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| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Momodou |
Posted - 13 Nov 2021 : 13:01:11
Serious allegations if this is true
The Gampetroleum Investigations!
By Sulayman Ben Suwareh.
Interesting Development in the Gampetroleum Case! It’s an Avalanche, the Government is Struggling to Manage the Outcome! They want to Silence the Case Until After Elections to Protect President Barrow and his NPP at the Polls! It’s looking Impossible to cover up, there are allegation of undue influenced put on the investigation undermining the Independence into the police investigation into the case.
The Executive is severely Compromise in the case by their association with Ababacarr Jawara who finances both the National People’s Party (NPP) and the Police other high profile business individuals that linked to the case.
The Case is revealing breach of Anti- Money Laundering Laws and linking up to the drug cartel, especially the recent discovering of the over two tons of Cocaine by the Senegal Navy. The investigations are not likely to be extended to over the entire scope that would uncover the magnitude of the crime committed and the link between the state, the economic and drug cartel, due to the influence of the executive and the interest groups involve.
The Evidence
1, The financial transaction involve in the case is over Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25). This involves the present market value of the fuel stock, and the tax due to be paid to the State.
2, The Gampetroleum, managing director (Mr Saihou Drammeh) Director of Operations (Lamin Gassama) are Suspended, Arrested and detained at the police headquarters. The former director of Finance (Mr Keita) is the Acting Managing director!
3, Miss Kadijah Kebbeh ( employee of GACH OIL) is arrested and detain at the police headquarters with the Gam Petroleum staff.
4, Mr Mohammed Jagana Businessman was invited for interview. Jagana's wife is the Corporate Secretary of Gam petroleum(Ebironka janneh-jagana).
5, The executive has shown great interest in the case to the extend of interfering with the investigation, which in tune undermines the police independent integrity and the competency of the investigations.
The Executive is compromise in the case due to the involvement of proprietor of GACH OIL (Ababacarr Jawara) a close associate of the president and a financier of the president political party ( NPP), rumoured to be a secret business associate of the president.
Ababacarr Jawara’s influence is also hampering the competency of the investigations as the Police are benefactor of his finances, the involvement of Saihou Drammeh and other high-profile individual are also undermining the investigations.
6, Musa Drammeh (Minister of Local governance and Executive member of NPP) is constantly on the telephone talking to the suspects and the police investigators, trying to managing the coverup for the political interest of the president. Rumour have it during Musa Drammeh telephone conversations the president was put on the phone to speak to Saihou Drammeh but the president refuses to speak to Saihou.
7, Ababacarr Jawara was invited for interview by the Police investigation he was released to report back to the serious crime department.
8, Other stakeholders in the energy sector has be invited for interviews to help the investigations.
Allegation on Witness Statements.
1, Ababacarr Jawara Statement:
Jawara claimed Saihou Drammeh instructed him to pay him one million and one hundred thousand euros €1.1M (paid for fuel) and Jawara said initially he refused and said the amount was too much to pay in cash. He said Saihou insisted him to pay €1.1M cash to Mohammed Jagana, which he comply with by pay the full agreed amount demanded by Saihou Drammeh.
2, Mohammed Jagana Statement:
Jagana accepted receiving the payment of the €1.1M from Ababacarr Jawara ( disputed if it was cash or made to his business account). Jagana claims that this was to enable him to purchase forex from FBN for Gampetroleum (which is a conflict because his wife is Gampetroleum legal secretary) Further, Jagana stated Jawara paid the full amount in Dollars to him and there was no need to buy Forex as he has done for Gampetroleum in the past. Jagana claims that Saihou Drammeh, the MD, asked him to pay the money to the Kadijah Kebbeh (Ahmed Kebbeh's daughter) lady who works for Jawara.
3, Kadijah Kebbeh Statement
Kadijah accepted receiving the payment of the €1.1M from Jagana (not sure if cash or via account) She Claims paying the entire amount into Saihou Drammeh's personal account.
4, Saihou Drammeh Statement:
Saihou denial soliciting or receiving money from either Jawara or Kadijah. Saihou is reported standing his ground on refuting the allegations, insinuating executive meddling in the management of cooperate affairs and instructing the police investigator to be careful on their approach as the executive has vested interest in the case, which led to the president coming in to one of the calls made by Musa Drammeh. Saihou is said to be very confident and in high sprites.
The posture taken by Saihou Drammeh is making it difficult for the investigations to continue as the executive seems to be panicking that Saihou will be revealing detail that is likely compromise the Executive and the entire system during an elections campaign period.
Challenges with Coverup
A source close to the investigation has stated that the case might be dragged to overlaps the elections period to avoid derailing the president re-elections, but the executive is facing huge challenges to the cover the case up as it huge with different dimensions to manage away from the people and the international community. This is what is delaying the investigations. The factors given them challenges is the recovery of the funds to pay the international supplies, the issues surround the unpaid tax due in the transactions and the dent on the country international in doing business in the country convincing the international donor partners in the cooperation of fighting corruptions. Until the case is settle the energy sector will be under a sever strain which would continue to damage the economy and pose a risk to the country national security.
Opinion
1. For the interest of transparency and accountability the police need to give out limited information by means of communications strategy on the investigations to the public.
2. The scope of the investigations should look into money laundering as a large amount of cash is changing hands.
3. The Gambia Revenue Authority need to be invited to investigate the tax liability of all the companies and individual involve.
4. The Gampetroleum company need to be under receivership, the financial director should not be in charge of the operations (to avoid conflict of interest) during the course of a comprehensive auditing of the company.
5. Investigators should broaden the scope to investigate the personal and family relationship of the suspects for conflict of interest and corruptions and to look into the possible link with Narco-trade as money laundering is in play, especially with the current tons of cocaine finds.
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| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Momodou |
Posted - 29 Mar 2023 : 18:52:51
Ministry of Finance Insider: The Cartel-led Management can’t explain yet another 3000 metric tonnes of Diesel is missing at Gampetroleum Depot.
Now we have learned something else since my last publication about GP struggling with a major energy crisis. A lot of things have raised eyebrows in the previous 24 hours. There is another upcoming shortage issue yet at play here. And what about this: The last few days have provided additional evidence — of 3000 metric tonnes of Diesel missing from Gampetroleum Storage Tanks. And there’s no reasonable explanation for it. That’s a big reason why it is so controversial. Two related serious issues caught my attention. Once again, my concern is that novice Management with no expert or a functional lab at GP to test for products could allow the wrong fuel such as Marine Gasoline — a volatile energy that isn’t good for vulnerable pipelines, Storage Tanks and our vehicles.
