Following the revelation of a proposed GMD 3.6 million per diem allocation request for a security detail to accompany the President’s mother on a medical checkup trip abroad, a leaked Request for Cash Allocation from the Office of the Chief of Staff has sparked intense public outrage and reignited calls for government transparency.
Following its appearance on social media earlier today, the document immediately sparked discussion among citizens and supporters of good governance, with many asking why such a large expenditure was necessary, especially given The Gambia’s ongoing economic difficulties and growing calls for fiscal restraint.
Since then, the Ministry of Finance has affirmed that the leaked document is legitimate, but it has made it clear that no money has been released and the request is still waiting.
“A request for cash allocation does not mean that funds will be released,” a Ministry of Finance official informed Kerr Fatou. Instead of using actual cash settlements, all government revenue transfers are handled solely through electronic bank transactions.
The Ministry claims that although the Office of the Chief of Staff’s request was received, it has not been processed and no money has been paid.
However, the disclosure has increased public scrutiny of government spending, especially when it comes to issues involving the President’s close colleagues and family. The suggested amount, according to critics, is exorbitant and raises concerns about the government’s spending priorities in light of urgent national demands.
The administration is currently being pressured by citizens and transparency groups to publicly explain the rationale for the GMD 3.6 million request and to pledge to increase accountability in the handling of public cash.
One well-known campaigner stated, “This is about public trust.” “Gambians have a right to know how their taxes are being spent, particularly when the amounts are so high and pertain to unnecessary travel.”
“If you want to gauge how good Gambia’s healthcare system is, just check where the President, Ministers, and their families go for their treatments and checkups,” said human rights activist Coach Pa Samba Jaw, one of the numerous voices raising awareness of the issue.
The government is under increasing pressure to restate its commitment to transparency and to make sure that public resources are managed in a way that reflects both necessity and the general public interest as the subject continues to spark debate.
