The Gambia Association of Local Government Authorities (GALGA) has responded to a petition from Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), dated July 23, 2024, calling for an investigation into corruption and the recovery of looted assets in local government councils. In a letter signed by GALGA President Mahamadou Ceesay, the association clarified its role and urged stakeholders to allow the ongoing Presidential Commission of Inquiry to complete its work before taking further action.
GALGA, established on September 3, 2002, and legally recognized four days later, serves as the national coordinating body for The Gambia’s eight Local Government Authorities (LGAs). The association emphasized its commitment to promoting cooperation, accountability, and transparency among local councils while aligning their operations with national development goals. However, GALGA stressed that it lacks the mandate or authority to conduct investigations into the operations or conduct of local councils, as it is not a regulatory body.
The petition from GALA raised concerns about alleged corruption and mismanagement within local government councils. In response, GALGA highlighted the existence of a Presidential Commission of Inquiry, established to investigate the conduct of all local government councils from May 2018 to January 2023. The commission is tasked with conducting a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure transparency and accountability. GALGA noted that all local councils are cooperating with the inquiry and recommended that GALA and other stakeholders await its findings to ensure decisions are based on comprehensive evidence.
For matters requiring oversight or investigation, GALGA directed GALA to relevant authorities with the necessary jurisdiction, including the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, the National Audit Office, the National Assembly Finance and Public Accounts Committee, the National Assembly Select Committee on Regional Government, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), and the Ombudsman. These bodies, GALGA stated, are equipped with the resources and authority to address concerns about local council operations.
Reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, GALGA expressed appreciation for GALA’s advocacy and underscored its commitment to improving local government service delivery. The association called for continued collaboration with stakeholders to foster a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable local governance system.
The response comes at a time when public demand for accountability in local governance is growing, with citizens increasingly vocal about the need to address mismanagement and ensure resources are used effectively. The Presidential Commission’s findings, expected to shed light on the extent of alleged corruption, are seen as a critical step toward restoring trust in local government institutions.
GALGA’s letter concluded with a call for patience and cooperation, emphasizing that allowing the commission to complete its work will provide a solid foundation for addressing the issues raised by GALA. As The Gambia continues its push for good governance, the outcome of the inquiry is likely to shape future reforms in local government administration.
