Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – A leaked “request for cash allocation” from the Office of the Chief of Staff has ignited a firestorm of public criticism and renewed demands for government transparency. The document, which circulated widely on social media on Tuesday, reveals a proposed allocation of GMD 3.6 million in per diems for a security detail accompanying the President’s mother on an overseas medical checkup.

The sheer scale of the requested expenditure has shocked many Gambians, particularly against the backdrop of the nation’s ongoing economic challenges and repeated calls for fiscal prudence. Citizens and good governance advocates have voiced their disbelief and questioned the justification for such a substantial sum for what they deem a private matter.

However, supporters of the ruling National Peoples Party (NPP) moved swiftly to downplay the significance of the leak and cast doubt on the narrative of a potential scandal.

Prominent NPP supporter Ahmad Gitteh took to Facebook, arguing that the leaked document lacks crucial context. He pointed out that the request includes per diems for the Secretary General and “other officers travelling from this office,” suggesting the GMD 3.6 million was not solely for the President’s mother’s security.

Gitteh further questioned the motive behind the leak, asking for the accompanying document detailing the full cost breakdown of the trip. “Until those questions are answered, which I believe are in the document that explains the cost for the trip and was deliberately kept from the public, I will consider this as another ploy aimed at dirtying the name of the president and his administration,” he stated.

Meanwhile, opposition voices have expressed profound shock and dismay at the leaked request. Many are calling for a thorough and transparent explanation from the government regarding the necessity and breakdown of the proposed GMD 3.6 million allocation.

They argue that even if the funds have not yet been disbursed, the intention to allocate such a significant amount raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to responsible financial management.

The Ministry of Finance has since confirmed the authenticity of the leaked document. However, a ministry official clarified that the request remains pending and no funds have been released. “A request for cash allocation does not equate to the release of funds,” the official stated, emphasizing that all government disbursements are processed electronically, not through physical cash.

Despite the Ministry’s clarification, the revelation has amplified public scrutiny of government spending, particularly concerning expenditures related to the President’s family and close associates.

Critics maintain that the requested amount appears exorbitant and underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency in the handling of public finances.

The incident has galvanized calls from citizens and transparency advocates for the government to publicly justify the GMD 3.6 million request and to commit to more stringent oversight of public spending to ensure fiscal responsibility. The debate surrounding this leaked document is likely to continue, further fueling the ongoing discourse on governance and accountability in The Gambia.