So, my brief moment of encouragement was tempered after the GP board was dissolved and dismissed for asking the tough questions and repeatedly pressing this shortage issue. Oh well. But this much we can say with certainty: We must draw a clear line about the recent developments at GP. The truth is around October 2021. There were deliberate acts of sabotage and a series of suspicious incidents affecting energy supplies that led to the shortage of petroleum products. We will re-visit the Court testimony of specific individuals. It all fell apart in court.
To understand what’s at stake: Time and again, as I previously noted, the delusional Cartel Management team has been busy taking turns washing their bodies several times lately with “ Safarah” or “ Spiritual “ by the beachside outside GP premises. I’m not surprised. But I think there is something much more severe and outrageous here. They can take as many safaras dry baths and manipulate figures and statistics all they want. But that doesn’t change the reality of the physical stocks on the Storage Tanks, nor will it distract us from their many failures. Well, here you go. The paranoid Cartel GM of Gampetroleum recently upgraded his office door to a Glassdoor for reasons best known to him. Specific vulnerable staff are on his radar screen to get dismissed.
Or, even more surprisingly, taking cell phones in his office is a dismissible offence now. I feel sorry for the poor staff. Many laments that all these are to avoid being exposed for their corrupt practices, backdoor deals and abuse ( personal consumption expenditures). Friends believed his tactics are excessive and abusive. So, I now believe we must assume that anything is possible to cover up themselves.
Here’s all you need to know: By now, you’ve heard the big news? As we reported last week, a controversy erupted recently about almost a million litres of PMS petroleum products missing at Gampetroleum. You may recall a couple of weeks back, the Barrow Administration attempted an oft-stated claim of a “Vessel being delayed “ to cover for the Economic Cartel Group Management team at Gampetroleum.
Just a reminder: In response to pressure from OMC Group, they are working hand-in-hand with the Cartel group and enticing discredited foreign business contacts to secure only 2000 litres of petrol from Addax Dakar desperately. What a joke! But here’s the bottom line: As I just noted above, I was reminded recently about a small vessel that is carrying leftover products, possibly docking within the next 48 hours. It was scheduled early this week.
Of course, that begs the question: Obviously, the Finance Minister and his Cartel Group would like this dynamic to change. Regrettably, they are struggling to deal with the impact of their highly chaotic totalitarian economic agenda, purely based on greed. They must open up now! National security demands it. So, this is a huge deal.
By the way, our Ministry was recently forced to release Statement by our “ Super Minister” — who is working very closely with Economic Cartel Group to shut down news stories about the Gam petroleum fuel crisis. This is part of the ongoing national effort to silence, mislead and marginalise people. This is insane!
This is evidence of the special treatment the Cartel group has received over the years. But as we see, an aggressive letter from the OMC group about their missing 900,000 litres of PMS petroleum stocks is still not addressed. Of Course, this is a sensitive matter. The Cartel Management group is in damage control mode because they are under extreme pressure because of their unethical activities and mishandling of petroleum stocks. Stay tuned!
And while we’re on the topic, needless to say, a shocking and consistent theme emerged. Our people must understand this: There were sorts of revival infighting by the group of opportunist establishment versus the Cartel Group — on which group — would lead the Finance Ministry at considerable risk. And that’s not surprising given that the Cartel group precisely banked on their destabilisation of Gampetroleum to promote their trade Minister or “Super Minister “ to Finance Minister. So, yes, this is a big deal.
Once again, not everyone was on board with this. Many people privately expressed how the Cartel Finance Minister wholesomely dredges up people under his radar with a deep personal grudge. Also, he abuses his power in such a way it undermines public trust. In addition to the gross dishonesty of how the Gampetroleum shortage of 2021 was handled, the relationship between the OMC group and our Minister soured.
Well, here’s how: It’s also quite revealing, given they were not smart enough this time because their evil plans were exposed at the High Court. As for Gamtel, they never took the Court route. The Telecom Giant was brought to its knees after its experts and executive board of Directors were forced out …. in preference of a novice leadership highly dependent on Marabout. Again, this is precisely what you would expect in a Company that is sinking due to poor leadership.
Keep in mind that not long after that, the cartel took the opportunity to enrich themselves through the use of considerable leverage called “ Sim Boxing “. As Gamtel lost revenue, they made millions. But year after year of the Takeover of Gamtel began, the Gambian people did not share the Economic Cartel's apparent enthusiasm for methodically dismantling thriving sectors for their Economic totalitarianism wishes.
Here’s the key point: That common thread of their success against Gamtel was also threaded through the doorsteps of Gampetroleum to meddle with the petroleum industry. This should’ve raised alarm bells with everyone. However, when Nawec Management realised they were the next scheduled victims, they made noise to grab attention where it mattered. The Cartel backed down. This group would not back down unless there were a serious and sustained effort to expose them.
Looking Ahead: For now, though, the Economic Cartel group made up of few players — playing both sides on a tiny gameboard, have indeed found themselves often forced into the exact position of a mismanaged petroleum stock shortage ….. their cartel colleagues strategically pushed the former Gampetroleum Young Management team lead by the able Chairman Muhammed Manjang.
Still: Thus far, they have found little success keeping the crisis off the mainstream news media, but they are having trouble convincing OMC Committee about the situation returning to normalcy soon. However, they still haven’t provided concrete answers about the missing petroleum products.
In addition, every decent Gambian want normalcy in all aspect of our lives, too. But I know there will be no normalcy unless they surrender hijacking this Economy to serve their selfish interest only. But wait… There’s more! Now another Group of Cartel’s next target is agriculture. Well, hopefully, they will find successful work in rice production. They noticed Bill Gates had been successfully investing in farmlands to supply fast-food restaurant chains.
My friends, this is important: One can’t help thinking, at this point …… how few people who always dissipated in an endless cycle of chaos and drama are allowed to control the fundamental tenet of our Economy.
As we have repeatedly pointed out, this Cartel group is willing to crush, concoct a scheme and jail anyone on their Economic agenda. In 2021, the shortage was a setup Coup because everyone knew that the “ Cartel Group Task Force Report” was contrary to reality. This time around, it’s theft. But if you think about it, during the GP Court Case, OMC Managers were angry about this purely political sham and a well-calculated…… made-up, politically motivated case.
