Gambia: Government hunts down ghost agents after embezzlement of nearly 24 million dalasis
The Gambian government has launched a large-scale cleanup operation within the civil service following the discovery of a major scandal involving 1,430 fictitious employees who had unduly received salaries. The financial loss is estimated at 23.9 million dalasis for the year 2024, according to the findings of an official audit.
Speaking before the National Assembly on Wednesday, the Minister of Public Service, Baboucarr Bouye, stated that only 2 million dalasis have been recovered so far. The ministry is now working with the Treasury to recover the remaining sums and to initiate legal action against uncooperative fraudsters. A request in this regard has been submitted to the Solicitor General to obtain the necessary judicial authorization.
The government is also considering publishing the names of those involved, in order to increase public pressure and encourage repayment. The ministries most affected by this fraud are Agriculture, Health, Livestock, and Basic and Secondary Education.
Responding to concerns from parliamentarians, Minister Bouye assured that the matter is being handled with “the utmost urgency”, although no specific recovery timeline has yet been established. He also indicated that, in the education sector, a specialized committee will be set up to oversee appointments, working conditions, and disciplinary measures, instead of a Teachers’ Service Commission.
The minister further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to merit-based recruitment, stressing the need to ensure transparency, fairness, and performance in the management of public human resources.
This scandal has sparked strong reactions within Parliament, where several lawmakers have called for stronger internal control mechanisms and greater transparency in the management of public finances. The minister concluded by emphasizing the crucial role of the judiciary and financial institutions in ensuring the success of this effort to combat administrative impunity.
