By Olimatou Coker
Fatou Cham, Nutrition Field Officer for Western Region 1, has firmly dismissed claims that the nafa Cash Transfer Programme is a scam or politically motivated.
Speaking during a recent cash payment exercise in Abuko, Cham urged beneficiaries to trust the programme and keep their registered phone numbers to avoid missed payments.
She said the programme has expanded from the provinces to the West Coast Region, Kanifing Municipality and Banjul. “This is the new expansion of the cash transfer programme. It was in the provinces and now it has expanded to the West Coast Region, KM and Banjul. Since KM and Banjul are part of my region, that is why we are here in Abuko,” she said.
There are 41 beneficiaries in the Abuko catchment area, which covers Fajikunda and Latrikunda Sabiji, Cham said. The registration and outreach team has moved through multiple communities to register and support recipients.
“Yesterday we were in Old Jeshwang and Tallinding. Beneficiaries from Bundung came to Tallinding, while those from Banjul, Pipeline, Bakau Wasuluh, Bakau Fajara and New Town gathered at Old Jeshwang. Today, we are in Abuko and Dippa Kunda,” she reported.
Cham acknowledged that, despite extensive public sensitisation, some residents remain skeptical. “We have made strong efforts to inform people, but some still believe it is a scam. I expect perceptions to change once beneficiaries receive their payments,” she said.
She strongly rejected claims that the programme is political, clarifying that nafa is a World Bank–funded social protection initiative that supports eligible individuals regardless of political affiliation or nationality.
Cham also warned that frequent changes of phone numbers complicate programme delivery. “Beneficiaries must keep their registered phone numbers. If you lose your phone, try to retain the same line. We register people with specific numbers; when numbers change, it becomes difficult to reach them,” she said.