As we witness developments in the fight against corruption in The Gambia, it is both encouraging and alarming to hear that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is finally being established, albeit with significant delays.
Development Diaries reports that The Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dawda Jallow, has confirmed that funding has been created for the establishment of the ACC before the end of the second quarter of 2025.
While Jallow has assured the National Assembly Members (NAMs) that the ACC will be operational by the end of this year’s second quarter, the reality of the situation calls for a deeper reflection on the urgent need for swift, decisive action.
Jallow explained that the delay in the creation of the ACC is not due to the government’s complacency toward corruption but rather the careful allocation of funds and resources to ensure the commission’s long-term sustainability.
While the Minister’s comments offer some hope, they also raise concerns about the pace of progress in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time: corruption.
This delay is particularly alarming given the widespread public frustration with corruption’s impact on everyday life in The Gambia, undermining trust in government institutions and stalling national development.
The Gambia ranks 96 out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perception Index, scoring 38, with a change of 1 since 2023.
While the government has made steps towards establishing the ACC, the question remains: is this enough?
The delays have already been extensive. The government announced the creation of the commission in January 2024, but here we are, more than a year later, still waiting for it to take form.
Public funds continue to be misused, and without a fully operational commission, how much longer will we allow corruption to undermine the integrity of our institutions?
Development Diaries calls on the government of The Gambia to accelerate the establishment of the ACC, moving beyond budget allocations and vetting processes.
Photo source: Paul Kagame
