The senior officials reportedly implicated in the allegations are Modou Darboe, the director general of GLMA; Sang Marget Mendy, the director of Technical and Field Services; and Fatoumatta Sonko, the GLMA accountant.
Reports suggest that they were paid monthly sums of D7000, D6000 and D5000 respectively.
This matter came to light after the contracts of 21 employees at the Central Abattoir in Abuko were not renewed as GLMA accused them of engaging in unacceptable activities. However, the affected staff vehemently denied this allegation.
Sang Marget Mendy, the director of Technical and Field Services, faced a challenging situation when confronted with a significant financial revelation. Initially, he confirmed receiving a monthly sum from the Central Abattoir at Abuko, but he swiftly clarified that the funds were allocated for fuel expenses.
When journalists pressed him for more information regarding the financial matters, Mendy firmly declined to elaborate, stating, “My brother, I am not going to discuss this issue.”
Journalists persisted in questioning Mendy over whether the payments were in line with best practices. He responded, saying: “My brother, I've already made it clear that I will not engage in any discussion about this financial matter."
A cheque for D18,000 made out to Fatoumatta Sonko, the accountant and allegedly set for distribution among the trio was seen by The Point.
Mendy, who agreed to discuss the non-renewal of contracts for 21 staff members, remarked: "I can reveal that some of these individuals were engaged in questionable activities. When we examined the case, we discovered that they were spending a staggering sum of 60,000 dalasis each month on electricity."
"We discovered that the electrician was making illegal connections, linking several shops in the area. As it stands, they are only paying D45,000 for their electricity each month."
When reporters requested the investigation report regarding the Central Abattoir in Abuko, Mendy assured them he would make it available. However, he clarified that he could not share the report without his superior's permission.
During a press conference yesterday, Maddy Kuyateh, the manager of the Central Abattoir in Abuko, firmly rejected allegations that some staff members were involved in unethical activities.
He elaborated, stating: “When I took the role of a manager at the Abattoir, there wasn't even a single account in place. Nevertheless, I successfully established an account and ensured our staff were paid monthly without any delays.”
Kuyateh stated that he was appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture. However, he expressed surprise at receiving a letter from GLMA notifying him that his contract will not be renewed after February 29. He emphasised that he should have been informed if there were any issues regarding his performance.
The Abattoir operates without government subsidies; all staff salaries and administrative expenses are funded through its own revenue. This income comes from the fees charged for livestock slaughtered on-site, as well as from rental payments for the shops leased.
"We are currently selling manure at the Abattoir. I proposed that the proceeds be directed to the government's consolidated fund, but the management of GLMA has declined to consider this suggestion."
Kuyateh alleged that the director of GLMA and two other senior officials are receiving monthly salaries of 7,000, 6,000, and 5,000 dalasis respectively, asserting that these payments are made via cheques. When asked about the nature of the payment, he explained that the GLMA officials justified their compensation by stating that they oversee the Abattoir.
Reflecting on the accomplishments during his tenure, he noted that he successfully purchased a new Toyota pickup, acquired a standby generator and a backup solar system, and also constructed several roads within the Abattoir area.
Saidou Manga, the electrician, refuted claims of conducting illegal connections at the Abattoir. He stated: “The GLMA officials sent a team to investigate the area, but I can confidently assert that the team found no evidence of any illicit activities at the Abattoir.”
"Since my appointment, we have never faced any electrical issues at the Abattoir. As Gambians, if you dismiss us, we are left wondering where else we could go and how we would survive."
Another staff member, Adama Jarju, expressed: “I have been employed here since 2014. How can you dismiss me when I have never done anything wrong? Now you intend to bring in someone new who lacks an understanding of the institution.”
Revenue collector Abdou Colley stated: “I have dedicated 16 years of my life to this role without any issues. Unfortunately, we have faced repeated threats from GLMA officials, claiming that our employment stems from the tenure of former President Yahya Jammeh. While it's true that we were employed during his administration, we are Gambians and deserve the right to work just like anyone else.”
"It is truly disheartening that GLMA officials receive higher monthly compensation than those of us who have dedicated over a decade to this organization. I want to make it clear that we are prepared to escalate this issue to the ministry, and even pursue legal action if necessary. However, I want to assure you that I will not be resigning on February 29," he emphasised.
