactions, including D795,000 in legal fees paid from Council funds for a case filed against Mayoress Lowe in her personal capacity. The IGP is also expected to investigate a Toyota Hilux allegedly purchased through her foundation. If prima facie culpability is established, the cases will be forwarded for prosecution.
In addition to the investigation, the Government has accepted the Commission's recommendation for a surcharge for unretired imprests, including the D400,000. The Auditor General has been directed to conduct a forensic audit on the D795,000 legal fee and surcharge Mayoress Lowe where quantifiable loss is found. The Government has also accepted the recommendation for economic crime and directed the IGP to take necessary actions.
The probe into Mayoress Lowe's activities is part of a broader effort to ensure accountability and transparency in Local Government Councils. The Commission of Inquiry was established to investigate eight Councils, including the Banjul City Council. The Government's actions demonstrate its commitment to addressing allegations of corruption and misuse of authority in the country's local government.
Key points
- The Gambia government has ordered a criminal investigation into Banjul Mayoress Roheyatou Malick Lowe over alleged conflict of interest in a D13.8 million contract.
- The probe is based on the findings of a Commission of Inquiry into Local Government Councils, which revealed several irregularities in the procurement process and financial mismanagement.
- The Government has directed the IGP to investigate several financial transactions, including the D13.8 million contract, D795,000 in legal fees, and a Toyota Hilux allegedly purchased through her foundation.
