By Fatou Dahaba
Vice President Muhammed BS Jallow has confirmed that the delay in appointing commissioners to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) stems from the government’s decision to replace one nominee – a senior police officer – following corruption allegations.
Addressing the National Assembly on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the Vice President responded to questions from Hon. Alagie S. Darboe, Member for Brikama North and Minority Leader. He explained that the executive opted to replace one of the three nominees earlier approved by lawmakers to uphold the integrity standards required by the ACC Act.
“I wish to inform this August Assembly that the delay in issuing the appointment letters is due to the need to replace one of the three approved nominees in keeping with integrity and suitability standards set out in the Act,” Jallow stated.
He added that the identification of a replacement is at an advanced stage and expected to be completed soon. The government is simultaneously advancing preparations, including ongoing renovation of the commission’s offices under the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, and has already secured budgetary allocation in the 2026 National Budget.
During supplementary questions, the Vice President identified the affected nominee as a police officer listed as the third candidate. “There was a little bit of corruption against him, so the executive felt that because of that, that person needs to be replaced,” he said. He clarified that issues were raised through the Ministry of Justice and taken back to Cabinet, which decided on the change. However, he emphasized that no formal adverse findings had been made. “I didn’t say that there was an adverse finding. I said there were some questions raised… accusations of corruption… if there is a specter of doubt on one of the commissioners, that is why it is necessary to replace that person,” Jallow told lawmakers.
Public information has linked the dropped nominee to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Almameh S. James Manga, a senior police prosecutor and legal mind whose nomination was confirmed by the National Assembly in late 2025. In early 2026, ACP Manga faced public scrutiny and criticism from civil society groups over his alleged involvement in a land dispute. He was accused of accepting money transfers from a party connected to a case he handled, raising concerns of conflict of interest, bribery, and abuse of office. Manga has strongly denied the allegations.
Although the Vice President stopped short of naming the individual during the session, persistent demands from lawmakers for full disclosure highlighted the sensitivity of appointing someone to the country’s premier anti-graft body amid unresolved questions.
The development has sparked renewed debate on transparency in public appointments. Observers note that while the executive’s move demonstrates caution in protecting the commission’s credibility, the lack of explicit naming has raised questions about accountability, especially after the National Assembly had already vetted and approved the original list.
The Anti-Corruption Commission is widely viewed as central to the government’s pledge to combat corruption. With offices being prepared and funds allocated, authorities say operations will commence once the replacement is finalized. The replacement process is expected to draw further parliamentary and public attention in the coming days.
