(JollofNews) – The ongoing commission of inquiry into the financial dealings of Gambia’s former long-term ruler Yahya Jammeh, Monday summoned officials of the former regime to explain why millions of taxpayers’ money was used to buy two ferries in 2011 that are yet to hit Gambian waters.
Appearing before the commission, Kebba Satou Touray, former ambassador to Spain who took part in the purchase of the Kansala and Aljamdu ferries, told the commission that he was a signatory to an account opened in Greece where the money was paid into by both parties in the joint venture agreement between the Gambia Government and Galia Holdings.
“As Ambassador to Spain, I was also accredited to Greece where the acquisition of the ferries was done. I joined the delegation to Athens and I was briefed about the joint venture agreement before being invited as part of the delegation because I am accredited to Greece,” he said.
He added that in the agreement it was clearly stated how the payment should be done. He said it was also agreed that he and Momodou Sabally will facilitate the payment.
At that juncture he was shown the joint agreement document and he identified it as the one that was signed in his presence.
Mr Touraye added: “I joined the delegation twice to Greece. The first mission was to identify and locate the ferries and the mission was mentioned in my quarterly annual update. The account was opened in Athens and the agreement was that the Gambia Government’s 45 per cent will be paid there which will be paid to the sellers.
“The bank account was to be closed down after the ferries were bought and delivered to the Gambia. The advice was normally from our Greek partner regarding the achievements of the milestone that has been rehabilitated and certified by the Greek partners. The ferries were delivered to the Gambia and are yet to be operational.
Also testifying in relation to the ferries, Momodou Sabally, former secretary general and minister for Presidential Affairs in Mr Jammeh’s regime, told the commission that he was a signatory to the Greek account.
He said in 2011, while serving as director of Budget at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, he was instructed by the Office of the President to travel with the mission to Greece to identify the ferries.
He added: “Upon my return, I explained the procedures and agreement that emerged from the trip and I was asked to be a signatory to the account for the payment of the two ferries identified by party members. We were working under the instructions of the Office of former President Jammeh and whenever payment was to be done, we used to seek clearance through the permanent secretary at Office of former President Jammeh by email, and the permanent secretary will reply approving the payments.”
Mr Sabally they used to be sent invoices which they would examine before seeking clearance from the President’s Office for payments to made.
“Records of my transactions relating to this are filled at the Ministry of Finance,” he said.
“The Gambia Government had a percentage to take care of and their partners also had a percentage to take care of according to the joint venture agreement. I don’t know whether their partners paid money into the account and I cannot remember whether the account is closed.”
(Additional reporting by Amadou Jallow)
Momodou Sabally served Yahya Jammeh proudly with distinction and malignant enthusiasm, why is this arrogant Yahya Jammeh sycophant still walking around as a free man in our country laughing at all the victims of his crimes. He should be in prison.
The problem is that you have to have concrete evidence that can stand in a court of law, to lock people up….otherwise, you risk ruling with impunity. Unfortunately, these people are not even the subject of any inquiries or investigations, at the moment. They are mere “witnesses” helping the Janneh Commission, so the public feelings of being laughed at and taken for fools is real . I remember my bemusement when former protocol officer to Madam Zeinab Jammeh, Fatou Njie, told the commission that she could not remember whom she gave over 60m Dalasis she was asked to collect from the CB. She can’t even remember who instructed her to do so, by phone. Seriously, would any sane person forget such an experience? Sabally claims not to know who opened a bank account in Greece, to which he is a signatory. You can’t make it up.
No one in their right senses can argue with the setting up of a commission to investigate Yaya Jammeh, but if you limit the scope of investigations to just him, his “associates” and family, then you risk letting a lot of people off the hook. He had a lot of accomplishes to be able to do what he did, but at the moment, it seems that many are being let off, with some even awarded with continuity or redeployment.
I know Bax, there is due process as it should be, something their victims never had. My emotional response is to remind him and others like him that Their day will come!
I call on the government to investigate the Bayba group (small world) money transfer too which was an affront to the evil kanilai killer devil’s money laundering all along…
The Bayba group London telephone number (02030595756) has been dormant lately after the kanilai murderer’s topple; I have constantly been calling this number for checking; (anybody can try calling the number too & see for yourself) but the number isn’t functional anymore; & this is not without a reason…
I call upon the government to engage the British authorities & probe into this link to the murderous criminal kanilai cartel we have been fighting against all along & its countless leeches, flukes & parasites sucking our collective blood through our economic veins…
That’s interesting, but I think you are onto something here. You know, the private sector in The Gambia is a very curious one. It will be very interesting to see how Gambian tycoons, old and new, made their monies. I will not be surprised if public funds were behind Bayba.
Let’s be reminded that some very profitable and viable public enterprises, like NTC (National Trading Corporation), GRT (Gambia River Transport), GPMB (Gambia Produce Marketing Board), LMB (Livestock Marketing Board) and many others, were bankrupted by corruption, amongst many ills.
The Bayba phone number for those outside the UK should be (00442030595756); thank you…
“dr” Sarr
Is it because you think he should be imprisoned or have you under any jurisdiction found him guilty to warrant his imprisonment? At times, your doctorate accolade contrasts your democratic virtues.
The Gambian laws are in place for any wrongdoing, I presume.
You are a funny guy Babu, sometimes you are so predictable. At least you are consistent and steadfast in your position to support and defend evil. I respect that and still love you in spite of yourself.
I can surely remember Bax; I hope the country will now learn from the reckless fleecing of the national cake which should mainly be utilised for genuine nation building; I hopefully expect the current commission’s term & mandate extension to cover other areas of any concerns the enquiries may lead to; so as to redress any culpabilities & recover as much lost possibly recoverable; & possible custodial sentences where & when deemed fit…
The ‘Bayba small world’ link & others related, could open up completely different level/s & channels, & facilitate a glimpse into the multifaceted art of kanilai devil thiefries & connections around the world…
I no longer dream of sheep. I dream white elephants incorporated.