By: Fatou Krubally
Fatou Mbenga, the former Assistant Public Relations Officer of the Banjul City Council (BCC), has testified that she handed over D95,000 to Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe’s protocol officer, Mr. Maget Samba, on the Mayor’s instructions. Appearing before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday, March 19, she explained that the money was part of D450,000 allocated for Nayconf preparations.
During her testimony, Mbenga told the Commission that she was responsible for reconciling the expenses related to Nayconf funds. She explained that the money, covered by two vouchers, was used for purchasing t-shirts, food, and payments to hunting societies. However, she revealed that D95,000 balance from the total amount was given directly to Maget Samba, the Mayor’s protocol officer, following specific instructions from the Mayor.
Under questioning by Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez, Mbenga maintained that she had accounted for all the expenditures, but she did not provide further details on how the D95,000 given to Samba was used. When pressed on whether she received any documentation or receipts for the transaction, she did not confirm if there was any written record beyond her reconciliation.
Beyond the Nayconf expenditures, Mbenga was also questioned about other financial practices within BCC. She testified about various payments related to public relations activities, including expenses for media engagements, official ceremonies, and other council-sponsored events. The Commission is closely examining whether these transactions followed proper financial regulations and if all expenditures were justified.
Lead Counsel Gomez further pressed Mbenga on how financial reconciliation was done within BCC and whether there were proper approval processes for payments. While she maintained that she reconciled all expenditures, the inquiry is expected to probe deeper into whether adequate financial oversight was exercised in handling council funds.
Mbenga’s testimony has added to the growing scrutiny over financial management at BCC, particularly regarding the handling of Nayconf funds. As the Commission continues its investigations, she is expected to provide further clarifications when she appears again on Thursday March 20. The findings from this inquiry could have significant implications for financial accountability and transparency within the council.
