By Haddy Touray
President Adama Barrow Monday formally received the report of the Commission of Inquiry into Local Government Councils and Connected Matters, promising action on it.
The president described the exercise as a significant step toward strengthening accountability, transparency and governance within local councils across the country.
Speaking during the submission ceremony, President Barrow recalled that the Commission was established in February 2023 and began public hearings in May of the same year to investigate the conduct and operations of local government councils.
On behalf of the government and people of The Gambia, the President expressed appreciation to the chairperson, commissioners, secretary, support staff, witnesses and all individuals and institutions that contributed to the successful completion of the inquiry.
“The Commission undertook a heavy responsibility that required patience, fairness, professionalism and commitment to public duty,” he said, while commending members of the inquiry for carrying out their mandate with diligence and independence.
President Barrow noted that the commission was established in line with the government’s statutory oversight responsibility over local government councils. He explained that the inquiry sought to examine concerns surrounding the financial and administrative management of councils, improve governance and service delivery, support decentralization reforms and reinforce accountability at the local level.
He stressed that local government councils, as the administrative bodies closest to the people, must operate efficiently, transparently and within the law, given their responsibility in revenue collection, community development and public service delivery.
The president assured the public that government would carefully study the report and review its findings and recommendations through appropriate legal, administrative and institutional channels before issuing a White Paper outlining government’s position and proposed actions.
“I assure the commission and the public that government will implement all recommendations accepted in the White Paper in accordance with the constitution,” he stated.
He added that the implementation process could include institutional reforms, administrative measures and legal procedures to recover public funds where necessary.
President Barrow further emphasized that all individuals affected by the commission’s recommendations would be granted fair hearing and due process in accordance with the law.
“Accountability must be fair, objective and guided by the principles of natural justice,” he said, adding that the purpose of the inquiry was not only to identify shortcomings but also to strengthen institutions and prevent future lapses.
The President also urged public officials to uphold integrity and accountability in the management of public resources, while encouraging citizens to remain actively engaged in promoting transparency and monitoring local governance.
He expressed confidence that the commission’s report would contribute to strengthening local government administration, public finance management, procurement systems, internal auditing and decentralization efforts in the country.
Concluding his remarks, President Barrow called on institutions and stakeholders to embrace the findings of the inquiry and use its lessons to improve governance, protect public resources and reinforce public trust in local government administration.
