The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice is deeply concerned that six months after the National Assembly approved the nominees for the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Government has yet to announce their appointment and swearing-in.
On 3 December 2025, the National Assembly approved the nominations of Serign Mass Jallow as Chairperson and Almami S. Manga and Isatou J. Nahra as Commissioners. The next constitutional and administrative step is for the President to formally appoint and swear in the approved nominees, thereby bringing the Commission into legal existence and enabling it to commence operations. To date, this has not happened.
The appointment and swearing-in of the Commissioners are not mere ceremonial acts. They constitute the formal establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission. Until this process is completed, the Gambia remains without the very institution that was created to prevent, investigate, and combat corruption.
EFSCRJ recalls that the establishment of an anti-corruption body has been a longstanding public demand and a key commitment of the Government. It is also an important component of the country’s governance reform and transitional justice agenda. The Anti-Corruption Bill was first introduced before the National Assembly in 2018, yet it took eight years before the legislation was finally enacted in 2025. It is therefore disappointing that another six months have elapsed without the Commission being operationalized.
This prolonged delay raises legitimate concerns about the Government’s political will and commitment to combating corruption. In his 2018 State of the Nation Address, President Adama Barrow stated that the proposed law sought:
“To establish an Anti-Corruption Commission and provide effective measures for the eradication, suppression and prevention of corruption and corrupt practices in both private and public life in The Gambia.”’
Eight years later, the law has been enacted, yet the Commission remains dormant. Promises alone cannot fight corruption but institutions must be established, empowered, and allowed to function.
EFSCRJ therefore calls on the President to urgently appoint and swear in the Commissioners without any further delay in fulfilment of his own commitment and in furtherance of the objectives of good governance, accountability, and transitional justice.
While making this call, we wish to reiterate our concerns regarding the nomination of Almami S. Manga in light of allegations that surfaced in February 2026 concerning unauthorized monetary transfers linked to a disputed land transaction while serving as a senior police prosecutor. Mr. Manga has publicly denied any wrongdoing and maintains that the transaction was a legitimate private and professional engagement.
However, EFSCRJ remains of the view that these allegations warrant an independent and transparent investigation. We therefore renew our call for the President to establish a formal vetting mechanism and for the Inspector General of Police to institute an inquiry into the matter. Given the nature of the allegations, public confidence in the Anti-Corruption Commission requires that all Commissioners meet the highest standards of integrity and credibility.
Notwithstanding these concerns, EFSCRJ urges the President to proceed immediately with the appointment and swearing-in of Serign Mass Jallow and Isatou J. Nahra while the allegations concerning Mr. Manga are independently investigated and resolved.
The need for an effective Anti-Corruption Commission has never been greater. Allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and misconduct continue to emerge across public institutions. The recent allegations involving former Chief of Defence Staff Mamat Cham underscore the urgency of strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms and accountability systems.
Over the years, reports from the National Audit Office, findings of the National Assembly, investigations and surveys by civil society organizations, and exposés by investigative journalists have repeatedly highlighted serious concerns regarding financial mismanagement, abuse of office, procurement irregularities, and violations of public finance laws. These recurring revelations only reinforce the necessity of a fully functioning and independent Anti-Corruption Commission.
EFSCRJ finds no reasonable justification for the continued delay in operationalizing this critical institution. The fight against corruption requires decisive action, not prolonged inaction.
We call on the President to demonstrate genuine political will and commitment to transparency and accountability by immediately completing the process required to establish the Anti-Corruption Commission and enable it to begin its work.
EFSCRJ will continue to monitor this matter and engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the Anti-Corruption Act is fully implemented in both letter and spirit.
2026: The Year of Empowerment – Empowered Citizens. Accountable Leadership.
