Chairman Saihou Jawara and former CEO Pa Nfansu Darboe of the Kuntaur Area Council testified before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry regarding a transfer of funds from a COVID-19 relief fund to the Governor of the Central River Region (CRR).
Jawara explained he was convinced by Darboe to approve the transfer at the Governor’s request for disaster relief, despite acknowledging that local councils are financially independent.
Darboe clarified that the funds, which were a donation from Ousainou Darbo, should have been formally requested. Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez questioned the appropriateness of the transfer, emphasizing that council funds are public and must be managed by the council.
Both Jawara and Darboe admitted the transfer was a mistake and recognized that it should not happen again.
