A senior official at the Ministry of Youth and Sports has been demoted after misappropriating millions of dalasis meant for the Gambia’s national football team during preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Finance Minister Seedy Keita disclosed that Sutey Jawo, then Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, was entrusted with an imprest of D14.55 million (€194,000) for allowances and logistics during a training camp in Saudi Arabia held from 1st to 9th January 2024.
Mr. Jawo claimed the funds were fully spent, including on “transit hotels, food, and beverages.” But his account quickly unravelled after national team players contradicted him, saying they were left without basic refreshments during a six to seven hour airport layover in Morocco.
According to Minister Keita, investigations confirmed serious financial mismanagement. Mr. Jawo has accepted responsibility and is now repaying the missing money. Alongside the repayment process, he has been stripped of his director role within the ministry. The government is awaiting a final report from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to confirm the recovery of all funds.
The case has struck a nerve with Gambians, many of whom have taken to the streets in recent weeks demanding accountability in public office. Civil society groups and ordinary citizens alike say the scandal reflects a broader culture of impunity in government.
“The public deserves to know how their money is used,” Minister Keita told reporters, stressing that the disclosure was in response to mounting pressure for transparency.
