The Government of Gambia has ordered the immediate suspension and criminal investigation of former Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) CEO, Sainabou Martin Sonko. This decision follows a Local Government Commission's finding that Sonko authorised irregular payments and loan guarantees that resulted in a D696,609 loss to the Council and a D5 million disbursement to a non-operational transport company.
According to the commission's report, Sonko, as the Accounting Officer, breached procurement laws by paying contractors without competitive bidding or committee clearance. She also executed welfare loan guarantees without Council approval, including an AGIB guarantee of D800,000 and a Trust Bank loan that led to a direct debit from the Council's account. Furthermore, Sonko admitted to receiving D30,000 as an inducement from a contractor in her office.
The Local Government Commission was established in February 2023 by President under Section 200 of the Constitution and Legal Notice No. 7 of 2023 to inquire into eight Local Government Councils. Sonko appeared multiple times before the commission as the former CEO of KMC, statutory head of administration, and principal accounting authority responsible for operations, implementation of resolutions, and compliance with financial and procurement laws.
The commission found that Sonko bore direct responsibility for safeguarding public funds and that reliance on mayoral instructions did not absolve her of her statutory duties. It was discovered that she authorised payments to contractors, including General Procurement Services and Lang Karamo Suwareh, without Contracts Committee clearance, competitive bidding, or verification, breaching the Government Procurement and Property Act (GPPA) requirements.
The commission also found that Sonko executed loan guarantees without Council resolutions, committee approval, or risk assessment. For instance, Sheriff Njie confirmed that the Council guaranteed a Trust Bank welfare loan of about D1 million, after which D696,609 was debited directly from the Council's main account on default. Additionally, Sonko approved salaries, allowances, and telephone credits without a legal basis.
The commission noted that Sonko admitted to receiving D30,000 from contractor Almot Real Estate, which was left in her office and not immediately returned, reflecting imprudent conduct. She also failed to escalate unlawful directions. The commission recommended Sonko's immediate suspension, surcharge, economic crime, and fitness review. The Government accepted the suspension, referring the matter to the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) to suspend her pending disciplinary proceedings.
The Government has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate the Mbalit Project and contractor payments, and the Attorney General to institute proceedings for bribery against Sonko and Mr. Danso over the D30,000. The Auditor General will conduct a forensic audit and surcharge, while the LGSC will review Sonko's fitness. The Government's actions aim to recover losses and ensure accountability in the management of public funds.
Key points
- The Gambia government has suspended and is investigating former KMC CEO Sainabou Martin Sonko over irregular payments and loan guarantees.
- The investigation found that Sonko authorised payments without competitive bidding or committee clearance, resulting in a D696,609 loss to the Council.
- The government has directed various agencies to investigate, audit, and recover losses related to Sonko's actions.
