Financial Crime World

Gambian Councils Face Consequences of Non-Compliance, Expert Warns

The Gambian Public Procurement Authority has uncovered numerous non-compliant issues across local government councils in the country. Experts warn that such practices can have devastating consequences on the economy and the integrity of local government councils.

Non-Compliance Issues Revealed

According to Mr. Samba J.B. Tambura, Director of Compliance and Practices at GPPA, several councils have failed to adhere to procurement regulations. Some councils have even conducted transactions without proper authorization. The Kanifing Municipal Council was singled out for its poor performance, scoring 64% in 2019, 67% in 2020, and 72% in 2021.

  • In 2019, the council engaged in numerous non-compliant transactions, including 393 Request for Quotation transactions worth D44,580,666.
  • The authority also discovered that some councils were conducting procurement transactions without involving their procurement units, raising concerns about transparency and conflict of interest.

Concerns About Transparency and Conflict of Interest

Mr. Tambura warned that once a council conducts a procurement transaction without involving its procurement unit, it raises eyebrows and the issue of transparency and conflict of interest comes into play.

  • “Once that happens, it raises eyebrows and the issue of transparency and conflict of interest comes into play,” Mr. Tambura said.
  • The expert emphasized that transparency is a fundamental principle of procurement and that non-compliance can lead to devastating consequences.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

The findings have sparked concerns about the implications of non-compliance on the country’s economy and the integrity of local government councils. Mr. Tambura warned that non-compliance can lead to devastating consequences, including:

  • Stopping other economic players from participating in procurement processes
  • Undermining transparency and accountability
  • Putting the economy at risk

Urgent Action Needed

As the inquiry continues, experts are urging authorities to take immediate action to address these issues and ensure that procurement practices are transparent and compliant with regulations.

  • The expert emphasized that it is crucial for authorities to take prompt action to prevent further non-compliance.
  • He urged authorities to implement measures to enhance transparency and accountability in procurement processes.