By Kebba AF Touray
The Minister of Interior, Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang, has disclosed before Deputies the case file of the alleged missing funds of D300 million at the Gambia Ports Authority has been referred to the Attorney General’s chambers for review and legal advice.
When asked by Member for Janjanbureh, Hon. Omar Jammeh about the state of the GPA’s investigations on the corruption scandal, and to share any evidence of recommendations from the investigation panel; the full names of the alleged persons; whereabouts of the suspects, and the actions taken against them, Interior Minister Sanyang replied: “The case file on this matter has been completed and sent to the Attorney General’s Chamber for review and their opinion on the matter for further action.”
Mr. Sanyang said this on Wednesday, 11 December 2024, during the question-and-answer session with legislators.
The alleged missing revenue of 300 million at the Gambia Ports Authority has been a public outcry, culminating in the setting up of an investigation team to probe into the matter.
Mr. Sanyang told Deputies that about 60 percent of the police stations across the country are on rented premises.
In his question, Hon. Madi Ceesay asked about the Ministry’s plans to build or renovate some police stations or posts across the country and gave Manjai Police station as an example.
In his response, Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang said the provision of better infrastructure and a conducive working environment is highly prioritised by his Ministry and the management of the Gambia Police Force (GPF).
“However, due to budgetary constraints in 2024, many renovations of police stations could not be done effectively, even though some was done in partnership with GIZ and the UNDP,” he said.
He continued to say that a few police stations including the Serrekunda and Bundung Police Stations, were built while Bakoteh Station was renovated. He said the UNDP is currently working to finish ongoing work on Essau Police station.
According to Sanyang, GIZ has plans to build another five stations, including Soma, Brikama, and Farrafenni Police stations, with a hybrid one in Basse, in the URR.
Mr. Sanyang said the Gambia Police Service needs to be equipped with towing vehicles to clear abandoned vehicles from the roads to pave way for the smooth flow of traffic on the country’s highways. Minister Sanyang said the GPF towing vehicle is no longer useable, adding that in partnership with private individuals, the GPF uses their towing machine to tow abandoned vehicles on the roadside. Minister Sanyang said the GPF towing vehicle is currently not in operation and solicits the support of the National Assembly to help them in this regard, saying there is no allocation for vehicles in their budget.
Hon. Sheriff Sarr, the Member for Jeshwang also asked Interior Minister Sanyang to update them on his Ministry’s efforts in controlling drugs in the country. In his response to the Hon. Member, Interior Minister Sanyang said patrols are ongoing, and sensitization by the Drug Law Enforcement Agency at radio stations across the country is also ongoing. He said arrests and convictions have been made and secured respectively, while other cases continue in courts. He affirmed that patrols are also ongoing to curb the menace.
