By Fatou Bojang
Yusupha Jallow, the Director of Administration at Banjul City Council (BCC), is under investigation for alleged corruption and insufficient staff disciplinary measures following his recent testimony before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry (LGCI).
During a session that raised significant concerns regarding the council’s governance, Jallow, who has been with BCC since 1995, faced intense questioning about the appointment of key personnel and the enforcement of disciplinary actions. He stated that resolutions regarding staff misconduct originate from the Establishment Committee; however, critics contend that implementing these measures is lacking.
Jallow confirmed a 2018 task force report that led to employee dismissals but admitted he could not produce a copy of the document. He mentioned that some affected employees had filed lawsuits against the council, which were subsequently settled through structured payment plans.
The inquiry also examined the council’s loan policies, uncovering that Jallow and other staff members had benefited from personal and car loans. Jallow disclosed that he received a D130,000 car loan and a D40,000 personal loan, sparking questions about the absence of a formal loan policy and whether his seniority influenced the approval of these loans.
He denied receiving special treatment despite acknowledging that he had taken another loan before repaying the first.
Audit findings related to using unofficial receipt books for revenue collection at Albert Market further highlighted concerns regarding the council’s financial practices. Jallow claimed he was unaware of the specific details surrounding this issue.
As the inquiry progresses, the future of BCC’s governance and accountability remains unclear. Council staff and the public are calling for clearer policies and stricter enforcement of disciplinary measures.
