The lead counsel, Patrick Gomez, first asked Touray to clarify his appointment, which he described as a result of a transfer of responsibilities when Modou Jallow moved to the Ministry. Touray explained that he assumed the position of CEO in an acting capacity in 2018 and continued until 2020.
The inquiry then shifted to a detailed examination of the Kerewan Council's Financial Department, including Procurement and Development and Planning. Touray outlined the structure of the Finance Department, which includes the Director of Finance, Finance Manager, Accounting Assistants, Senior Revenue Collectors, and Market Crew.
Questions soon focused on Touray's oversight of the council's finances during his tenure. He was asked about his role in supervising revenue collections and his involvement in checking the books of revenue collectors. While Touray admitted to inspecting the revenue collectors' books, he defended his actions by claiming it was within his duties as CEO to ensure accuracy and prevent shortages in the collection of funds.
However, lead counsel Gomez suggested that Touray's actions went beyond what was required. He claimed that Touray had been using his position to authorise unauthorised expenditures and cover up financial mismanagement. Gomez further highlighted that Touray's role as CEO did not grant him the authority to personally authorise payments, which he acknowledged during the proceedings.
Touray faced pointed accusations regarding the misuse of funds, with Gomez accusing him of spending money intended for council activities for personal gain. Testimonies from others involved in the case, including Lamin Dampha, suggested that large sums of money were withdrawn from the council's accounts and deposited into Touray's personal accounts, a claim Touray could not recall without further documentation.
A specific incident under scrutiny involved a cheque issued to Omar Trawally, who withdrew D48,000 from GT Bank on January 21, 2021. It was alleged that the funds were then transferred to Lamin Dampha’s account on Touray's instructions. When confronted with this, Touray denied knowledge of the transaction unless presented with supporting bank records, though his bank statements were not available during the hearing.
Additionally, questions were raised regarding Touray’s management of council funds, particularly with respect to withdrawals from the Kerewan Area Council's bank accounts.
Lead counsel confronted him that withdrawals for payments, including salaries, were made without proper documentation, such as vouchers, a crucial oversight for financial transparency. Touray explained that while vouchers were typically provided for salary payments, there were occasions where the revenue collectors did not have access to them, especially for withdrawals made at the Farafenni sub-treasury office.
Mr Touray continued to face scrutiny for authorizing payments without proper documentation or following required financial procedures.
He admitted to making payments without pre-auditing during a period when the appointed auditor was unavailable and acknowledged failing to follow proper procurement procedures, which could be considered unlawful.
Missing vouchers and receipts, especially for significant expenditures like salaries and fuel, further raised concerns. While Mr. Touray claimed the director of finance was responsible for vouchers, the lack of supporting documentation was an issue.
