04/12/2025
PRESS STATEMENT
Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA)
Response to Government and Institutional Reactions to the GALA Petition
Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) wishes to formally inform the public of its position regarding the responses received from the National Sports Council, the National Assembly, and the Government of The Gambia concerning our petition on corruption, mismanagement of public resources, and institutional failure.
As a citizens’ movement rooted in transparency, accountability, and justice, GALA remains unwavering in its mission to protect the wealth of the Gambian people. Our positions are grounded in verified evidence, official records, and the constitutional mandate that all state institutions must uphold the rule of law without compromise.
1. National Sports Council Response
Persistent Lack of Accountability and Transparency at the GFF
The issues raised by GALA regarding the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) remain unresolved. Transparency is still glaringly absent, with no tangible development on the ground to reflect the millions of dalasis and foreign funds entrusted to the federation.
However, after reviewing both your response and the FIFA Forward Global Report (2016–2022), several key concerns remain unresolved.
The FIFA report confirms that The Gambia received over USD 11.4 million, including more than USD 2 million for infrastructure, USD 1.5 million for equipment, USD 1.5 million for administration and governance, and USD 4.2 million for National Teams, among other allocations. These funds were intended to deliver meaningful improvements in pitches, technical centres, competitions, and club support.
Yet after more than 10 years under the Kaba Bajo-led administration, the actual state of football facilities across the country does not reflect these substantial investments. Most playing grounds remain in poor condition, and no major renovations or new facilities on the scale reported by FIFA can be observed.
The report lists 5 stadium-related projects, 2 playing surfaces, 1 technical centre, and 14 pitches as either new or renovated. GALA, league clubs, regional associations, and community football structures cannot identify these projects in practice. If these works had indeed been completed, they should be visible, accessible, and widely acknowledged — yet the reality on the ground contradicts what is reported.
Equally troubling is the ongoing financial strain on league clubs. Despite millions allocated to competitions and club support, the GFF still owes teams significant amounts, including transport refunds, logistical support, and preparation funds from as far back as the 2023 season. This undermines the claim that competition funds are being efficiently utilised and continues to affect the smooth running of domestic leagues.
Our petition is rooted in the need for transparency, accountability, and alignment between funding received and real outcomes. What GALA seeks is straightforward: an independent audit of FIFA Forward funds, public disclosure of completed projects with verifiable details, verification visits to all listed project sites, immediate settlement of outstanding payments to clubs, and institutional reforms to improve governance. These are not excessive demands — they are standard requirements wherever public-interest funding is involved.
The NSC, as the statutory oversight body, has a responsibility not to defend shortcomings but to uphold accountability, compliance, and the integrity of sports governance. We therefore urge the NSC to reconsider its stance and fully exercise its mandate in the interest of Gambian football.
GALA remains committed to ensuring that development resources truly benefit Gambian players, clubs, and communities. Accountability is essential, and Gambian football deserves transparency, progress, and visible development not inconsistency
FIFA records confirm that $1.9 million was allocated to the GFF under the National Football Development Program. However, Gambians cannot see any meaningful infrastructure or improvements that justify such a massive investment.
Grassroots Football Development
GFF’s claim that it supports grassroots football is inconsistent with reality. School football competitions are financed by schools through the School Improvement Grant (SIG). The claim that 2,300 footballs were distributed to schools remains unproven. The only verified instance of football distribution occurred during the COVID-19 emergency period and was funded under a separate program.
2. National Assembly Response
Admissible and Non-Admissible Sections of the Petition
GALA acknowledges the National Assembly’s effort to review our petition and notes the following:
Non-Admissible Components
Two of the three issues raised were deemed non-admissible:
1. Demand for the publication of the list of individuals allocated state lands—a crucial step towards transparency and fairness in state resource distribution.
2. Call for an investigation into the alleged D300 million revenue leakage at the GPA, linked to procurement irregularities and administrative lapses.
3. We were informed that the GPA matter remains with the Attorney General’s Chambers for possible prosecution. However, nearly nine months have passed without any notable action, update, or clarity.
GALA calls on the Minister of Justice to expedite proceedings and publish the investigative findings without delay
Admissible Component
The Assembly acknowledged that matters relating to the audit reports are admissible. GALA welcomes this position and will continue collaborating with the Assembly to strengthen public oversight and implement critical audit recommendations.
4. Government Response on Petroleum Importation and Sales
A Concerning Disregard for the National Assembly’s Binding Recommendations
Upon reviewing the Government’s response, GALA finds a deliberate avoidance of the core issues raised. The National Assembly’s findings were comprehensive, evidence-based, and accompanied by binding recommendations grounded in Sections 102, 109, and 110 of the Constitution.
The Government responded to matters that were not part of the Assembly’s recommendations, effectively ignoring key concerns such as:
• Systemic corruption
• Mismanagement of public funds
• Violations of national laws and policies
• Undue interference by public officers
• Abuse of institutional power
This selective response reflects a deeply troubling lack of political will to confront corruption within the petroleum sector.
4. GALA’s Position
GALA firmly believes that the posture of the current administration demonstrates an absence of genuine commitment to combating corruption and enforcing accountability.
We remind the Government of its constitutional and moral obligation to:
• Safeguard national resources
• Enforce national laws
• Ensure transparency in all public dealings
• Protect the interests of the Gambian people
• Failure to uphold these obligations threatens not only institutional integrity but also the nation’s economic stability and democratic progress.
5. GALA’s Call to Action
GALA renews its demand for urgent and decisive action:
1. Full and timely implementation of the National Assembly’s recommendations.
2. Comprehensive accountability mechanisms within the GFF and GPA.
3. Immediate prosecution of individuals implicated in corruption, financial misconduct.
4. Publication of all critical reports, including:
- The state land allocation list
- Findings of the GPA investigation
- All relevant audit and administrative reports
GALA reassures the public that we will not relent. We will continue to defend national resources, expose corruption, and hold public institutions accountable without fear, favour, or compromise.
5. GALA’s Next Points of Action
1. Commemoration of International Human Rights Day Scheduled for 10th December 2025, where GALA will amplify the call for the respect of International human rights.
2. GALA National Caravan
Tentatively set for early January, aimed at engaging communities across all regions, raising public awareness, and mobilising national support for a corruption-free Gambia.
Conclusion
GALA stands firm in its belief that The Gambia deserves transparent governance, accountable institutions, and leaders who serve the people not themselves. The selective and inadequate responses from state institutions only strengthen our resolve to continue this struggle.
Corruption is not a political issue it is a national crisis. And until the truth is revealed, accountability enforced, and justice delivered, GALA will remain on the frontlines.
We call on all Gambian youth, elders, civil society, and professionals to join us in this fight. Together, we can build a Gambia where public resources serve the public good, and where no individual is above the law.
People Power! Our Power!
