Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, THE GAMBIA) – The Gambian government has dismissed as false a media report alleging that the Ministry of Justice had directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to establish an investigative panel to question mayors and other local government officials mentioned in the Government White Paper on the findings of the Local Government Commission of Inquiry.
In a statement, the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services said no such directive had been issued to the police and that the government had made no decision or arrangements to establish the alleged panel.
The denial follows a report by Kerr Fatou claiming that the Ministry of Justice had instructed the police to investigate several local government officials implicated in the findings of the commission.
The government also rejected claims that the proposed investigation would operate under a 14-day reporting deadline, with alleged reservations among senior police officials and security arrangements being considered ahead of an anticipated meeting between the IGP and President Adama Barrow.
It described these claims as unsubstantiated, saying the publication relied on unnamed sources to present unverified information as established facts.
Government Raises Concern Over Political Tensions
The Ministry said it was particularly concerned about the timing of the report, given the politically sensitive period in the country’s democratic calendar.
It warned that such reporting could unnecessarily heighten political tensions, create public anxiety, and undermine confidence in public institutions.
The government urged media organizations to uphold professional standards of accuracy, responsibility, and verification, particularly when reporting on national security, law enforcement, and public order.
White Paper Controversy
The Government White Paper followed the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, which examined the management and operations of local councils across the country.
Its findings and recommendations have attracted considerable public and political attention, particularly over allegations of financial misconduct, negligence, and other administrative failures involving elected mayors and local government officials.
The White Paper recommended various actions against some officials, including investigations, surcharges, and reviews of their fitness to hold public office.
However, the latest government statement makes clear that no police investigative panel has been established as alleged in the Kerr Fatou report.
The Ministry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the rule of law, due process, institutional independence, and the peaceful conduct of the democratic process, while advising the public to disregard the report’s claims.
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