The OMC Mangers were rounded up in a massive drama at the Banjul Police Station. By the way, this IG and Attorney General are among the worst in Gambian History. They weaponise laws in favour of big business cartels against citizens. Meanwhile, the OMC group were infuriated about the issue of being prodded to answer about the Negative Stock program and the blowback of being used in a case without merit. The criminalisation of regular practice with political retribution and the weaponisation of law enforcement against individuals was worrisome. There was an obscene attempt to silence them by labelling them as greedy people. These smears were meant to silence them.
I could go on, but you get the point. With the help of Cartel authorities and certain media outlets, Seedy Keita and The President handed Gampetroleum to the radical Cartel Management. The GP case was supremely well-staged. Yet, even in the wake of humiliating defeat at the Court, both Seedy Keita and President Barrow’s ego knows no limits. How can they force OMC companies in 2021 to pay all negative balances of their cartel traders' products, yet now, the cartel Management is caught red-handed stealing the effects of the OMC to supply their Cartel members? Does this make sense? What goes around comes around! The implications of this “Cartel-led Shortage “ should outrage everyone in our beloved country.
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Article contributed by ANON GAMPETROLEUM Staff @29/03/2023! |
| Momodou |
Posted - 29 Mar 2023 : 18:52:26
Every strategic economic infrastructure is collapsing, and the government isn’t holding the people responsible accountable due to the president's complicity in the dealing! Read the latest allegations!
Another Brewing Crisis: Interim Board of Directors of GP Dissolved. Wake up, Gambia!
I doubt you will hear about this on the evening news or read it in your local paper. I’ll say this: It’s a national scandal that warrants consequences of the highest considerations. In response to this energy crisis, The President is going in the opposite direction of doing the right thing.
Speaking Of what’s wrong with GP … Shouldn’t we also assume the incompetent General manager would get fired by now? All the Board said was GM report was inaccurate, incomplete, or missing. This was the least of their concerns. The GM takes his marching orders directly from the top. I overheard the Cartel Group asking and even some people here in GP: “Who is this “unnamed official” at Minister of Finance feeding Open Gambia with bombshell reports and information!” On that point, as we speak, authorities are trying to figure out who that person is. My Boss was even getting emotionally hysterical and asking some people if they knew the whistleblower from the finance ministry.
Any way! Assalamualaikum with all respectful protocols duly observed. My friends and fellow Gambian Kols. And here’s a disturbing thought: The gampetroleum scandal is largely ignored by this Government … for now at least. Facing severe challenges, the Cartel General Manager and a very close associate of The President refused to comply with OMC's request for accountability and transparency. This is not normal behaviour. That says something!
I couldn’t help but notice the irony. These gangs of Managers at GP lecture us endlessly about individual responsibility. It seems they need the advice primarily for themselves. Many people, myself included, raised loud objections at the time about inadequate vetting. I got demoted for voicing GP is not a dumpster and cash cow for Cartel and President. Honestly, these folks were not properly cleared thoroughly to work at the security post here.
As we have pointed out repeatedly, this mad rush taking over and filling every institution with novice leadership(s) has failed our prestigious institutions. Adding insult to injury, this snubbing of concerns OMC Group by the Finance Minister ( a wannabe dictator) and The President does not sit well with OMC Managers and their trading partners. There is no mountain of evidence against “ Close Associates of The President” they cannot climb out of. Sadly, it seems that we have come to such a time. (Imagine that!)
Meanwhile, all is not well inside the Gampetroleum premises. The Interim Board of Directors got dissolved by the President dissatisfied with their performance. Incompetent General Manager Yerro is running GP without a Board. The hypocrisy is disgusting! However, they are least concerned because It’s a good bet that the Corridors of Power will quell the controversy, and nothing will come out of it. The list goes on and on. I spoke to a Cartel member after he returned from their usual “ Q Voo” gathering. I was almost physically ill yesterday when he explained: “We have zero confidence in him, and we are contemplating instructing the President to support negotiations to settle OMC's missing products “.
Then he said: “ I don’t understand how Yerro stumbled into another unimaginable situation”. We have given him a chance. Think about this scenario: Yoro was a staff at Elton but was fired by Cartel Member Edi Jobe because he was incompetent. That’s bad enough. But it gets worse. He then moved to Equa energy and was fired by Mr Saye. He worked for Taf Nigeria for some time and was let go. Ndeysan was almost fired at GNPC. My point, my friends, is — his qualification as GP GM is just a good friend to the president and a very close associate”.
Nonetheless, I quizzed him about whether The President would do something. Another Cartel member joined our Conversation. I repeated my question! They all say, “Oh, he won’t do that.” They all say, “Oh, he won’t do that.”
Really? What’s their plan? I asked with a quizzical look on my face. He insists the President refuses to go down in history humiliated because he conspired with their group to remove the Manjang-led Management team.
Sadly, I doubt “Mr Dark glasses Petroleum Minister” will even respond. He is too Scared to Speak Out! This is no laughing matter, my friends. If he does, it will be a non-answer that explains nothing. Gambian Kol! But scores of crises hit Gampetroleum under Yerro’s leadership.
But, once again, we see how the law is being used to target only people they dislike. But for now, at least, Yerro can’t escape such a career-ending move that often happens before people are fired. Gampetroleum is veering at an alarming rate toward failure under a leadership
that has no clear sense of direction, except for their bizarre behaviour of greed, abuse of Company resources and selfish interest.
Tensions are flaring between Cartel groups because they don’t feel like their handpicked Management hasn’t “risen to the occasion.” I met with another Cartel member this evening. By his admission, Gampetroleum is at a tipping point because of its incompetent management. (Imagine that!)
He continued: “I do, however, believe they are worth bringing to your attention. How can this Company thrive under the current Management: Yerro Jallow, Lamin Cham and Amadou Keita?”. I also know this: These trios are bad news for the Company. Not long ago, they celebrated the lies and deceit that helped them take over Gampetroleum.
They spend all company resources travelling. GM Yerro, Lamin Gaye ( a Dangerous Dogo Dogo man ) and the unhinged Amadou Keita ( Who should face a Public Commission for his role with Seedy Keita in 2021 and Jail time at Mile 2 after this Government) have a travel calendar for the whole year with all the loses we are making. (Imagine that!)
But wait… There’s more! This is the same Amadou Keita fired at G4S security for embezzling Staff bonuses. Let me repeat: How do you expect Gampetroleum to thrive under such people? Evil is real. Now that’s TRUTH!
Your support means the world to us! Please give our page a follow to keep up with our latest posts, and don't forget to hit that like button and share our content with your friends and family. Thank you for being a part of the OPEN GAMBIA PLATFORM community!
