IEC, BCC Ostend Project Corruption Probe Completed, Awaiting AG’s Legal Advice: Minister Ceesay
By Makutu Manneh
The Minister of Information, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has disclosed that investigations into alleged corruption involving the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Banjul City Council (BCC) Ostend Project have been completed and are now with the Attorney General’s Chambers for legal advice and review.
Speaking during his weekly government update on a local radio program, Minister Ceesay addressed public concerns regarding delayed action on several high-profile audit reports.
“I think many people are aware of the audit reports. People are thinking that they have been swept under the carpet. I just want to give updates for some of the pending audit reports and what’s happening, just so the public knows that the government is committed,” he stated.
According to Dr. Ceesay, the police have concluded their investigations into allegations against the IEC, including the reported deposit of public funds into personal bank accounts and other irregularities uncovered during the audit process.
He added that a similar investigation into the Banjul City Council’s Ostend Project has also been finalized and is awaiting legal opinion from the AG’s Chambers.
Turning to the Social Development Fund (SDF), the minister revealed that both the finance director and the fund manager have been indicted. He said the two officials have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the audit and may face prosecution.
In relation to the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), Minister Ceesay confirmed that two employees have been dismissed as a result of ongoing internal investigations, signaling that administrative measures are being enforced. “So administrative action has been taken,” he remarked.
He further disclosed that the Managing Director of the Gambia Public Printing Corporation (GPPC), a parastatal under his ministry, has been on administrative leave for the past six to eight months as part of an internal inquiry.
“Gambia Public Printing Corporation, which is under me, the managing director, has been sent on administrative leave for the past almost six to eight months,” the minister stated.
Minister Ceesay highlighted a number of other cases currently under investigation or in the process of prosecution, stressing the government’s resolve to uphold the rule of law.
“Now, what the executive can do is to investigate through its different arms and prosecute. It is now for the courts to decide the outcome of those cases,” he concluded.