By: Fatou Krubally
Kebba Fatty, the internal control officer at the Kuntaur Area Council, confessed to suppressing over D94,000 in revenue collected from market fees during his testimony at the local government commission of enquiry. Fatty claimed the funds were used to renovate his family’s compound following damage from a heavy flood. Despite stating that he had received permission from the CEO to collect and renovate, Fatty could not provide tangible evidence to support his claim.
The commission’s investigation revealed discrepancies in Fatty’s collections and repayments, casting doubt on his accountability. Fatty’s testimony raised questions about the effectiveness of internal control measures at the Kuntaur Area Council and highlighted potential weaknesses in financial oversight procedures.
During the hearing, Fatty stated, “I acknowledge the fact that I am short because of I am constructing a house whereby I ran out of money to complete the construction.” However, when pressed about the whereabouts of the suppressed funds, Fatty responded, “I don’t have D94,000 in my hand,” further complicating the narrative surrounding the financial misconduct.
Concerns have been raised about Fatty’s credibility and the lack of transparency in his financial practices. The commission will continue its investigation to determine the extent of the misconduct and explore potential repercussions for Fatty’s actions. The case has shed light on the importance of accountability and integrity within government institutions to prevent similar incidents of financial impropriety.
As the inquiry unfolds, it is crucial for the Kuntaur Area Council to strengthen its internal control systems and ensure compliance with financial regulations. Fatty’s testimony serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of financial mismanagement and the need for robust oversight mechanisms in public institutions. The commission’s findings will inform future measures to prevent such incidents and uphold transparency and accountability in public service.