Witness Modou A. Njie testified that it was acquired by a few members of the staff welfare association without the knowledge of other executive members.
He said that at the time, he was the social and welfare secretary of the association. He explained that he went to the office of the treasurer Baboucarr Sanyang and saw a photocopy of the application of the loan on behalf of the association.
He said he read it and asked the treasurer about it. He added when the treasurer confirmed it to him that they had applied for a loan, he decided to call the former CEO via WhatsApp, as she was out of town, but she did not pick. He said he then proceeded to inform the mayor.
“What prompted you to report the matter to the office of the Mayor,” Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez asked.
Njie said they were in office for 7 years without annual general meetings, and the staff was becoming agitated. He disclosed that the staff compelled them, except the vice president and the treasurer, to resign. He also said the matter was reported to the Fraud Squad.
The Local Government Commission of Inquiry is set up to conduct a holistic and fair review of the administrative and financial operations of councils. The objective is to improve governance and management of grassroots affairs as in line with best practices that promote transparency and accountability.
