Since his appointment as the managing director of the Social Security & Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC), Muhammed Manjang has been cracking down on corruption and wasteful spending, which are problems that continue to plague the Civil Service.

Against most expectations, he recently opened several investigations into allegations of fraud, bribery and corruption involving some of his managers.

Senior estate manager, Alhagie Fatty is among those suspended from work. He is alleged to have been involved in the sale of land in SSHFC estates without the knowledge and consent of the Cooperation's executive team.

An SSHFC insider told What's On-Gambia: "Pensioners were suffering because of corruption. Since Manjang came a lot has changed. The welfare and wellbeing of pensioners are now among the Cooperation's top priorities."

He added: "He wants SSHFC to operate transparently, especially in areas of revenue and expenditure."

Even Manjang's critics said that in less than two years he has accomplished more to stop corruption than any former managing director in the country's history.

The SSHFC boss was a well-respected banker before his appointment in March 2017 by President Adama Barrow. He worked for Standard Chartered Bank for more than two decades.

He was the bank's regional Chief Financial Officer for Africa.

Manjang's areas of expertise include financial strategy development, budgeting and forecasting, risk management, financial controls, business and financial transformation and project management.