Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mr. Gaye TheVoice
Published on 2024-03-20 07:55:13
The ongoing corruption case involving three top government officials in Gambia took an interesting turn as the fourth prosecution witness, Muhammed Sissohor, revealed shocking details in court yesterday. Sissohor disclosed that he had withdrawn over D1.6 million from Access Bank Gambia on instructions from the deputy manager of Global Fund, Lamin Jarju.
Testifying before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh at the high court in Banjul, PW4 Muhammed Sissohor recounted how he was given a double cheque for D500,000 by Lamin Jarju to withdraw from Access Bank Gambia. After making the first and second withdrawals, totaling over D500,000, Jarju also handed him D20,000 on separate occasions.
Further adding to the intrigue, Sissohor mentioned that Jarju contacted him to handle a contract that had initially been awarded to a Senegalese individual who allegedly absconded with the contract funds without paying the workers. In a surprising turn of events, Jarju gave Sissohor a third cheque amounting to over D600,000 from Access Bank Gambia, but Sissohor questioned why he could not make any withdrawals from the said bank.
This case dates back to 2018 and 2020 when the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Muhammed Lamin Jaiteh, manager of the Malaria Control Programme, Balla Kandeh, and Omar Malleh Ceesay, the Executive Director of HePDO, were charged with conspiracy to commit felony, official corruption, economic crimes, theft, and forgery. Additionally, Muhammed Lamin Jaiteh faces a separate charge of disobedience of statutory duty.
The revelations made by Muhammed Sissohor shed more light on the intricate web of corruption and malpractice that seems to have plagued these government officials. The court proceedings have unveiled a series of suspicious transactions and questionable actions that have raised serious concerns about the integrity and accountability of those in positions of power.
As the trial continues, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the corruption allegations against these government officials are not to be taken lightly. The testimony provided by witnesses like Muhammed Sissohor serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards and the rule of law in all aspects of governance.
The gravity of the charges brought against the accused officials underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and diligence in the fight against corruption. It is crucial that justice is served, and those found guilty of wrongdoing are held accountable for their actions.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of corruption and the importance of upholding the principles of good governance in order to ensure a just and equitable society for all. As the trial unfolds, it is hoped that the truth will prevail, and those responsible for corrupt acts will be brought to justice.
Read the original article on The Voice Gambia
