By Fatou Touray
A leaked Request for Cash Allocation from the Office of the Chief of Staff has ignited widespread public outrage and renewed calls for government transparency following the disclosure of a proposed GMD 3.6 million per diem allocation request for a security detail accompanying the President’s mother on an overseas medical checkup trip.
The document, which surfaced on social media earlier today, quickly stirred debate among citizens and good governance proponents, many of whom questioned the rationale behind such a hefty expenditure—particularly at a time when The Gambia faces persistent economic hardship and mounting calls for fiscal prudence.
The Ministry of Finance has since confirmed the authenticity of the leaked document but clarified that the request remains pending and no funds have been disbursed.
“A request for cash allocation does not equate to the release of funds,” an official from the Ministry of Finance told Kerr Fatou. “All government revenue disbursements are processed exclusively through electronic bank transactions, not through physical cash payouts.”
According to the Ministry, while the request from the Office of the Chief of Staff was received, it has not been actioned, and no payments have been made.
Nevertheless, the revelation has intensified public scrutiny of government spending, particularly on matters involving the President’s family and close associates. Critics argue that the amount requested appears excessive and call into question the government’s spending priorities amid pressing national needs.
Citizens and transparency advocates are now urging the government to publicly explain the basis for the GMD 3.6 million request and to commit to greater accountability in the management of public funds.
“This is about public trust,” said one prominent activist. “Gambians deserve to know how their taxes are being used—especially when the figures involved are this substantial and relate to non-essential travel.”
Among the many voices speaking out on the issue was human rights activist Coach Pa Samba Jaw, who stated, “If you want to gauge how good Gambia’s healthcare system is, just check where the President, Ministers, and their families go for their treatments and checkups.”
As the issue continues to generate debate, the pressure is mounting on the government to reaffirm its commitment to transparency, and to ensure that public resources are managed in a manner that reflects both necessity and the broader public interest.