Momodou Camara, the former Finance Director of the Banjul City Council (BCC), testified on July 15 before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry. He expressed concern about Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe’s claim that she was unaware of council transactions.
Camara stated that the mayor held absolute power in the council, rendering the CEO, Mustapha Batchily, ineffective. He explained that he was not asked for his views on financial decisions and mostly received instructions for payments without any discussion.
Counsel Gomez questioned Camara about his payments to individuals and transactions that did not follow proper procedures. Camara admitted that he worked in a system where directors excluded him, thereby limiting his ability to perform his job effectively.
He recognized that the council was disorganized, which allowed some people to benefit personally at the council’s expense. Camara emphasized the need to review the Local Government Act to clarify the roles of the mayor and CEO, thereby preventing confusion and shifting of responsibilities.
