Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Banjul City Council (BCC) has undergone a major restructuring of its committees, with Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe announcing the inclusion of subject-matter experts in all committees to enhance efficiency and accountability. The announcement came during a general council meeting held on Monday, September 1, 2025.
Mayor Lowe said the reshuffle was inspired by revelations from the ongoing Local Government Commission of Inquiry, which flagged concerns about unqualified appointments and weak oversight in local government structures.
“I want to be on record that that was a very big mistake. I have to take responsibility. It is through the Local Government Commission of Inquiry that I know that,” she admitted, noting that she had “learned her lessons” and was determined to strengthen governance.
Leadership and Expertise in Committees Building on Previous Reforms
The council’s committees have been reshuffled, with Abdoulie Boss Gaye remaining as chairperson and an expert from the Ministry of Finance co-opted.
The Women’s Committee is now a standalone body, chaired by Bintou S.M. Jaiteh and expert Bintou Sonko.
Bai Essa Ngum has been appointed as an expert for the Religious committee. The Environment and ‘Mbalit‘ Committee is chaired by Tunko Jammeh, while the Development Committee is chaired by Abdoulie Krubally.
Committee memberships were also finalized, with councillors assigned alongside experts to ensure technical guidance.
“All your committees will now have experts,” Lowe told councillors, describing the move as critical for effective service delivery.
The restructuring builds on reforms introduced in July 2025, when BCC formalized financial thresholds for expenditures under Sections 305 and 306 of the Local Government Financial Manual.
The new system grants the Chief Executive Officer up to D25,000, the Mayor or Deputy Mayor up to D300,000, and anything above D300,000 requires General Council approval. The council also reaffirmed the D150,000 Ward Development Vote.
Critics say Mayor Lowe’s reshuffle marks a shift toward professionalism and accountability at BCC, aligning with best practices and lessons from the ongoing Commission of Inquiry.
“Everything we do now will include the right experts to guide our committees,” Lowe stressed, highlighting that the reforms were not just about leadership reshuffling but ensuring technical competence in council operations.
The move has been welcomed by residents who see it as a necessary step to restore public confidence in the city’s governance structures.
