The Local Government Commission of Inquiry has questioned Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe and former Banjul City Council (BCC) CEO Mustapha Batchily for approving the distribution of millions of Dalasi in aid and donations to people and organizations without adhering to established protocols.
As part of an ongoing investigation into financial irregularities in local councils between 2018 and 2023, the two officials made two appearances before the commission this month. The investigation focused on procedural flaws in the distribution of council funds.
All donations, including those designated for religion and culture, came from budgeted council allocations, Mayor Lowe informed the commission. Donation requests from individuals or organizations were referred to the council, she said, and she would then confer with the CEO. Before approving, the CEO would then check with the finance unit to see if funds were available.
Mayor Lowe stated that CEO Batchily would advise her on what was practical given the council’s financial capabilities when it came to deciding on donation amounts.
“If donations come to the council through the mayor’s office,” Batchily said, confirming the procedure. She usually writes and comments on the vouchers you have seen, but occasionally she calls me to ask if there is any possibility, and we speak with the finance director.
A specific voucher demonstrating a payment of 279,550 Dalasi made by the council as its contribution to the fifth anniversary of Banjul City’s carnival was presented by Counsel Gomez during the hearing. A minute from Mayor Lowe to CEO Batchily directing that the funds be disbursed immediately was attached to the voucher. Batchily remained silent when asked how this amount was decided, so Mayor Lowe clarified that a workable amount was established by discussing the budget with the CEO, finance director, and the youth group involved.
Counsel Gomez made it clear that the investigation focused on whether the right procedures were followed to stop possible fraud rather than whether the council should offer support, which is one of its primary responsibilities.
“We are not here to judge whether or not the council ought to back these organizations. That is among the council’s main responsibilities. Counsel Gomez informed the mayor, “We are talking about the procedure because, as the law stated, when the procedure is incorrect, you open doors for fraud.”
When asked why there was no committee established to monitor donation requests rather than the mayor and CEO making all of the decisions, Mayor Lowe said that although there were committees within the council, none were specifically assigned to this task. She pointed out that this was the council’s standard procedure.
Counsel Gomez, however, drew attention to contradictory claims, pointing out that Batchily had suggested the creation of a committee, primarily for education sponsorships, which was never done. Batchily attested to this, but Mayor Lowe insisted she had not been given such counsel and that auditors were the ones who suggested a scholarship committee.
“Yes, at some point I advised her about the need to have a committee that was mostly in relation to the education sponsorship, but the committee was not formed,” Batchily confirmed, acknowledging his earlier statement.
Mr. Batchily had never given her such advice, Mayor Lowe said, adding that the auditors were the ones who suggested creating a scholarship committee.
“One is confused here, are these donations from the mayor or donations from the council?” Counsel Gomez said to the mayor at that point. People who receive this money believe it came from you. They thank you in writing when they write letters of acknowledgment. Therefore, we are unsure if the mayor or the council took the initiative.
Mayor Lowe clarified that the comments were only the Counsel’s personal views and said that the council was the one that made the donation. Counsel Gomez rebutted, stating that his assertions were supported by evidence rather than subjective opinions, particularly acknowledgements from recipients who had personally thanked the Mayor for the funds.
“Even though I don’t see most of their acknowledgment letters, that doesn’t mean they don’t know the council is helping them because they can come to my house if they need my help, but if they come to the council, I’ll take a minute to the CEO,” she said.
98% of the donation requests that were reviewed were sent directly to Mayor Lowe, Counsel Gomez told her. In response, Mayor Lowe stated that Mr. Batchily insisted that the letters be sent to the mayor, even though she had previously asked that they be sent to the CEO.
This was confirmed by Mr. Batchily, who clarified that he felt that outreach and donation-related issues were outside the purview of his administrative duties. Counsel Gomez, however, retorted that Mr. Batchily was well aware that this was wrong and against standard procedure.
Although she admitted that the Banjul City Council (BCC) had made mistakes in the past, Mayor Lowe acknowledged that there have been significant changes at the BCC. Since then, she said, the Council has significantly improved its operations, and the next audit report will reflect these improvements.
