By Fatou Krubally
Former Brikama Area Council CEO, Modou Jonga and ex-Chairman Sheriffo Sonko appeared before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry on Monday to explain the disbursement and management of over D30 million received from the Accountant General’s office under the geology fund.
During the proceedings, Mr. Jonga presented a detailed summary of payments from May 2020 to March 2023, confirming seven major transactions totaling approximately D30.7 million. These payments were received primarily through First International Bank and Eco Bank accounts.
However, a notable payment dated June 12, 2023, was missing from the bank statements submitted, leaving the final amount unconfirmed. Mr. Jonga explained that while the payment was made, the official bank statement did not cover this period.
The funds in question are linked to sand mining royalties from quarry operations in the West Coast Region. Mr. Jonga provided evidence that about D11 million from the total geology fund was distributed directly to communities affected by mining activities in 2021 and 2023. He also submitted supporting documents including acknowledgment letters from area councils, confirming receipt of 20% sand mining royalties, a figure corrected from an earlier error citing 40%.
Commission tendered several exhibits into evidence, including letters from the Geological Department clarifying royalty percentages and payment acknowledgments from councils. These documents further detailed the disbursement process and amounts paid.
The inquiry also probed the management of these funds, questioning former Chairman Sonko on his oversight role. Mr. Sonko admitted he did not verify the withdrawals made by Mr. Junga despite his supervisory responsibilities as chairman and councilor. He acknowledged that the CEO managed day-to-day financial transactions alongside the council’s finance director.
Mr. Jonga described the payment process to communities as guided by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), requiring proposals from affected areas before funds could be disbursed. However, concerns remain over whether all expenditures complied fully with the MOU.
Additional payments included a D500,000 contribution to support victims of the July 7th windstorm through the National Disaster Management Agency, which Mr. Junga stated was part of the geology fund disbursements.
The Commission is expected to further examine vouchers and receipts linked to these transactions to ensure full accountability and compliance with regulations.
The testimony forms part of a broader investigation into the financial governance of local government councils and their handling of public resources.