The menace in the last decades took a new form and in safeguarding these ill-gotten funds by government officials.
This severe disease no doubt is hindering the development of most African countries and The Gambia is not an exception. It is such a serious threat that it tends to weaken the economy, thus threatening democracy.
Recently, the National Assembly of The Gambia endorsed the Anti-Corruption Bill meant to monitor the mismanagement of public funds and all forms of corruption. The bill comes after undergoing several stages of scrutiny and amendments to make it fit for purpose.
This bill is not only timely but laudable in the sense that is here to ensure transparency and effective and vibrant democracy. What is pleasing about this bill is that it is here to ensure that those involved in financial malpractices are prosecuted. With this bill it is very likely that even those close to the President and the Attorney General if found wanting of corruption, they would be prosecuted. The recent surge in the number of top government officials involved in financial scandal is a cause of concern.
Ending corruption is an arduous task that many countries are faced with. But we believe a robust and effective way is for all stakeholders to collaborate and fight against this cankerworm.
Let’s always remember that we all have a duty to make it difficult for it to thrive by blowing the whistle on those that steal from taxpayers or abet the malpractice. State agencies should also ensure that corrupt individuals have nowhere to hide their ill-gotten wealth by seizing assets and freezing bank accounts held both locally and abroad.
At this point, we cannot but thank National Assembly Members for considering the bill after some lengthy discussions on the first motion. This shows the commitment to ending corruption in the country.
Even though there are many reasons why corruption is growing, the low wages of civil servants should not be an excuse for people to be involved in corruption. Let’s fight it to uproot corruption in The Gambia.
Until then, this dreadful misconduct involving top civil servants will continue to thrive and become an issue to handle. It is high time the government wage a war on corruption.