In this interview with AG Radio, Mr. Sulayman Ben Suwareh expressed profound disdain of the misuse of taxpayer’s funds following the emergence of the letter from the Office of the President on social media. The letter requests D3,625,957.80 to cover per diem allowances for security personnel accompanying the President’s mother on a foreign medical trip, along with the Secretary-General and other officials.
The leaked document has ignited public anger, leading many to wonder why state funds are being allocated to cover the personal travel costs of the President’s extended family. According to Gambian law, taxpayers are required to fund only the legitimate expenses of the First Family, which includes the President, their spouse, and dependent children, excluding extended relatives.
This spending represents a blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility and places an unfair strain on citizens who are already facing economic challenges. Why must Gambians cover the expenses for the President’s mother’s medical trip? If the President intends to ensure his mother’s security, it should come from his personal funds rather than the national treasury.
Mr. Ben Suwareh criticises Mod K. Ceesay, the Minister for the Presidency, for attempting to associate the leaked document with UDP. The Ministry of Finance and Mr. Mod K. Ceesay appear to be attempting to conceal the situation in order to reduce the repercussions stemming from this leaked document. If our hospitals were adequate, the president’s mother would not have needed to seek medical treatment overseas. Mr. Suwareh remarked.
This President shows a lack of concern for the Gambian people. This is the same president who previously claimed that he would donate 10% of his salary to the public. “There is no evidence he did that,” Mr. Suwareh concluded.
