By Kebba AF Touray
A special audit by the National Audit Office (NAO) has revealed that more than 1.3 million dalasis in project funds were diverted into the personal bank account of Dr. Jagne, the Deputy Chief Medical Director at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), raising serious concerns over financial mismanagement at the country’s principal referral hospital.
Covering the period from January 1, 2021, to April 30, 2024, the audit found that 1,330,000 dalasis meant for the implementation of a Medical Research Council (MRC) project were paid directly into Dr. Jagne’s personal bank account. According to the report, Dr. Jagne failed to provide a clear explanation for the transfer or any documentation verifying the use of the funds for their intended purpose.
The NAO noted that while Dr. Jagne had pledged to submit supporting documents during the course of the audit, none were presented by the time of the report’s completion. The audit office has called on the Inspector General of Police to open a full investigation and to recover the money if it is determined to have been misappropriated.
The audit also uncovered 5,102,600 dalasis in questionable payments to individuals listed as casual workers. Auditors found no identifying details—such as names or ID cards—on payment records, which raised the risk of payments to fictitious recipients. The NAO urged EFSTH management to produce the individuals for in-person verification, along with valid identification.
Another issue involved a staff member, Patrick Idoko, who was paid 614,106.69 dalasis between January and July 2022, despite not reporting to work. Although the funds were later recovered, auditors criticized the absence of immediate disciplinary measures and recommended a suspension to discourage future violations.
In response to the audit, EFSTH management said Dr. Jagne submitted receipts totaling 490,000 dalasis, while another official, Dr. Sheikh Omar Bittaye, accounted for 317,000 dalasis. Management added that the remaining balance would be recovered from those responsible.
Regarding the casual workers, management stated that arrangements had been made for them to appear before the audit team for verification. On the matter of Mr. Idoko, management explained that he had been on approved leave through January 2022 but did not resume work due to personal difficulties, including the illness and death of his father. He reportedly accepted responsibility for the overpayment and agreed to a repayment plan. A three-month suspension was issued.
The audit findings have prompted calls for stronger oversight and internal controls at EFSTH, as public scrutiny intensifies over the management of funds in Gambia’s health sector.
