Mayor of Kanifing Municipality Ahmed Talib Bensouda has has criticised the council’s financial manual, calling it “in direct contradiction” with the Local Government Act, as he makes first public appearance before the probe commission.

Mayor Bensouda explained that while the manual serves as a guideline, the law, the Financial Audit Act, clearly defines financial responsibilities.

“The manual is a guideline, but the law is the Financial Audit Act. I strongly believe the manual contradicts the Local Government Act. It states that the CEO is responsible for all finances of the council, while the council should exercise oversight. I cannot be both part of the administration and part of the council. That would be a contradiction,” he said.

The mayor noted that the council has set thresholds for financial approvals: payments above 500,000 dalasis require council approval, while smaller payments fall under the CEO’s authority.

He emphasized that the contracts and finance committees, each made up of three subject-matter specialists, are fully capable of overseeing financial matters.

“It would be contradictory for me, as mayor, to execute payments and simultaneously hold the CEO accountable. My role is to ensure accountability through council membership, not to manage financial transactions directly,” he added.

Since joining the Kanifing Municipal Council in 2018, Bensouda has observed multiple financial processes and stressed the importance of clear boundaries between administration and oversight.

Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez highlighted that the law is explicit: “The manual should align with statutory regulations, and all council resolutions must conform to these rules. There is no discretion outside the law.”

His testimony continues.

By Adama Makasuba