Mustapha A.B.E. Sarr, a resident of Banjul and a BCC employee since 2019, testified on March 18, detailing his role in collecting trade license fees from businesses along Buckle, Leman, Wellington, and Hagan streets.
Sarr, whose highest level of education is grade 9, presented his appointment letter, dated January 23, 2019, which was admitted into evidence, along with his written statement from December 6, 2024. He told the commission that he was encouraged to apply for the job by someone within the council, though he could not recall the person’s identity.
When asked to provide his cash books covering 2018 to 2023, Sarr submitted only two—those for 2021 and 2022—stating that he could not locate the others. He said the missing books were likely at the BCC main office, noting that cash books “rotate” among different offices.
Upon review, Counsel Sunkary Camara pointed out that Sarr’s 2021 cash book began in March, with February’s records missing. Most collectors, Camara noted, testified that trade license collections typically start in February. Sarr could not provide an explanation.
Admission of Cash Suppression
Under questioning, Sarr admitted that he withheld council revenue and used it for personal expenses. The National Audit Office (NAO) report identified a total cash suppression of 324,000 dalasis between 2021 and 2022.
“Yes, that was said by the auditors,” Sarr acknowledged.
“Why did you suppress the money?” Camara asked.
“I used the money,” Sarr responded.
Sarr admitted that instead of depositing the collected funds with the cashier, he kept them for personal use. He initially claimed he was unaware of the total suppressed amount but later conceded, “I later came to know that I did some suppression in 2021. I never knew that before this.”
Pressed on what he spent the money on, Sarr said, “I used it to solve my problems.” He confirmed that no one authorised him to use the funds and acknowledged that he knew it was wrong.
Despite owing 324,000 dalasis, Sarr has repaid only 25,000 dalasis so far—20,000 dalasi deposited on October 11, 2024, and 5,000 dalasi on October 24, 2024. Both payments were made into the BCC’s account at Trust Bank, and the deposit slips were admitted into evidence.
Leave of Absence and Continued Salary Payments
Sarr further revealed that he took a one-year leave of absence in March 2023 to contest in the local government elections under the United Democratic Party (UDP) ticket at Box Bar Ward. He lost to NPP candidate Abdou Aziz Gaye, who won by over 57% of the votes. However, despite not working, he received his full salary for months.
“I received my full salary from January to December 2023,” he said, admitting that he has yet to return to work.
The Local Government Commission of Inquiry is conducting a broad investigation into the financial and administrative activities of local government councils from 2018 to 2023, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability. (Source: LGCI)
