By Fatou Krubally
The Chairman of the Brikama Area Council (BAC), Yankuba Darboe, has rejected allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement surrounding the council’s recently concluded 11-day regional tour.
In a statement, Darboe said the tour was conducted within approved budgetary limits and under strict financial controls, adding that no participant received per diems or allowances during the exercise.
He said the tour formed part of the official responsibilities of councilors and council staff, with expenditure limited to logistical arrangements, including accommodation, meals, venue preparation and cultural activities.
According to the BAC chairman, the budget for the tour was discussed and approved by councilors before implementation and was later adjusted to meet operational needs.
He maintained that the council did not exceed the approved budget and instead recorded savings, some of which were returned to the council after the completion of the exercise.
Darboe explained that the tour had initially been scheduled earlier but was postponed due to financial constraints. He said the exercise was organized to enable councilors and officials to inspect ongoing projects and assess development activities across the region before the end of the council’s current term.
Responding to corruption allegations, he said the BAC remained subject to annual audits by the National Audit Office and that any financial irregularities would be reflected through official audit processes.
Darboe encouraged other public institutions to adopt cost-conscious approaches to official engagements, arguing that institutional tours can be conducted effectively without the payment of allowances.