On Monday, the Local Government Commission of Inquiry resumed its investigation into the role of Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda in sanctioning financial transactions at the council.
Throughout the session, numerous payment vouchers and memos were submitted to the mayor, emphasizing his handwritten notes instructing the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Deputy CEO (DCEO) regarding funding requests.
Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez indicated that this constituted a directive. Mayor Bensouda, nonetheless, asserted that it was simply a suggestion. He clarified that the school board is accountable to him, and when there are delays in the funds allocated for the school, the administration usually notifies his office. “On the mayor’s copy, I am recommending to the DCEO that payments be made on a monthly basis,” he stated.
Counsel Gomez inquired about the presence of the word “suggestion” on the voucher. The mayor stated that his aim was to shield the school from experiencing financial difficulties caused by outstanding payments.
“I have said this over and over, and no matter how many vouchers come, this is the fact. The fact is, the CEO is the authorizing officer; I cannot direct the CEO to make any payment. If a CEO knows their job, their terms of reference, and understands how council works, if they don’t want to make the payment, they say, Mayor, I am not going to make this payment,” Bensouda argued.
He emphasized that although requests are forwarded to his office for his awareness, he does not possess the power to mandate the CEO’s approval for disbursements.
Counsel Gomez inquired, “Did you indicate that the DCEO should make a payment?” The mayor responded positively.
A different voucher submitted included a request for sponsorship from musician Jalimadi, where Bensouda remarked, “CEO processed 300 tickets from the culture budget for members of our committee.”
The counsel inquired whether this would incur any costs. Mayor Bensouda recognized that the request had financial implications.
The investigation also reviewed a memorandum from the Bakoteh Ward Development Committee requesting financial support for a community lighting initiative. Bensouda stated in the document, “CEO, support the community with margin funding of seventy-five thousand Dalasi for this community project.” When asked if this amount had been paid, Bensouda indicated that the voucher implied it had, which led Counsel Gomez to question his response.
“No, I am asking you a question, and you will answer the question, my friend,” Counsel Gomez stated.
The mayor stated that he had addressed the question.
The commission conducted an additional review of a request from the Ebo Town/New Jeshwang Ward Development Committee for D28,000 to support capacity-building activities. Bensouda noted: “CEO, provide them with D15,000; the WDC will cover the remainder.” He verified that the payment was ultimately completed.
A separate instance included a request for D10,000 from the Abuko Councillor to assist local football teams. The mayor’s note stated: “CEO, pay the director of service D10,000; he should proceed to Abuko, identify the teams, and distribute funds with guidance from the councillor.” Bensouda recognized that, according to the voucher, the funds seemed to have been distributed. “It appears that way from the voucher,” he remarked.
Counsel Gomez contended that these patterns supported the statements of former CEOs who asserted that payments—especially those surpassing D100,000—were only executed following approval from the mayor.
“But the Lord Mayor wants to deny that, but the evidence is clear; it speaks for itself,” Counsel Gomez stated, adding that further council resolutions would be presented to the mayor to eliminate any room for denial. “so there will not be any room for denial because the documents will speak for themselves.”
The commission reviewed a memo from the chairman of the Establishment and Appointment Committee, which recommended an honorarium of D150,000 for HR expert Modou Gaye. Bensouda noted in the document: “CEO 100 approved for Mr. Modou Gaye.” Although the mayor asserted that he had not sanctioned the amount, Counsel Gomez argued that his statements constituted an approval.
In a different case, the Gambia National Youth Council sought D100,000 to fund a performance by entertainer Nyangcho. Bensouda’s note stated: “DCEO approved, and to the director of finance, please pay.” The mayor clarified to the commission that he approved the activity, but not the amount. “I don’t endorse sums; I endorse actions.” “If the amount requires my input, I will say reduce,” he explained.
