Commission Probes Mayor Lowe and Former CEO Batchily Over Appointment of Macumba Sanneh

Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe and Mustapha Batchilly former CEO BCC

By Makutu Manneh

The Local Government Commission of Inquiry on Monday, July 14, questioned Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe and former Chief Executive Officer of Banjul City Council (BCC), Mustapha Batchily, regarding the appointment of Macumba Sanneh as council adviser despite his lack of formal qualifications.

Mayor Lowe testified that upon assuming office, she informed Batchily of her intention to bring Sanneh on board and asked him to recommend a suitable position. According to the Mayor, Batchily suggested the role of adviser, which she then assigned to Sanneh.

When asked what Sanneh was meant to advise her on, Mayor Lowe stated that his role was political, as her office is inherently political in nature.

However, Counsel to the Commission challenged this rationale, saying, “No, you have already gone to the election and you won, then there is actual business to do now. If you need his political advice, pay him from your money.”

Mayor Lowe responded that she would not personally finance Sanneh’s role, asserting that the adviser position had existed prior to her administration.

Counsel Gomez then asked Batchily whether the adviser’s role traditionally included offering political advice. Batchily responded that the adviser under the previous administration provided guidance on political, administrative, financial, and technical matters.

The Counsel reminded both witnesses that Sanneh himself had testified before the commission, admitting he held no formal qualifications and could not provide financial or administrative advice. Sanneh had said his contribution to the council involved mediating staff disputes and promoting peace.

“Macumba testified here that he has no qualifications. Macumba cannot give financial advice. He cannot give administrative advice. When he testified here he said he is at the council to make peace when the staff have problems.” 

He further stated that Macumba lacked the educational background required to advise the mayor on such matters, adding that anyone appointed to the position should possess the necessary qualifications.

Mayor Lowe maintained that Sanneh’s appointment was based solely on political grounds, citing his instrumental role as her campaign manager during her successful bid for office.

Counsel Gomez emphasized that while Mayor Lowe had explained her reasons for bringing Sanneh into the council, Batchily had also made clear what the adviser’s responsibilities were meant to be—responsibilities that did not align with Sanneh’s role.

Counsel Gomez stated that he was confident Batchily was aware of the situation, emphasizing: “he should have known that was not what we were paying the public funds for. The mayor has administrative issues on a daily basis if there is a need for an adviser on that yes but not to squarely base it on political consideration.” 

Batchily stated that the mayor instructed him to appoint Macumba Sanneh, noting that she was aware the council had previously employed an adviser. He further explained that he, along with the finance director, determined Sanneh’s salary.

Macumba Sanneh testified before the commission, acknowledging his limited experience at the time of his appointment in 2019. He also disclosed that his combined monthly salary and allowances amounted to D20,000.