By Makutu Manneh
Two former staff of the Kerewan Area Council have admitted withdrawing large sums of money from the council’s bank accounts without supporting documentation, following orders from senior officials.
Bunja Jallow, an accounts assistant, and Namang Camara, a former revenue collector, testified before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, detailing how they withdrew hundreds of thousands of dalasis on behalf of the council’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and finance director.
Jallow, who began as a revenue collector before being promoted to accounts assistant in 2008, acknowledged making substantial withdrawals from multiple bank accounts linked to the council.
Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez presented financial records showing that Jallow withdrew: D35,000 from Access Bank, D228,254.50 from Vista Bank, and D220,000 from Trust Bank.
Jallow confirmed these transactions, explaining that he was handed signed cheques by either the CEO or finance director with instructions to withdraw the funds.
“I would withdraw the money and hand it over to them,” Jallow testified. “They didn’t give me vouchers—only cheques.”
When asked if he knew the purpose of these withdrawals, he replied, “I don’t know what the money was meant for.”
Jallow further stated that while the council’s finance director was responsible for preparing vouchers, clerks were sometimes assigned the task. However, he emphasized that he rarely prepared vouchers.
“If you’re not assigned to do it, you don’t do it,” he said.
Namang Camara, the second witness, admitted to withdrawing D190,920 from Vista Bank on behalf of the council. He also disclosed that he withdrew D5,000 as a loan he had applied for.
“When there’s a council meeting, the director tells me they need logistics,” Camara said. “He writes a cheque in my name, I withdraw the money, and I hand it over to him. The same thing happens when the cash power runs out.”
Lead Counsel Gomez pressed Camara on whether vouchers accompanied these transactions.
“You worked as an accounts clerk and assistant before being promoted to finance manager,” Gomez said. “You know that withdrawals should be backed by vouchers. Did you receive any?”
“No,” Camara admitted.
When questioned why he complied with such instructions despite knowing they lacked proper financial documentation, Camara said he was junior at the time and simply followed orders from his superiors.
He acknowledged that cash withdrawals were not part of his official terms of reference.
Camara also revealed details about the council’s revenue collection system, explaining that he was responsible for inputting revenue data into the council’s rate management system.
“This is an Excel-based system,” he said. “I don’t handle cash. Every November, revenue collectors conduct assessments and send the data to me. I input it into the system and print it out for distribution.”
The inquiry into financial mismanagement at local councils continues, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in public financial administration.
