GAMBIA: Calls for Protection of Whistleblowers Amid Growing Concerns Over Corruption
Whistleblower protection is crucial in the fight against corruption, and the international community has long recognized its importance. In Gambia, a growing chorus is calling on the government to take concrete steps to protect whistleblowers, who are critical in exposing corruption.
What is Whistleblowing?
According to Transparency International, a whistleblower is an individual who discloses information about corruption or wrongdoing within an organization to those believed to be able to effect action. Whistleblowing is not only an ethical act but also an anti-corruption tool that can help detect and deter violations.
The Importance of Whistleblower Protection
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) emphasizes the importance of whistleblower protection in both public and private sectors, stating that empowering employees to speak up without fear of reprisal can help authorities detect and prevent corruption. Gambia’s Minister of Justice Dawda Jallow has been urged to take a proactive approach in protecting whistleblowers, particularly in light of the country’s ratification of the UN Convention against Corruption in 2015.
Lack of Progress
Despite the importance of whistleblower protection, little progress has been made in this regard. The Gambian government has failed to establish an Information Commission under the Access to Information Act, which was enacted in August 2021. This has raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability within the public sector.
Recent Comments
Minister Jallow’s recent comments suggesting that whistleblowers should be punished for leaking government documents have been met with criticism from anti-corruption advocates. Instead, they are calling on him to take concrete steps to protect whistleblowers and promote a culture of transparency and accountability within the public service.
The Need for Action
The Gambian government has also been criticized for its handling of whistleblower reports in the past. The recent exposure of corruption scandals involving public officials has highlighted the importance of whistleblower protection in promoting good governance and fighting corruption.
To address these concerns, anti-corruption advocates are calling on Minister Jallow to:
- Draft a whistleblowing bill that can be approved by the National Assembly
- Urge all public institutions, private companies, and civil society organizations to develop their own whistleblowing policies and structures
- Encourage public servants and employees in private companies and CSOs to speak up whenever they witness wrongdoing or harmful decisions
The Importance of Courage
Whistleblowing requires courage and conviction. Public servants and employees in private companies and CSOs must be willing to speak up whenever they witness wrongdoing or harmful decisions that may harm the public interest.
Conclusion
The Gambian government must take concrete steps to protect whistleblowers and promote a culture of transparency and accountability within the public service. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the Gambian people.