Article contributed by ANON GAMPETROLEUM Staff @28/03/2023! |
| Momodou |
Posted - 29 Mar 2023 : 18:51:37
A near-crisis situation at Gampetroleum as OMCs are demanding explanations about missing stocks from the failed Cartel Management Team.
Herein lies a lesson: The Economic cartel disarray policies of taking over every potential thriving sector of our Economy and the Barrow Administration’s dysfunctional politics have pushed Gampetroleum into an ongoing crisis.
But wait! Where is the “ Vessel that got delayed due to weather-related issues? So, what happened? Now, to be sure that press release seemed calculated to mislead Gambians and downplay the crisis.
Meanwhile, there’s something else going on here: After all, the current handpicked Cartel management team got caught red-handed eliding countervailing information about petroleum stock. The red flags were endless. And yet the scam continued. They will never be arrested and taken to Court.
Seriously, the Barrow Administration has boxed itself into a corner. Right now, two reasons are obvious. The first: The Barrow Administration is downplaying the crisis, and OMC companies are worried about their missing stocks.
So, what happened? Simply put, the Economic Cartel group's incompetent management and the toxic policies of pricing structure from the Ministry of Finance have failed Gampetroleum.
Thus, this week, among other things, Angry OMC Companies have written to Cartel intermittent Group Management at Gampetroleum, demanding their missing stocks be replenished. The language here is crucial because it is revealing.
Secondly, instead of acknowledging mistakes and an overblown narrative of getting rid of the previous competent Management and Chairman Manjang, The Barrow Administration has created two new problems for Gampetroleum.
Supposedly, If there is a potential political downside to this Administration, it is the continuing appeasement course for the cartel group. Gampetroleum is a perfect example. This a fatal error.
And unfortunately, the continuation of failed policies — has caused a severe petrol shortage. Deeper problems lie ahead as they are bent on distracting Gambians from the border crisis of national security threats and the economy.
Clearly, these sets of letters allude to their incapacity to perform their most basic daily functions. They have failed repeatedly at handling issues that implicate core competency. The infrastructure isn’t taken care of very well. It underpins why their boilers are always catching fire.
And that is precisely what has been occurring since they took over Gampetroleum. The Slippery Slope Never Ends. But the fact is: “Petroleum Stock Lay or Kodou Lay? “
If you are still reading this, you must have found it interesting, and please visit the Facebook Page “Open Gambia” Gambian Platform for National Dialogue. Like, follow and share our stories.
Article contributed by AN INSIDER AT THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE 24/03/2023! |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 01 Aug 2022 : 15:00:18
==========
https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/headlines/govt-says-investigation-into-ex-gampertoleum-managers-continues-amid-court-acquittal-discharge
==========
#Headlines
Gov’t says investigation into ex-Gampertoleum managers continues amid court acquittal, discharge
Aug 1, 2022, 11:57 AM
Banjul, The Gambia — The Gambia Government wishes to inform the public that its investigations into allegations of economic crimes and or financial impropriety by former Gam-Petroleum employees, Messrs. Saihou Drammeh and Lamin Gassama are progressing.
It can be recalled that on the 28 of July 2022, Her Lordship, Justice Haddy Roche of The Banjul High Court acquitted and discharged both Drammeh and Gassama of charges of economic crimes and related offenses.
While The Gambia Government fully acknowledges the High Court’s ruling, the verdict does not in itself, preclude further charges being brought against Drammeh and Gassama for suspected financial crimes committed at Gam-Petroleum.
As the allegations of crimes committed are widespread, the scope of the investigations are (is) equally broad and time consuming.
The public is therefore, informed that investigations into Saihou Drammeh and Lamin Gassama’s alleged financial activities are continuing and the Government will take appropriate action at the conclusion of these investigations.
Signed
Ebrima G. Sankareh
The Gambia Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser
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| toubab1020 |
Posted - 29 Jul 2022 : 16:21:17
==========
https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/headlines/court-acquits-discharges-ex-gam-petroleum-managers
==========
#Headlines
Court acquits, discharges ex-Gam-Petroleum managers
Jul 29, 2022, 11:02 AM | Article By: Adama Tine
Following the Gam-Petroleum alleged corruption scandal and malpractices, Justice Haddy Roche of the High Court of The Gambia has acquitted and discharged Saihou Drammeh, 1st accused and Lamin Gassama, the 2nd accused on all charges against them by the State.
The judge (Haddy Roche) said the prosecution (the state) failed to establish evidence to indicate the accused persons indeed committed the alleged crimes pressed against them.
Saihou Drammeh was the managing director of Gam-Petroleum Company Limited, while Lamin Gassama was Operations managers at the company’s depot at Mandinary in the West Coast Region.
The two accused persons were charged with eight (8) counts including three (3) counts of economic crimes and five (5) others on alleged corruption.
The eight counts were leveled against the duo in their maiden court appearances at the High Court in Banjul on April 4th 2022 presided by Justice Haddy Roche.
The duo’s appearance in court followed their arrest regarding their alleged involvement in the alleged corruption, malpractices and the loss of fuel products worth US$20 million at the GP Depot
On particulars, count 1 alleged that Saihou Drammeh and Lamin Gassama conspired to commit economic crimes, contrary to section 368 of the Criminal Code. Cap 10:01 vol. iii Laws of The Gambia 2009 but the duo pleaded not guilty on the count.
Additionally, the particulars of the offence pointed out that between January 2021 and October 2021 at the depot, the accused acted together with a common purpose to commit felony and caused economic loss to The Gambia through an unauthorised disposal of petroleum products of international traders.
The duo on count two were alleged of stealing by clerk or servant, contrary to Section 245 (1) of the Criminal Code, and punishable under Section 258 of the Criminal Code. Cap 10:01, Vol. iii Laws of The Gambia 2009.
However, the particulars of the offence said that Mr. Drammeh, on or about the 16 September 2021 as general manager of the depot, stole US$235, 032.00 paid by GACH Global for the supply of petroleum product, the property of International traders in trust of Gambia Petroleum Storage Facility Ltd thereby committing an offence.
Count three accused the directors and officials of corporations or companies of fraudulently appropriating property, or keeping fraudulent accounts, contrary to section 301 (a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 10:01 vol. iii Laws of The Gambia 2009.
The particulars of the offence further stated that the 1st and 2nd accused, sometime between January 2021 and October 2021, fraudulently appropriated 5,919. 60 metric tons of Gasoil, valued at USD 4,695,189.94
The particulars continued that they stored 721.90 Metric tons of Gasoil, valued at USD 692, 323.76, being the property of ADDAX ENERGY SA, an International Oil Trader, in trust for Gambia Petroleum Storage Facility Ltd at the depot.
