Her husband earns a monthly salary of more than D200, 000, along with benefits including free housing in the State House.

In this edition of What’s On-Gambia, we take a look at how First Lady Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow’s makes her money.

National funds

Although she doesn’t receive a pay check, there is a budget for FBB’s activities. A State House insider revealed she is provided money to pay her staff.

During a National Assembly appearance last year, Finance Minister Amadou Sanneh argued that the First Lady is not taking a lot from national coffers.  He disclosed that it is only her permanent secretary and protocol officer that are on government pay list.

Gifts

Fatoumatta often receives gifts from the public. What’s On-Gambia gathered that most of the clothes and accessory items she wears are donated by fashion designers.

However, there are rumours that she also receives clothing allowance for official events.

Charity

This is where most of her income is derived from, a reliable source revealed to What’s On-Gambia. Her foundation, Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow Foundation (FaBB) has raised millions of Dalasi since it was formed.

Husband’s money

She is involved in the management of her husband’s money. One of Fatoumatta’s estranged friends, who begged for anonymity, disclosed she was the one who convinced Barrow to buy the 'Taf house' they were staying in during the early days of the impasse.