Gambia removes Landing Sanneh and orders COVID-19 funds inquiry
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Gambiana
The Gambian government has ordered the removal of Mansakonko Area Council chairman Landing B. Sanneh after findings of financial irregularities linked notably to the management of funds and purchases of COVID-19 equipment. It also asked the Inspector General of Police to investigate the accounts, donations and payments concerned, according to Gambiana.
The Gambian government has ordered the removal of Landing B. Sanneh, chairman of the Mansakonko Area Council, after an investigation found financial irregularities, breaches of procurement rules and governance failures. The decision is based on recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry into Local Government and Section 20(1) of the 2002 Local Government Act, according to the Gambian government’s white paper.
The investigation found, among other things, that a COVID-19 task force account was operating without authorisation outside the council’s financial structures. It also noted the absence of formal procurement approval, competitive consultations and authorisation from the Gambian Public Procurement Authority for the purchase of medical supplies.
The government has tasked the Inspector General of Police with investigating the COVID-19 account, donations, transfers and payments linked to procurement contracts. The Auditor General is to conduct a forensic audit to determine any losses and identify those responsible. Sanneh or any other official found responsible for quantifiable losses may be required to repay the money, while the General Council is to examine his suitability to hold elected public office.
