Gambia reforms eight local councils after inquiry
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Gambiana
The Gambian government proposes administrative, legal and institutional reforms to strengthen transparency and financial discipline in the country’s eight local councils. The white paper also provides for follow-up measures after an inquiry into their management and use of public resources, according to the Gambian government.
The Gambian government has published the report of an inquiry into the country’s eight local councils, accompanied by a white paper proposing administrative, legal and institutional reforms. The document also sets out measures to be taken in response to the commission’s adverse findings, according to the government.
Established in February 2023 under Section 200 of the 1997 Constitution, the commission examined the administration, governance, financial management and use of public resources by the eight councils. The inquiry covered the councils of Banjul, Kanifing, Brikama, Kerewan, Mansakonko, Kuntaur, Janjanbureh and Basse.
After receiving the report, the government formed a multisectoral committee to review its findings and prepare a draft white paper. The Cabinet then reviewed and approved it. The document was published in The Gambia Gazette No. 58, dated 29 October 2026.
The ministries and institutions concerned must coordinate implementation of the measures and report progress to the public. The government says it aims to strengthen accountability, financial discipline and good governance in local administrations while continuing decentralisation. The publication follows Gambian mayor Talib Bensouda’s challenge on 2 October to findings concerning irregular expenditure.
