The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Lands Ministry complex in Banjul and attended by the Secretary to cabinet.
Minister Drammeh recalled that his ministry received reports and official complaints by the Lord Mayor Talibeh Ahmed Bensuda of KMC on allegations of corrupt practices at the municipality. He added that his ministry also received reports and counter allegations of malpractices and impropriety at KMC from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sainabou Martin Sonko.
The Lands Minister Drammeh said considering the gravity of the allegations and counter allegations by the said senior KMC officials, his Ministry dispatched a panel of local government inspectors aided by competent auditors from the Internal Audit Department to KMC to ensure total fairness and transparency in the process.
According to him, at the conclusion of its findings, the panel of inspectors recently submitted its report; and based on the findings of the inspectors and the serious allegations by the Lord Mayor of KMC and CEO of malpractice and frauds amounting to millions of dalasis, his ministry finds it prudent to constitute a Commission of Inquiry that will further probe the matter at KMC.
“The composition and terms of reference of the commission are published in the Gambia Gazette No.58, Vol. 138 on 31 December,2021 in accordance with the law,” he said.
The members of the commission constitute: Omar Cham, chairperson; Momodou Y.M. Sallah and Mamsait Jallow as members. Momodou D. Mballow has been assigned as the lead counsel. The team would be assisted by a secretary appointed by the Minister of Lands while the Ministry of Justice would support the Commission.
He said within three (3) months, subject to extension, the commission shall investigate matters as outlined in the Gazette.
He added that the commission which has powers, rights and privileges vested in the high court can summon witness to testify at hearings, examine witnesses on oath and compel the production of documents; orders or request to examine witnesses abroad. He added that the commission can enforce its decision including measures to protect the life and safety of individuals and cite any person or corporate body for contempt.
Omar Cham, the chairperson to the Commission thanked the government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Lands for the trust and confidence bestowed in them and he promised that his team would deliver up to the expectation during hearings of the commission.
