By: Fatou Krubally
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kuntaur Area Council, Momodou Sambou, found himself under intense scrutiny during his testimony before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, with lead counsel Patrick Gomez questioning him about financial practices, particularly about the withdrawal of funds from the council’s accounts.
Sambou faced tough questions about the council’s authorization process for withdrawals from the Trust Bank account, with particular focus on the improper handling of funds for general council meetings.
When asked about how cheques were issued for such events, Sambou explained that they were typically made in the name of the officer coordinating the activity, not the caterers directly responsible for refreshments and allowances.
However, the inquiry quickly revealed that this practice was not in line with the proper regulations set out in the financial manual for local government councils.
Counsel Gomez pointed out the lack of transparency in the system, particularly in how payments were routed through the clerk, raising the possibility of fraudulent activity.
“It should be better than this,” Gomez sharply commented. “You are more than qualified based on your experience and qualifications, but you are not following the proper procedures. Why adopt a system that could easily be exploited?”
In his defence, Sambou argued that such practices were common but conceded that they were not always in line with established protocols. He admitted, “I am fairly experienced, but I may have made mistakes in how these transactions were handled.”
The questioning continued with a focus on the potential for financial mismanagement within the council, leaving many questions about the true extent of the irregularities unresolved.
As the inquiry continues, it is clear that the Kuntaur Area Council’s financial management is under serious review. With key figures like Sambou now facing intense questioning, further revelations seem inevitable, and the spotlight remains firmly on the council’s handling of public funds.