The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) has referred an alleged revenue fraud case to the Ministry of Justice following mounting public concern and media reports about a possible D300 million scandal at the Authority.

The move comes after the group Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) publicly targeted the GPA in a statement calling for accountability over the alleged misappropriation of funds.

In a statement issued on Friday, the GPA reassured the public that the matter is being treated with full transparency and due process, dismissing any suggestions that the case is being concealed or mishandled.

The Authority outlined the following steps taken since the discovery of the alleged fraud: “an initial internal investigation conducted by the GPA, a forensic audit, the results of which were submitted to the police

“The police investigation has now been concluded, and the matter has been referred to the Ministry of Justice for legal advice and guidance on the next steps.”

“The public is reassured that no aspect of this case is being swept under the carpet,” the statement read.

“The GPA remains committed to ensuring that the due process of the law is followed to bring this matter to closure.”

The Gambians Against Looted Assets group had raised concerns over the alleged D300 million, claiming that the funds were improperly handled. 

Their statement, which has generated significant public attention, called for urgent government intervention and transparency in the ongoing investigation.

While the GPA has not provided specific details on the individuals or sums involved, the Ministry of Justice is expected to offer further legal direction in the coming weeks. The police have also yet to comment on the matter.

By Adama Makasuba