Amadou Sanneh, former Finance Minister of Gambia and treasurer of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), has urged the National Assembly to investigate road construction contracts allegedly awarded to sympathizers of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
Speaking at a gathering in Tuba Sanchaba, where some NPP supporters reportedly defected to the UDP, Sanneh criticised the government for slow road construction progress. He alleged that contracts were awarded based on political affiliation, lacking transparency and favoring NPP supporters without due qualifications.
Sanneh voiced concerns about potential “state capture” akin to practices under former President Yahya Jammeh, stressing that the contract awarding process lacked due process and fair competition. He called on the National Assembly to investigate and summon the Minister of Works for clarity on contractor selection. Emphasising equal opportunity for all Gambian businesses, he advocated for an open tender system.
Additionally, Sanneh raised concerns about reports of the NPP allegedly collecting registration fees from women’s groups, promising loans in return. If true, he argued, it would be a form of voter inducement that should be addressed by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). He suggested that the government’s economic policies and management, particularly those affecting women who do not support the NPP, are divisive and unjust.
Sanneh further criticised President Adama Barrow’s administration, describing it as ineffective and corrupt. He alleged misuse of resources and claimed the Central Bank was acting beyond its mandate, even providing guarantees to private businesses, which was against previous government policy. Highlighting economic challenges, he claimed the government was engaging in currency swaps with the African Finance Corporation to counter the dalasi’s devaluation.
Sanneh’s remarks reflect mounting opposition concerns over governance, transparency, and economic management under the NPP, underscoring calls for systemic reform and accountability in Gambian politics.
