Gambia Participates, Criticizes Delay in Anti-Corruption Commission, Raises Concern Over Corruption Scandals

By Seedy Jobe

Civil society organisation Gambia Participates held an emergency press conference on Thursday, calling out the government over its prolonged delay in establishing the Anti-Corruption Commission and drawing attention to a series of unresolved corruption scandals and the country’s persistent electricity crisis.

Addressing journalists, Executive Director Marr Nyang argued that the continued failure to operationalize the commission is eroding public trust and undermining the country’s stated commitment to fighting corruption.

“A commission was established to investigate corruption between 1994 and 2017. The reports were given. Recommendations were given. Selective justice has been seen in the implementation of that government white paper,” Nyang said.

He pointed to the 2021 food aid procurement scandal as an early illustration of the accountability gap. The government spent D700 million in taxpayers’ money on food assistance for vulnerable families—a process subsequently audited and reported on by civil society—with allegations that materials procured for delivery were misappropriated by those tasked with distributing them.

“Let’s not also forget in 2021, when the government spent 700 million Dalasis from taxpayers’ money to provide food aid to vulnerable families. The auditors audit that process; civil society reported that procurement scandal. Materials that were procured were allegedly used by those who were actually delivering the food aid package,” he added.

Nyang also raised concerns over the disposal of assets allegedly forfeited on corruption grounds, stating that subsequent investigations by the National Assembly and investigative journalists had revealed vehicles sold for sums lower than the price of a used mobile phone.

“This is not an allegation; this is proven by the National Assembly. This is proven by investigative journalists. We’re still waiting for the outcome of that. If it were not the republic or GALA, we would not have seen the list of disposed assets… cars sold for less than the price of a used mobile phone. And these are roadworthy cars,” he said.

Nyang identified several high-profile cases as evidence of systemic weaknesses in accountability.

The National Assembly investigated the matter, but Nyang alleged that the executive downplayed the findings and that a police investigation was prematurely interrupted due to external interference. “Nothing actually happened,” he said.

Following an audit by the National Audit Office, Nyang said the executive’s response amounted to a dismissal of the findings. “What was the executive response? That it was a half-baked report—basically defending the scandal at the airport.” He added that a whistleblower had raised concerns about misuse of funds, prompting the Office of the President to order an investigation whose outcome remains unknown.

Nyang criticised the management of the Kunta Kinteh ferry, commissioned in 2019, saying it has been overused and repeatedly suffered breakdowns attributed to poor procurement decisions. He recalled a 2024 incident in which the vessel became stranded for approximately 24 hours with passengers, cargo, and livestock on board. “Getting a new vessel does not solve the issue,” he said, arguing that procurement reforms are needed rather than repeated replacement.

Nyang cited alleged revenue leakages and demurrage fraud at the GPA between 2020 and 2023, with estimates suggesting that at least D25 million may have gone unaccounted for. He also referenced a separate alleged scandal involving D300 million, noting that the GPA had acknowledged the matter and referred it to the Ministry of Justice — with no further public update since.

Gambia Participates described the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission as essential to promoting transparency, strengthening institutional accountability, and restoring public confidence in government. Nyang called on authorities to expedite its formation and to demonstrate a genuine and sustained commitment to tackling corruption at all levels.