It further stated that the accused acted with intent to defraud, omitted to make a full and true entry thereof in the books and accounts of the Gambia Petroleum Storage Facility depot; thereby committing an offence.
Count 4 alleged that directors and officers of corporations or companies fraudulently appropriated property, or kept fraudulent accounts, contrary to section 301(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 10:01 Vol. Ill Laws of The Gambia 2009.
The particulars of the offence further said Drammeh, and Gassama, sometime between January 2021 and October 2021, at the depot fraudulently appropriated 6250.813 metric tons of Gasoil, and 5180.843 metric tons of Gasoline, valued at US$9, 930, 021, 86.
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| Momodou |
Posted - 11 May 2022 : 14:03:12
State witness says Gam-petroleum lost half of its revenue
The Point: May 11, 2022
By: Adama Time & Ali Jaw
https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/headlines/state-witness-says-gam-petroleum-lost-half-of-its-revenue
The first prosecution witness in the alleged Gam-Petroleum corruption scandal and alleged missing US$20 million said on Tuesday that the liquidation that occurred as a result of the scandal led to a loss of over 50% of revenue; millions of dalasis and hard currencies, by Gam-Petroleum.
Testifying before Justice Haddy C. Roche at the High Court in Banjul, the witness, Amadou Keita, senior finance manager, also said that this has soiled the reputation of the country to some of their Malian customers, who weren't provided with stock after spending some time at the Gam-Petroleum depot.
The defendants in the case are former director of Gambia Petroleum Storage Facility Depot at Mandinary, Saihou Drammeh, and former Operations manager, Lamin Gassama.
The duo is currently facing three charges of economic crime and five other counts of corruption allegations at the High Court.
The two former Gampetroleum officials are alleged to involved in corruption malpractices leading to missing US$20 million at the depot at Lamin Mandinary.
During their maiden court appearance at the High Court on Wednesday, Lawyer M.D. Mballow represented the State, while lawyers B. S. Conteh, and S. Akimbo represented the 1st accused (Saihou Drammeh), and 2nd accused (Lamin Gassama) respectively in the hearing.
On particulars, count 1 alleged that Saihou Drammeh and Lamin Gassama conspired to commit economic crimes, contrary to section 368 of the Criminal Code. Cap 10:01 vol. iii Laws of The Gambia 2009 but they both pleaded not guilty on the counts.
Additionally, the particulars of the offence pointed out that between January 2021 and October 2021 at the depot, the accused acted together with a common purpose to commit felony and caused economic loss to The Gambia through an unauthorised disposal of petroleum products of international traders.
The duo on count two is alleged of stealing by clerk or servant, contrary to Section 245 (1) of the Criminal Code, and punishable under Section 258 of the Criminal Code. Cap 10:01, Vol. iii Laws of The Gambia 2009.
However, the particulars of the offence said that Mr. Drammeh, on or about the 16 September 2021 as general manager of the depot, stole US$235, 032.00 paid by GACH Global for the supply of petroleum product, the property of International traders in trust of Gambia Petroleum Storage Facility Ltd; thereby committing an offence.
Count three accused the directors and officials of corporations or companies of fraudulently appropriating property, or keeping fraudulent accounts, contrary to section 301 (a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 10:01 vol. iii Laws of The Gambia 2009.
The particulars of the offence further stated that the 1st and 2nd accused, sometime between January 2021 and October 2021, fraudulently appropriated 5,919. 60 metric tons of Gasoil, valued at USD 4,695,189.94
The particulars continued that they stored at the depot 721.90 Metric tons of Gasoil, valued at USD 692, 323.76, being the property of ADDAX ENERGY SA, an International Oil Trader, in trust for Gambia Petroleum Storage Facility Ltd.
It further stated that the accused acted with intent to defraud, omitted to make a full and true entry thereof in the books and accounts of the Gambia Petroleum Storage Facility depot; thereby committed an offence.
Count 4 alleged that directors and officers of corporations or companies fraudulently appropriating property, or keeping fraudulent accounts, contrary to section 301(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 10:01 Vol. Ill Laws of The Gambia 2009.
The particulars of the offence further said Drammeh, and Gassama, sometime between January 2021 and October 2021, at the depot fraudulently appropriated 6250.813 metric tons of Gasoil, and 5180.843 metric tons of Gasoline, valued at US$9, 930, 021, 86.
However, on Thursday, day two of the trial, the state lawyer, M. D. Mballow filed a counter affidavit before the court for the accused persons to remain in custody pending the determination of the case.
He said both the 1st accused person (Saihou Drammeh) and the 2nd accused person (Lamin Gassama) do not have strong family background in The Gambia and can easily jump bail, if granted.
In his submission, Lawyer S. Akimbo for the accused persons said the children and wives of the accused persons are not in The Gambia, but their brothers, sisters, uncles, fathers and mothers are in the country.
Justice Haddy C. Roche, ruling on the application for the court to grant the accused persons bail, pending the determination of the case said the there is no evidence that the accused persons have either attempted to interfere with witnesses or jump bail during the six months on police bail.
Justice Roche ordered that each of the accused persons be admitted to bail upon providing security in the sum of US US$10, 000, 000 with two Gambian sureties each in like sum of US$10, 000, 000.
She further ordered that each of the accused persons and sureties must deposit with the court, the original title deeds to their property confirmed to be valued in like sum of US $10, 000, 000.
The case resumes today for cross-examination of state witness. |
| Momodou |
Posted - 23 Jan 2022 : 17:35:21
What kind of press release is this?
By Madi Jobarteh
Seriously, this document attached here is not the kind of press release required on this matter at this stage. This document is just a news item as it is just giving an information.
What we really need to hear is what is the decision or actions of Pres. Barrow after the report was presented to him. In other words, has Pres. Barrow accepted the recommendations or not? If he had accepted the recommendations, then when is the implementation taking place? This is what we need to hear, and not what was in the report.
The report was submitted on January 9. Why was this so-called press release not issued at that time? Thus, to wait for 2 weeks only to tell us what was in the report is not the way. Today, January 23, which is a non-official working day in fact, why tell us what was presented 2 weeks ago?
Since January 9, what has been happening? We didn’t see any arrests, prosecutions, or change of board or management take place? Practically none of the measures recommended by the Taskforce was implemented since January 9.
We do know however that since November 2021, GamPetroleum officials were arrested, detained and charged? How does that fit with this press release?
