19/10/2024
KMC’s Former PR Manager Testifies at Local Government Inquiry
The Local Government Commission of Inquiry, established to investigate the financial and administrative operations of local councils between 2018 and 2023, heard testimony from Isatou Faal, the former Public Relations Manager of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC). The inquiry aims to enhance transparency and accountability within local governance structures.
Faal, whose written statement dated 7 June 2023 was admitted into evidence, testified that she was employed by the KMC in June 2018. She recounted her prior working relationship with KMC Mayor Talib Bensouda, stating that she had worked for his company, Safaro Gambia Limited, first as a salesgirl and later as operations manager and marketing head. Following Bensouda’s election, Faal expressed her interest in continuing to work with him at the council and was encouraged by him to submit an application for the PR Manager position, which was vacant at the time.
According to Faal, the time between her application and appointment was approximately one week. However, under questioning by Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez, it was revealed that both her application letter and appointment offer were dated 7 June 2018. When confronted with this discrepancy, Faal maintained that she had not been appointed on the same day she applied, attributing the issue to a possible administrative oversight by the council’s HR manager, Dembo Jah, who had conducted her interview.
Gomez pressed Faal on whether her employment had been influenced by her prior relationship with Mayor Bensouda. Faal denied any improper influence, asserting that she had gone through the correct hiring process. However, Gomez pointed out that her swift appointment raised suspicion, particularly given that the Local Government Service Commission, as required by law, had not been involved in her hiring process. Faal admitted to being unaware of this legal requirement.
