Protecting Whistleblowers in Gambian Financial Institutions: A Call to Action

Whistleblowing has been recognized as a vital tool in the fight against corruption by international law. It is high time for Gambian financial institutions to follow suit.

What are Whistleblowers?

According to Transparency International, whistleblowers are individuals who disclose information about corruption or wrongdoing within an organization to those believed to be able to effect change.

International Best Practices

Across the world, many countries have laws that protect whistleblowers. Public institutions and private companies also create their own policies and structures to encourage whistleblowing. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) emphasizes that empowering employees to speak up without fear of reprisal can help detect and deter violations in both the public and private sectors.

The Gambia’s Commitment

In 2015, The Gambia Government ratified the UN Convention against Corruption, which provides protection for individuals who report wrongdoing in good faith. However, it appears that no such law has been created to protect whistleblowers in the country.

Minister of Justice Dawda Jallow’s Role

As Minister of Justice, Dawda Jallow should be encouraging and protecting whistleblowers in the public sector. Instead, he has expressed concerns about civil servants leaking government documents, indicating a lack of commitment to transparency and accountability.

The Information Commission

Since August 2021, an Information Commission has been established under the Access to Information Act. However, over 12 months have passed without any progress on this matter. It is imperative for Minister Jallow to take practical steps in fulfilling The Gambia’s international obligations to combat corruption.

Holding Public Officials Accountable

Public officials who abuse their offices and authority should be held accountable, and whistleblowers play a crucial role in exposing wrongdoing. For example, the Securiport deal was exposed by whistleblowers, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability.

A Call for Action

Minister Jallow should refrain from harming decent civil servants who report wrongdoing and instead draft a whistleblowing bill to protect them. Public institutions, private companies, and CSOs should also develop their own whistleblowing policies and structures to encourage whistleblowing and the fight against corruption.

A Message to Whistleblowers

To all public servants and employees in private companies and CSOs, it is essential to blow the whistle anytime you witness harmful decisions or misconduct that goes against public interest. Whistleblowing is an ethical act that requires great personal and professional risk, but it is a crucial step towards promoting open, honest, and accountable governance in The Gambia.

Conclusion

Whistleblowers are critical in the fight against corruption. It is imperative for Gambian financial institutions to protect them and create an environment that encourages transparency and accountability. By doing so, we can promote ethical governance and ensure that public interest is served.