Therefore, what then is the value of this so-called press release today, January 23?
Now, can the Spokesman tell us if the President has accepted all the recommendations and when is implementation going to start? This is what citizens need to know.
Meantime, let the Spokesperson use simply, understandable and everyday English language in his so-called press releases!!!
What the hell is ‘rustication’? Can’t he just say, ‘suspend’ or ‘expel’? In that case, is the recommendation to suspend or expel the management? Sankareh, please clarify!
For The Gambia Our Homeland
By Madi Jobarteh
Getting to see that in fact the so-called press release said the Taskforce’s report was presented to the President on 9 January 2021.
9 January 2021 - This means the alleged crime was not even committed yet!!! This case first emerged in November 2021, that is 11 months later!!!!
What a messy press release indeed! |
| Momodou |
Posted - 23 Jan 2022 : 15:19:28
PRESS RELEASE: PRESIDENTIAL TASKFORCE UNCOVERS FRAUD, MASSIVE PROCEDURIAL ERRORS, DERELICTION OF DUTY, RECKLESSNESS AND LACK OF TRANSPARENCY AT GAM PETROLEUM FUEL DEPOT
By Ebrima G Sankareh
The Gambia Government Spokesperson
Banjul, The Gambia
Following a painful nationwide gasoline shortage during the week of 31st October, 2021, President Adama Barrow immediately instituted a Taskforce to investigate its causes and recommend measures to avoid future reoccurrences.
The Presidential Taskforce chaired by Trade & Employment Minister, Honourable Seedy Keita drew membership from the State Intelligence Service (SIS); Permanent Secretaries of Trade and Ministry of Petroleum (MOPE); Director General of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA); Managing Directors of The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) and The Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
After intense and comprehensive investigations, the Taskforce presented its preliminary report to President Barrow on Wednesday 9th January, 2021 at a session attended by the Vice President, a cross section of Cabinet and members of the Security Services.
Contrary to the reports and figures presented by Gam Petroleum(GP), The Taskforce found massive coverups and blatant disregard for established procedures.
Significantly, the Taskforce found four out that of the five gasoline tanks at the Gam Petroleum Depot in Mandinary were totally empty. The fifth tank, in fact, contained only 50,000 litresconsisting of a mixture of gas oil and water. The stock of petrol as of 1st November, 2021 was 910 metric tonnes and that of JET Fuel was 4,209 metric tonnes.
Stocks entrusted to the National Depot by International Traders (Addax, Trafigura and PSTV) and local Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) were equally missing. The total volume of products missing was 10,753 metric tonnes of petrol and 20,245 metric tonnes of gas oil with a cumulative value of approximately USD20, 968,100.
The Taskforce found that the missing stocks were issued without any legitimate authorization and the value of the unaccounted stock at pump price (including duties and taxes) was USD31, 265,972. The projected tax and duties throughput attached to these stock values is approximately USD10,297,872, which needed to be ascertained if paid or not. The investigations revealed that the Management of Gam Petroleum illegally allowed some OMCs to take fuel without proper authorization.
Moreover, the Taskforce also discovered weak oversight of the Depot operations and poor compliance with the regulatory framework of the Petroleum Products Act of 2016.
In a crass disregard for supervisory instructions, the Management of Gam Petroleum provided fraudulent, dodgy and terribly misleading information and was equally, not forthcoming with reliable facts during the review by the Presidential Taskforce.
Consequently, the Taskforce recommends that PURA’s Management strengthens its regulatory oversight functions over GP and ensure that the National Strategic Reserve mechanism as stipulated in Section 25 of the Petroleum Products Act, 2016, be fully enforced.
In addition to PURA, the State Intelligence Service (SIS) and the Weights and Measures Department of the Trade Ministry should deploy staff at the Depot until the situation is adequately normalized.
The restructuring of Gam Petroleum should include the constitution of a new Board of Directors, immediate appointment of an interim management, rustication of the current management with subsequent legal processing for wrongdoings, formation of an Audit Committee, implementation of appropriate modern software for stock management and prosecution of all persons and entities directly and indirectly responsible for the stock theft and national gasoline shortage. Lost stock must be legally recovered.
Crucially, The Presidential Taskforce recommends that the current practice of elevating the Second Layer of Management to oversee the operations of Gam Petroleum and the Depot be immediately halted as it is inconsistent with standards of best practice and a recipe for unabated malpractice and or corporate fraud.
Further, the National Audit Office (NAO) should review the audit reports by PKF to ascertain the position of GP at the time of the takeover from Euro Africa Group. This NAO exercise should be followed by forensic audit of Gam Petroleum by an independent firm to determine the full extent of the losses including any taxes that may be due to the State.
Accordingly, H.E. President Adama Barrow strongly assures Gambians and partners of his Government’s unwavering commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring that fair and transparent business practices are upheld with equal opportunities for all in the country.
Signed:
Ebrima G Sankareh
The Gambia Government |
| Momodou |
Posted - 17 Jan 2022 : 22:05:13
By Sulayman Ben Suwareh
Government in the process to burying the Gampetroleum and Oil Marketing Company Corruptions Scandal!
Please read the message below send from an insider, I am sharing the message as received.
So at the moment they do not know what they doing at the moment now the board of directors of Gampetroleum will try to invite Gassama and Drammeh for a disciplinary hearing l, why don’t they just do this in the beginning before going to the police, we have 3 camps in the Gampetroleum saga….the minister of trade and his business elites, the executive and the board who is way trying to save their jobs….what is happening you have investigated the boys for 3 months this are assets of this country they control the sea which has all the fuel business in this country!
End of message!
I reported from the begging that the scandal will be bury after the elections of Barrow was re-elected, by reading this message it indicates that the process is still going and the government isn’t interested in accountability as the entire system is complicit in corruptions scandal.
Abubacarr Jawara did start a legal action to recovery money he claimed to be owe to him and the accuse Kadijatou Kebbeh has fired back with counter claims. We will be watching what that case will reveal, if it ever proceeds in the courts.
Gambia will continue to lose out in tune of millions of dollars or billions of Dalasis from the sector alone until it collapsed and we completely be dependant from Senegalese imports, which we are using at the moment as a emergency stop gap.
Why are they getting away with this huge corruptions scandal? Where is the press? Where are the opposition and civil society organisation? Do we only care about elections and gossip politics?
Where is the government task force that was constituted to investigate the scandal?
Who is paying for the compensation to petroleum importers and marketer?
How much is it in economic lost and lost of tax revenue due to the duty waver on the imported stock from Senegal?
