By Binta Jaiteh
Lawmakers Thursday approved the nation’s first ever Anti-corruption Bill with an amendment that seeks to help curb rampant corruption in the country.
Speaking at the House, Honorable Sedia Jatta, vice chairperson of the committee, the anti-corruption bill commission members shall be appointed by the president after consultation with the public service commission.
“Recommendation of appointment of the members by the president shall be subject to the approval of the National Assembly and the vetting committee shall comprise a representative of the Personal Management Office and the Bar Association,” he said
“A person who confers, procure or attempt to procure directly or indirectly any person or benefit of any kind to an officer or any other person. On account of any act of omission favour or disfavour to be done or shown by the public officer commits the offense of corruption and is liable on conviction to the confiscation of the proceeds of the crime a fine of one hundred thousand dalasis or imprisonment for seven years or to both. The Recommendation is a fine of not less than D300,000 and not exceeding D1,000,000 or imprisonment for not less than 3 years and not exceeding 5 years or to both,” he said.
He explained that corrupt demand by persons who request or receive obtains property or benefits of any kind for himself or another, person either agrees or attempts to receive or obtain any property or benefit.
“A public officer who contravenes sub-section (1) or (2) commits an offense and is liable on conviction to the confiscation of the proceeds of his or her private interest and fine of two hundred thousand dalasis or imprisonments for five years or both,” he added.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly Members recommended in the anti-corruption bill for corrupt officials to three years in prison with a hefty fine of 500,000.00 dalasis.
“A person who receives anything which has been obtained by means of a criminal act within or outside The Gambia and is liable to conviction to the confiscation of the proceeds of the crime and a fine of hundred thousand or imprisonment for three years. Recommendation a fine of not less than D500,000 and not exceeding D2,000,000 or imprisonment for not less than 5 years and not exceeding 7 years,” Lawmakers recommended.
“Gratification by and through agents, a person who accepts or obtains or attempts to accept from any person for himself or herself or any other person. Any gift or consideration as an inducement or reward for doing or having done forbearing to do or having fore broadcaster to do any act or thing,” lawmakers added in the recommendations.
They added: “Gives agrees to give any gift or consideration to any agent as an inducement or reward for doing, forbearing to do, having done or forbearing to do any act or thing in relation to his or her principal’s affairs or business. Recommend a fine of not less than D300,000 and not exceeding D1,000,000 or imprisonment for not less than 3 years and not exceeding 5 years or both.”
