This morning, the Banjul City Council (BCC) is operating with a reduced workforce after 27 officials were placed on administrative leave. The Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) made this decision following an audit that raised concerns about financial management, prompting a police investigation.
In a letter to the BCC CEO, the LGSC explained that the move is part of a broader effort to address potential financial irregularities and ensure proper accountability. The officials have been placed on leave as a precautionary measure while investigations continue into possible misconduct or mismanagement of funds.
The letter further explained that the audit covered the financial years ending December 2021 and December 2022, as well as the EU Banjul-Ostend Project. The Ministry of Local Government has referred the matter to the police, and the affected staff will remain on half salary until the investigation concludes. They have been instructed to hand over their responsibilities to their deputies immediately.
Among those placed on leave are key figures from finance, planning, audit, procurement, and other critical departments within the council. The outcome of the police investigation will determine the next steps.
