Omar B.J. Touray, a former deputy mayor of the Banjul City Council (BCC), appeared Thursday before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, where he was questioned about hiring decisions, audit report oversight, and the sale of a municipal vehicle during his tenure from 2018 to 2023.
The commission, established to examine the financial and administrative practices of local government councils from May 2018 to January 2023, aims to improve transparency and accountability across the country’s local governance system.
Mr. Touray, who once served as the councillor for Crab Island Ward and chaired the BCC’s Establishment Committee, told the commission that he could not recall discussing audit findings in committee or council meetings. “I cannot remember,” he said when asked about the committee’s handling of reports highlighting financial irregularities. He added that agenda-setting was primarily the responsibility of the then-Mayor and Chief Executive Officer Mustapha Batchilly.
The Establishment Committee, which Mr. Touray led, was tasked with overseeing appointments and disciplinary matters. Under his leadership, several controversial hires were made, including that of Makumba Sanneh, an adviser to the Mayor. Mr. Touray acknowledged that Sanneh had served as the Mayor’s campaign manager and that his appointment was based on political loyalty rather than formal qualifications. “He was appointed by the Establishment Committee without any qualification,” Mr. Touray admitted.
Other appointments, including that of a woman identified only as Binta, raised additional questions. Binta was reportedly placed on a Grade 7.1 salary scale — a level requiring approval from the Local Government Service Commission, not the council. Mr. Touray confirmed her appointment was made without following that procedure.
Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez pressed Mr. Touray on the transparency of the recruitment process. “Their appointments were not advertised,” Mr. Gomez pointed out. “Yes, that is true,” Mr. Touray responded. He explained that the committee acted on the advice of CEO Batchilly and that, at the time, he was unaware of the requirement to publicly advertise job vacancies. Reflecting on the matter, he said, “It is a lesson learnt for me.”
The inquiry also delved into the sale of a V8 vehicle previously used by a former mayor. The vehicle was reportedly sold to Fatou Sira Ceesay, who served as Mr. Touray’s secretary. Mr. Touray said he had no knowledge of any public auction process and expressed surprise upon learning about the sale. “I should have asked,” he admitted, but when asked by counsel why he didn’t inquire, he answered simply, “I don’t know. I have no idea.”
When Mr. Gomez suggested that his relationship with the secretary may have influenced his silence, Mr. Touray denied any such motive. “This is not about her being my secretary. I did not just ask,” he said.
Mr. Touray acknowledged the Establishment Committee also appointed individuals including Margett Sarr (protocol officer), Binta Conteh, and two others—all without advertising the positions.
During the hearing, Chairperson Jainaba Bah instructed Mr. Touray to provide further documentation, including the Establishment Committee’s file and detailed information regarding the sale of the council vehicle—specifically the purchase price and any outstanding payments.
Chairperson Bah also flagged financial discrepancies involving a Standard Chartered Bank donation intended for cleaning services. Instead, the funds were reportedly redirected to cover council wages, despite council records indicating salaries were paid separately that same month. Mr. Touray was asked to return with evidence to clarify the matter.
Though the former deputy mayor no longer holds office after losing a re-election bid, the commission’s inquiry signals a broader effort to scrutinize and reform the operations of local councils. As Mr. Touray conceded under questioning, “The idea was to give back opportunities to specific people who supported your campaign… It was not based on competence or qualification.”
“That is true,” he said. “It is a lesson learnt for me.”
The hearings continue.
