By Makutu Manneh
The Gambia Police Force has been identified as the most corrupt public institution in the country, according to a new survey conducted by Gambia Participates.
The survey revealed that 63% of respondents perceived the police as the institution most affected by corruption, citing entrenched practices such as bribery, extortion, and abuse of power. “This points to entrenched practices such as bribery, extortion, and abuse of power within law enforcement.”
Other sectors flagged for high levels of corruption include the health sector (39%) and the Gambia Immigration Department (34%). In the health system, corruption was said to manifest through informal payments, preferential treatment, and resource diversion, while at immigration, irregularities were linked to permits, border controls, and official documentation.
Significant corruption was also reported in essential service providers, including the National Water and Electricity Company (20%), Gambia Revenue Authority (19%), education sector (19%), and Local Government Authorities (18%). The survey warned that corruption in these areas directly undermines livelihoods, weakens access to basic needs, and reduces overall economic productivity.
“Since these are essential services, corruption in these areas directly undermines livelihoods, access to basic needs, and overall economic productivity,” the report stated.
Lesser but still notable levels of corruption were reported in agriculture (16%), the Gambia Ferry Service (16%), Gambia Ports Authority (15%), the petroleum sector (10%), and the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (10%). The report noted that corruption in these institutions, though less prevalent, still undermines key sectors of the national economy.
Overall, 90% of respondents described corruption in public institutions as a serious problem, with 62% labeling it “very serious” and another 28% considering it “serious.”
The most common forms of corruption identified were bribery, gift-giving, and nepotism. About 41% of respondents reported being asked for a bribe or gift, while 40% said they had witnessed preferential treatment based on personal or family connections.
According to the survey, corruption in The Gambia remains systemic and widespread, with ripple effects across public services, economic performance, and citizens’ everyday lives.