The case file of the alleged missing funds of D300 million at the Gambia Ports Authority has been referred to the Attorney General’s chambers for review and legal advice, as disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang, in front of Deputies.
Interior Minister Sanyang responded, “The case file on this matter has been completed and sent to the Attorney General’s Chamber for review and their opinion on the matter for further action,” when asked by Member for Janjanbureh, Hon. Omar Jammeh, about the state of the GPA’s investigations on the corruption scandal, and to share any evidence of recommendations from the investigation panel, the full names of the alleged persons, the whereabouts of the suspects, and the actions taken against them.
During the question-and-answer session with legislators on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, Mr. Sanyang stated the following.
There has been a public outcry over the purported missing revenue of $300 million at the Gambia Ports Authority, which has led to the establishment of an investigation team to investigate the matter.
Mr. Sanyang informed the Deputies that approximately 60% of the police facilities in the country are located on rented property.
Hon. Madi Ceesay enquired about the Ministry’s intentions to construct or renovate certain police stations or posts throughout the nation, citing Manjai Police Station as an illustration.
Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang stated in his response that the Gambia Police Force (GPF) and his Ministry place a high priority on the provision of a conducive working environment and improved infrastructure.
“However, budgetary constraints in 2024 prevented the effective completion of numerous police station renovations, despite the fact that some were conducted in collaboration with the UNDP and GIZ,” he stated.
Additionally, he stated that the Serrekunda and Bundung Police Stations were constructed, and the Bakoteh Station was renovated. He stated that the UNDP is presently engaged in the completion of the ongoing work at the Essau Police Station.
GIZ intends to construct five additional stations, including the Soma, Brikama, and Farrafenni Police stations, as well as a hybrid station in Basse, all located in the URR, according to Sanyang.
Mr. Sanyang stated that the Gambia Police Service must be provided with towing vehicles to facilitate the removal of abandoned vehicles from the roads, thereby facilitating the efficient movement of traffic on the nation’s highways. The GPF towing vehicle is no longer operational, according to Minister Sanyang. He also stated that the GPF employs their towing machine to tow abandoned vehicles on the roadside in collaboration with private individuals. Minister Sanyang stated that the GPF towing vehicle is presently not in operation and is seeking the National Assembly’s assistance in this matter. She stated that there is no budgetary allocation for vehicles.
Hon. Sheriff Sarr, the Member for Jeshwang, also requested that Interior Minister Sanyang provide them with an update on the Ministry’s efforts to regulate narcotics in the country. Interior Minister Sanyang stated that patrols are currently underway and that the Drug Law Enforcement Agency is conducting sensitisation campaigns at radio stations throughout the nation in response to the Hon. Member. He stated that arrests and convictions have been obtained and secured, respectively, while other cases are still pending in the courts. He also confirmed that patrols are currently being conducted to limit the threat.
