By: Fatou Krubally
The former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Banjul City Council (BCC), Mustapha Bachily, has strongly rejected claims that key decisions and financial transactions were made without the mayor’s knowledge during his tenure.
Testifying before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, Mr. Bachily said morning briefings with senior staff and the mayor were also routine to ensure transparency and that all major payments and council decisions were made with the mayor fully informed. He explained that regular management meetings, including contract committee sessions, were documented and the minutes sent to the mayor’s office.
“I continuously deny that decisions were made without the mayor’s knowledge,” Bachily stated, describing his leadership as consultative and consensus-driven.
When questioned about financial authority, Bachily acknowledged spending limits defined by the council’s financial manual, adding that no payment exceeding those limits was made without mayoral consent.
He also addressed allegations about payments made in the mayor’s name. Bachily explained these transactions were part of council efforts to support vulnerable groups through collaborations with civil society organizations, such as the Red Cross. While admitting that the payment process could have been more structured, he insisted payments were authorized properly and in accordance with requests from the mayor’s office.
Regarding council lands, Bachily clarified that the council’s role was limited to managing leases rather than outright sales. Lease durations had been reviewed and shortened. He acknowledged some discrepancies in documentation but emphasized that lease agreements and payments were approved through the proper channels.
On staffing, the former CEO admitted there was overstaffing in some departments, which led to inefficiencies. He noted that reforms implemented after the establishment of the Local Government Service Commission in 2019 aimed to address these issues by improving governance and disciplinary procedures.
Bachily’s testimony seeks to dispel allegations of exclusion and unilateral control by the CEO’s office, emphasizing a transparent and inclusive administration. The mayor is scheduled to reappear before the commission on July 7 to present her own evidence.
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