Can the government task force lead by the trade minister give us update on the saga? Which media house or politician is going to take up the task in seeking for accountability? |
| Momodou |
Posted - 08 Jan 2022 : 15:23:52
GACH SUES GAM-PETROLEUM BOSS, STAFF FOR ‘FRAUD’
The Standard: JANUARY 7, 2022
By Omar Bah
https://standard.gm/gach-sues-gam-petroleum-boss-staff-for-fraud/
GACH Global Trading Company Limited has taken legal actions against one of its staff, Khadijatou Kebbeh and Saihou Drammeh, the managing director of Gam-Petroleum for allegedly defrauding the company of over D58, 961, 150.
Both Saihou Drammeh and Kaddijatou Kebbeh were arrested in November in connection with a scandal at the country’s major fuel depot.
According to the writ of summons obtained by The Standard, the company is suing the two for fraudulently acquiring D58, 961, 150 and $221, 000, 00 which was supposed to be paid for petrol product supplied by Gam-Petroleum Storage Facility.
The company is also seeking $1, 600, 00 being commission paid and received by the Khadijatou Kebbeh for ostensibly facilitating a petroleum product agreement dated 16 September 2021, interest at 24% from 31st August 2021 to the date of judgment and thereafter at 4% until the Judgment sum is liquidated. It also seeks D1, 000,000, 00 being for legal and administrative fees and any further or other orders the court deems fit and proper. |
| Momodou |
Posted - 08 Jan 2022 : 15:20:22
The REVELATIONS CONTINUE!
By Sulayman Ben Suwareh
I Received the allegations below against Abubacarr Jawara confirming reporting of corruption I made in the past months about the Gampetroleum saga, especially led my MR Jawara!
Please read the article below posted as received!
Worst than a Nigerian Con man.
I never wanted to respond to Mr Abubakary Jawara and his dirty tactics. But he keeps poking the bear and this one has had enough.
1. For reference I (khadijah kebbeh) am not an employee of Gach Global trading. Never been on their payroll and NEVER received a salary. On the contrary i have a consultancy/agent agreement with Gach global which clearly states that 15% of all petroleum profits made are to be paid to me.
2. I have another mining agreement. Which states that i own 5% out of his 40% share in SL mining company (sierra leone). In july when Mr jawara was traveling to Sierra leone, He needed $100,000 to pay for the mining licenses and other documentation. He told me that he only had $50,000 available as he was expecting payment to be sent from china from sand export and needed money. i agreed to loan him $50,000 and i purchased four economy air tickets D102,850 and paid for covid test D12,500 for Mr jawara and his three business partners Mr Zhou Guo Qiang, Mr Jehad abdullah Rahaman And Mr Dicko mohamed.
3. In the same month of July he was not liquid . I loaned him D421,000 which he used to purchase sheep’s most of which he gave to Mr Sheikh omar Giggo GNPC board chairman. Money is yet to be refunded to me by Mr Jawara.
4. It has come to my attention that Gach Global trading under the instruction of Mr Abubakary Jawara uses falsified documents to obtain government contracts. I have all the proof which i will present in court. Same falsified documents were used to win the GNPC contract. I believe this is a criminal offense. The business plan he used to obtain his Petroleum licenses from Pura was also falsified.
5. Gach Global under the authrization of Mr jawara under bid for the GNPC tender. Gave a discount of -$65. This was a tactic to win the contract by Mr jawara and to find out prices of his fellow competitors.
After winning the bid his lawyer drafted a letter to be sent to GNPC board of directors to lament about global price changes and get the discount/price he offered amended/changed to -$44 which would still make Gach the lowest bidder.
The competition who came second was PSTV and their price was -$42. I have copies of these letters.
6. The reason why Gach Global could never return the fuel taken to Gam petroleum Depot or import their own fuel. Is because Gach Global could not issue an LC to any of their potential suppliers. They do not have the cash or the collateral.
They only had one collateral available which is ‘ Fatou Golden Plaza’. Valued at D124,000,000 and Vista Bank was to discount this by 30% which would leave the value at about $1.6m roughly. The total funds we needed to bring in a vessel was $12,000,000. This is the contract Mr jawara signed with challenge petroleum.
I have a print out of the Gach Global Tradings available balance during the months of august - October. Which clearly shows unavailable funds.
7. The said €1.1m / D58m was paid to a supplier for the return of petroleum products to the depot as per Mr abubakary jawara’s instruction. A total sum of D32,000,000 has already been supplied in fuel under gach’s negative balance and can be confirmed at the depot.
Why does this man keep making noise, when he knows who the real Fraudster is.
He never had the financial muscle to execute his contractual obligations, a contract which he obtained using falsified documents
The audacity is beyond my scope and i can not comprehend. This laissez-Passe attitude and utter boldness like he is above the law can only be linked to the financial help he provides to the law enforcements.
P.s Mr Jawara is also explioting the Gambians and breaking the law by mining white sand without any licenses or paying government taxes.
He sells by the truck load on a daily basis. This is done without the government’s knowledge by bribing environment employees. I have all the proof and documents to back my claims. |
| Momodou |
Posted - 19 Nov 2021 : 21:44:53
Our strategic stock was sold to the Malian junta
By Sidi Sanneh
Abubakar Jawara sold the entire stock of strategic reserves to the Mali military regime of Col. Assimi Goďta because of the embargo imposed on his government thus breaking international law.
President Adama Barrow & Aboubakar Jawara engineered the diversion of Gambia’s strategic stock to Mali (and perhaps Guinea-Conakry) depriving The Gambian people of petrol.
The stock was sold and where are the proceeds of the sale? When tanker trucks lined the streets for miles to be loaded where were the rest of you?
This country cannot continue to be presided over in this faction and by this group, led by Barrow, without a catastrophic ending to this mafia-like form of governing.
Barrow knows what happened. Abubakar Jawara knows. Saihou Drammeh knows. Lamin Gassama knows. Cough it up.
Sidi Sanneh
#### |
| Momodou |
Posted - 19 Nov 2021 : 10:32:33
Trade minister blasts Gampetroleum over fuel shortage
The Point: Nov 18, 2021
By: Yusuph Ismail
https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/headlines/trade-minister-blasts-gampetroleum-over-fuel-shortage
Seedy Keiteh, the minister of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment has said that the Gampetroleum management has not provided any credible documentary evidence to explain the fuel shortage in the country.
Mr. Keiteh made these remarks at a joint press conference held at the Petroleum House on Wednesday, 17 November 2021.
