Systemic Corruption Under President Barrow: A Culture of Impunity and Looted Assets (2016-2024)

Since assuming office in 2017, President Adama Barrow’s administration has been plagued by allegations of widespread corruption, with scandals permeating every sector of governance. Despite initial promises of reform and transparency, Barrow’s government has been accused of fostering a culture of impunity, where public funds are misappropriated, and accountability is systematically undermined. This article exposes key figures implicated in corruption under Barrow’s regime and highlights the systemic failures enabling graft to thrive.

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1. Alieu Momarr Njai – Former Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)

Affiliation: Appointed by Yahya Jammeh but retained under Barrow.
Allegations: Njai authorized the unlawful payment of nearly D16 million in allowances to IEC staff, violating the Electoral Service Code 2018. He also oversaw the transfer of D301 million of election funds into the private accounts of returning officers, circumventing financial regulations. Police investigations recommended his prosecution for corruption and abuse of office, but no action has been taken.

2. Anthony Robert Secka – Finance Director of the IEC

Affiliation: Worked under Njai and retained under Barrow.
Allegations: Secka illegally transferred D301 million in public funds to private accounts, including D100 million to his own account. He was accused of negligence for failing to document revenues from party registration fees and nomination costs. Police recommended his prosecution for neglect of official duties and abuse of office.

3. Ismaila Ceesay – Minister of Information

Affiliation: Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP).
Allegations: Ceesay has consistently dismissed corruption allegations, labeling audit reports as “mere opinions.” He defended the government’s refusal to grant protest permits against corruption and downplayed scandals like the mismanagement of COVID-19 funds and the Gambia Ports Authority embezzlement.

4. Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh – Minister of Health

Affiliation: Barrow’s NPP.
Allegations: Samateh admitted to corruption within his ministry, including ghost workers on payrolls, embezzlement of funds meant for medical supplies, and fraudulent procurement contracts. His mismanagement contributed to the deaths of over 70 children in 2022 due to contaminated cough syrup, with no accountability enforced.

5. Fafa Sanyang – Minister of Petroleum and Energy

Affiliation: Barrow’s NPP.
Allegations: Sanyang was implicated in the Russian oil scandal, where officials received kickbacks from a controversial oil deal. The National Assembly found evidence of tax evasion and corruption, but the presidency ignored calls for action.

6. Ousman Jobarteh – CEO of Gambia Ports Authority (GPA)

Affiliation: Barrow’s NPP.
Allegations: Jobarteh embezzled GMD 300 million through fraudulent schemes. Despite audits revealing the theft, no prosecutions have occurred, and the scandal has been suppressed.

7. Lamin Dibba – Minister of Local Government

Affiliation: Barrow’s NPP.
Allegations: Dibba oversaw rampant revenue leakages and unsupported expenditures in local councils, including Kanifing, Brikama, and Basse. Audits revealed millions lost to corruption, with no consequences for officials 6.

8. Mambury Njie – Minister of Finance

Affiliation: Barrow’s NPP.
Allegations: Njie mismanaged COVID-19 funds, with millions unaccounted for. The Auditor General reported inflated contracts, payments to ghost workers, and diverted resources meant for pandemic response.

9. Hassan Jallow – Minister of Justice

Affiliation: Barrow’s NPP.
Allegations: Jallow deliberately delayed corruption cases, including the GPA scandal and the children’s cough syrup tragedy. Courts allowed endless adjournments, ensuring impunity for connected officials.

10. Hamat Bah – Minister of Tourism and Culture

Affiliation: Barrow’s NPP.
Allegations: Bah was involved in the mismanagement of the tourism eco-lodge project and illegal land allocations. Audits revealed opaque processes and favoritism in awarding contracts.

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Systemic Failures Enabling Corruption

1. Suppression of Protests: Barrow’s government consistently denied permits for anti-corruption protests, violating constitutional rights to assembly.
2. Dismissal of Audit Reports: Barrow himself dismissed Auditor General reports as “just an opinion,” undermining accountability mechanisms.
3. Weak Anti-Corruption Institutions: The Anti-Corruption Commission remains ineffective, with delayed prosecutions and political interference.
4. Cultural Impunity: The concept of maslaha (forgiveness for the common good) is exploited to justify corruption, while the extended family system creates dependencies that encourage graft.

Under President Barrow, corruption has become institutionalized, with high-ranking officials acting with impunity. From embezzlement of public funds to suppression of dissent, the government has prioritized self-enrichment over national development. The youth-led movements like Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) and opposition parties like the United Democratic Party (UDP) are demanding change, but without genuine political will, The Gambia’s future remains at risk.

Call to Action:

• Support independent media and anti-corruption movements.
• Demand prosecution of implicated officials.
• Vote for leaders committed to transparency and accountability.

For further details, refer to sources like The Republic, Al kamba Times and Kerr Fatou.