GRTS Complains of Unfair Treatment in TV Station Bid Process

Banjul, The Gambia - A State-Owner Broadcaster’s Disappointment

Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS), a state-owned broadcaster, has expressed disappointment over what it calls unfair treatment in the bidding process for a new television station.

Unreasonable Deadline

According to reports, GRTS was invited to bid on December 21, 2018, and given only three days to prepare and submit its proposal. In contrast, QTV, another bidder, had more time to prepare its offer.

“We believe that we offered better value for money than QTV,” said a senior official at GRTS. “We were shocked by the short deadline and feel that it was an unreasonable expectation.”

Background: Opaque Dealings with Foreign Companies

The complaint comes as the country is still reeling from the fallout of the previous government’s opaque dealings with foreign companies.

Semlex Contract

In 2018, it was revealed that the Jammeh regime had signed a contract with Semlex Europe SA to manage the country’s identity documents without following proper procurement procedures. The contract has been widely criticized for its lack of transparency and safeguards against data misuse.

Current Efforts to Combat Corruption

Under President Adama Barrow’s administration, there have been ongoing efforts to tackle corruption and recover stolen assets from the previous government.

Transparency International’s Warning

Transparency International has called out the Jammeh regime for its reputation as a kleptocracy, with former dictator Yahya Jammeh known for his lavish lifestyle and alleged theft of millions of dollars from state coffers.

Seized Assets and Luxury Goods

The Finance Minister has revealed that over $100 million had been siphoned from state firms, while assets worth millions more are being searched for. The seized assets include at least 14 businesses across various sectors, including media and insurance.

To help tackle the national debt, the new government is selling off luxury cars, private jets, and mansions once owned by Jammeh.

A Call for Transparency

The controversy surrounding the Semlex contract has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for greater transparency in government dealings. The Barrow administration has insisted on upholding the contract despite vocal opposition.

GRTS’ Complaint: A Reminder of Accountability

As the country moves forward, GRTS’ complaint highlights concerns about fairness and transparency in public contracting processes. The broadcaster’s allegations of unfair treatment are a reminder that accountability and good governance are essential for building trust in institutions and promoting economic development.