President Adama Barrow received the report from the Commission of Inquiry into Local Government Councils and Connected Matters, established in 2023 to investigate allegations of financial mismanagement, procurement irregularities, and administrative lapses within local government councils across The Gambia. The inquiry examined concerns relating to the financial and administrative operations of several municipalities and area councils. President Barrow stated, "As decentralised governance structures, the Local Government Councils are the closest administrative bodies to the people." He affirmed that the government would "study it carefully and responsibly" and issue a White Paper outlining its position. "Its objective is not simply to identify misconduct and shortcomings, but also to rectify them and prevent their recurrence," President Barrow added.
Commitment to Reform
President Adama Barrow stated the inquiry was envisaged to help the government strengthen its institutions and ensure that public servants manage public resources in accordance with the law and in the public interest. He affirmed that "Following receipt of the Report today, the Government will study it carefully and responsibly." President Barrow further explained that through appropriate legal, administrative, and institutional channels, the Government would thoroughly and impartially review the Commission’s findings and recommendations. He added that the Government would then prepare and issue a White Paper outlining its position and the next steps and actions to take.
President Barrow assured that the Government would implement all recommendations accepted in the White Paper in accordance with the Constitution, stating, "This will include, but not limited to, pursuing reforms, where required; taking administrative action, where necessary; and following legal procedures to recover public funds, if recommended." He emphasized that "accountability mechanisms must work to correct weaknesses, strengthen institutions, curb systemic lapses, and build Councils that are more transparent, more efficient, and better able to serve the people."
Due Process and Fairness
President Adama Barrow emphasized the government's commitment to due process following the receipt of the inquiry report. He stated that no individual would face unjust treatment as a result of the commission's findings. "Let me clearly state that, in fulfilment of Government’s responsibilities, no person will suffer any unjust treatment," President Barrow affirmed. He further guaranteed that all persons affected by the recommendations would have their rights to a fair hearing respected. President Barrow also pledged that "every action taken will be within the confines of the law." He previously outlined that the government would "study it carefully and responsibly" and issue a White Paper detailing its position and subsequent actions.
Broader Institutional Goals
President Adama Barrow affirmed that the objective of the inquiry report extended beyond identifying misconduct, aiming to rectify issues and prevent their recurrence. He stated that accountability mechanisms must function to correct weaknesses, strengthen institutions, curb systemic lapses, and build councils that are more transparent, more efficient, and better able to serve the populace. President Barrow noted the key role of Local Government Councils, stating, "As decentralised governance structures, the Local Government Councils are the closest administrative bodies to the people. They collect revenue, manage community facilities, support local development, and deliver services that affect the citizens directly." He added that following receipt of the report, the government would "study it carefully and responsibly" and issue a White Paper outlining its position and subsequent actions. This approach, he noted, would include pursuing reforms, taking administrative action, and following legal procedures to recover public funds if recommended. President Barrow also assured that "no person will suffer any unjust treatment" and that all affected individuals would have their rights to a fair hearing respected, with every action taken remaining "within the confines of the law."