Mr. Keiteh said International traders were concerned about the disappearance of their stock and a number of them flew from Europe to meet the taskforce. “This has big economic implications for the country as failure to settle them will have economic impact.”
He noted that Gampetroleum and the taskforce assured them that would be paid and the conditions to fulfil this were being discussed, adding that following the initial assessment, it was discovered more than half of the fuel stock that should have been at the depot could not be accounted for and this prompted an official investigation into the matter, which is ongoing.
The focus of the ongoing investigations by the security forces is to determine to whom and under what conditions the missing stocks were allocated.
However, since this whole saga began, the taskforce has discovered some questionable management practices which have given rise to the need for a further review of the standard operating procedures.
He said Gampetroleum is a private limited liability company but the government will ensure that the needed guarantees for the traders are met by Gampetroleum so that confidence can be restored for oil supplies by these traders to resume.
He explained that the Gampetroleum board has taken the needed steps including reporting the matter to the police for the needed actions to be taken to account for the unaccounted stocks.
Mr. Keiteh revealed that both the general manager and Operations manager of Gampetroleum are helping police in their investigation.
The government of The Gambia keenly awaits the outcome of the investigation and assures the general public the needed actions will be taken according to law, while assuring that all measures will be taken to ensure smooth and uninterrupted supply of Petroleum products. |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 19 Nov 2021 : 00:15:37
SNIPPET:
"Mr. Faal spoke, this time not as a politician but a legal expert by giving his legal thoughts over such matters."
++++++++++
Ah Yes... I see.... "legal thoughts" Interesting, No Politics involved clearly.
++++++++++
==========
https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/headlines/faal-warns-govt-not-to-interfere-with-gampetroleum-corruption-investigation
==========
Faal warns gov’t not to interfere with Gampetroleum corruption investigation
The Point: Nov 18, 2021
By: Ali Jaw
Essa Mbye Faal has given his analysis of the Gampetroleum saga and said that justice should be done and should be done now.
In a brief press update at Bansang, Mr. Faal spoke, this time not as a politician but a legal expert by giving his legal thoughts over such matters.
“Well, the state authorities better be careful. Let them not mess it up because people are watching. I mean, I am advising that they do not meddle with the investigations.”
“The authorities should try not to interfere with the process, and we do hope that due process would take place; that there would be would be proper and diligent investigations and that justice would be done,” Mr. Faal said.
“But that said, this is a very important case. It has led to scarcity of petrol and petroleum products, which also makes it very difficult for our campaigns to work effectively,” he said.
“But the important thing here is that this has to be addressed. I did hear that certain personalities have been mentioned, who are very close to the corridors of power,” he hinted.
“Yes. Certainly, there is corruption in the government. There is a lot of corruption in the country. Otherwise, we would not have been listed as the second to last country to do business. The biggest reason, the biggest contributor, to that status is the wanton corruption. The unbridled corruption that is in the system,” he unraveled.
“So, we have to wait and see how things work out. Certainly, they may want to drag this on because of the fact that we are now in a political environment, heavily charged political environment.”
He opined that the government may want to push this case aside because of the inconveniences it creates for the incumbent and want to deal with it after the elections.
“So, they may just want to push this aside because of the inconveniences it creates for the incumbent and may want to deal with it after the elections, but everybody is watching. If the government is treating this properly, people are watching and if the government is not treating it properly people are watching and should be ready, really, to punish the government for not doing justice when it was necessary, which is now,”
However, he stated that detaining the suspects for more than 72 hours would be an obvious violation of their rights, because the Constitution of the Gambia mandates detention for no more than 72 hours without being taken before a court of law.
“At this stage in Gambia, we should not be talking about violations of basic rights. Really, our democracy, our respect for human rights, should be so strong that we should not be talking about violations.”
|
| Momodou |
Posted - 18 Nov 2021 : 12:54:21
GOV'T UNRAVELS GAM-PETROLEUM FUEL SCANDAL As half of depot's fuel unaccounted
The Standard: NOVEMBER 18, 2021
By Alagie Manneh
https://standard.gm/govt-unravels-gam-petroleum-fuel-scandal-0as-half-of-depots-fuel-unaccounted-0/
For the first time since a major scandal erupted at the country’s major fuel depot, the Gambia government has spoken out on the issue which by its own admission, has international reputational damage to The Gambia.
Last week, police arrested Saihou Drammeh, the managing director and Lamin Gassama, director of operations of the company as well as one Kaddijatou Kebbeh, a staff of GACH Global, sparking widespread speculations and rumours that top businessmen connceted to the corridors of power were involved in one way or the other. Police refused to give any details so far but addressing a press conference on the saga yesterday, Petroleum and Energy Minister, Fafa Sanyang, said: “As I speak to you, the general manager of Gam-Petroleum and the operations manager are helping police in their investigations. The government of The Gambia keenly awaits the outcome of the investigations and assures the general public needed actions will be taken according to law. The public is hereby assured that all measures will be taken to ensure smooth and uninterrupted supply of petroleum products.”
He added that Gam-Petroleum management has not provided any credible documentary evidence to explain the shortage. “This prompted a visit to the depot in order to review information in their IT systems to understand the issue better and it was found that the software acquired to manage the depot’s operations is not being used and rather the depot operations were maintained on Excel file. Also, the management did not have a single account for each trader or OMC but transactions were maintained in Excel sheets according to vessels that deliver the fuel stock, etcetera,” he explained.
He said it was then that the task force looking into the matter decided to write to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and traders to request details of their transactions with Gam-Petroleum.
“There were three major international oil traders whose stocks were held at the depot as a bounded warehouse and responses were received from eight OMCs; Castle, Petro Gas, Speed, Jah Oil, NP, Afri Oil, GNPC and GACH.
“The compilations of the responses received indicated that 9643 metric tons of PMS petrol, 16543 metric tons of diesel, 3445 metric tons of jet fuel, 17,793 metric tons of HFO belong to international traders while 1,110 metric tons of PMS petrol, 3711 metric tons of diesel and 684 metric tons of jet fuel belong to OMCs,” the minister said.
Mr Sanyang said following their initial assessment, it was discovered more than half of the fuel stocks that should have been at the depot were not accounted for.
“This prompted an official investigation into the matter which is ongoing. The focus of the investigations by security forces is to determine to whom and under what conditions the missing stocks were allocated,” he said.
He stressed the reputational damage the matter could have on the country.
“International traders were concerned about the disappearance of their stock and a number of them flew from Europe to meet the task force. This has big economic implications for the country…” the minister said. |
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