Police have opened investigation into corruption allegations at Ministry of Fisheries after media reports that the permanent secretary and others took bribes from Chinese fishing firm, Golden Lead Factory.

An undercover investigation by Malagen newspaper unearthed corrupt practices including the alleged taking of bribes by the Permanent Secretary Dr. Bamba Banja. 

An audio recording of the senior civil servant demanding bribery for illegal fishing in Gambian waters was released by the newspaper. 

Dr. Banja has been suspended as authorities investigate the allegations. He was summoned Thursday for questioning by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Police spokesman Superintendent Lamin Njie told Gambiana: “we can confirm that an investigation has been launched into the matter.”

But he couldn’t give further details as  “the investigation is at the commencement stage and so we may not be in a position to share details as of now.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba