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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
 Posted - 17 Aug 2017 : 10:38:57
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Accountant General, bank managers appear before commission on Jammeh’s assets
By Dawda Faye
The Point: Wednesday, August 16, 2017
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/accountant-general-bank-managers-appear-before-commission-on-jammehs-assets
 The Gambia’s Accountant General Momodou Lamin Bah has appeared before the commission of inquiry into the assets and financial transactions of former President Yahya Jammeh, to explain his links to tax recovery accounts with some commercial banks in the country.
Mr Bah, who served as accountant general in March 2014, was summoned in relation to tax recovery accounts at Trust Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank, according to lead counsel in the commission Amie Bensouda.
Testifying on 14 August 2017, Mr Bah said he was not aware of the said accounts, but revealed that “the accounts are in the commercial banks”.
He further posited that his office obtained information from Trust Bank but Guaranty Trust Bank was “not cooperative”, as GTBank “did not share any information” with his office.
Mr Bah, who also said he is a finance expert, told the commission that by law, no government account should be opened without the knowledge of the Accountant General.
Having worked as a consultant at the Ministry of Finance, as he adduced, Mr Bah further stated that government accounts should be domiciled at the Central Bank. No government account should be opened without the approval of the Ministry of Finance on the recommendation of the Accountant General, he added.
At this juncture, the lead counsel informed Mr Bah, who said he lives in Brusubi, that the commission would issue him with a subpoena to come back and continue his testimony.
In his testimony, GTBank’s Managing Director Bolaji Ayodele, who has before this day appeared and testified at the commission, said he had dalasi and dollar transfers of Alhamdulilai Petroleum Mineral Company Ltd he was asked to bring along.
The lead counsel then applied to tender the documents, which the commission accepted, and the said withdrawal documents were tendered and admitted.
Mr Ayodele stated that there were 43 withdrawals from the dalasi account from 2 November 2015 to 9 December 2016.
He said the foreign currency transfers were not in order, adding that the CFA transfers from dalasi was equivalent to D212,864,967.
He posited that $64,800, which was equivalent to D4,566,049.08, was transferred, adding that 19,863.25 Euros, which was equivalent to D1,067, 716.02, was also transferred.
He adduced further that foreign transfers out of the bank were as follows: on 19 July 2016, $8,230, on 29 July 2016, $60,000 from Alhamdulilai Petroleum Mineral Company Ltd to Gamcel, on 4 August 2016, $6,000 was withdrawn by Toni Ghattas, 10 August 2016, £33,000 was transferred; on 19 August 2016, $30,000 was also withdrawn, on 29 August 2016, $40,230 was withdrawn by Toni Ghattas, on 19 September 2016, there was a purchase of $20,000, on 11 March 2016, the equivalent to CFA transfer was D122,315,000 to Senegal, on 17 March 2016, CFA63,465,480 was also transferred to Senegal, on 4 March 2016, CFA 42,048,895 was transferred to Senegal, on 21 February 2017, $142,800 was converted.
Mr Ayodele further stated that an amount of $31,250, which was equivalent to D1,339,062.50, was transferred to Ecobank The Gambia and that $1,800, which was equivalent to D77,670, was also transferred to the same bank.
He said there was a withdrawal of D600,000 on 22 October 2015, from Alhamdulilai Petroleum Mineral Company Ltd to Kanilai Family Farm.
He posited that on 12 January 2016, one Alpha Jallow withdrew D5,000,000, adding that his ID card was attached but the purpose for the withdrawal was not indicated.
At this juncture, the shipment bank statement of the said company was tendered and admitted by the commission.
Next to testify was Ebrima Salla, the managing director of Trust Bank.
He said he was appointed as MD on 1 July 2016, but prior to that, he was the head of Corporate Department at the bank, adding that he was the relationship manager for 9 years.
He told the commission that he had documents with different signitories.
He posited that tax recovery accounts were opened on 1 September 2013, and that Momodou Sabally, the former Secretary General and Head of Civil Service, and Nuha Touray, Secretary to Cabinet, were signitores to the said accounts.
A letter from the Ministry of Finance dated 21 August 2013, was tendered and admitted.
Mr Salla said there was a letter signed by Nuha Touray on behalf of Momodou Sabally.
Change of signitory documents and related papers in respect of account number 100-128385-01 Trust Bank was tendered and admitted in a bundle.
He further posited that D33,822,753.88 came into the said account, and that D29,225,793.77 went out of the account, adding that D4,596,960.11 was the balance of the account.
He said that a cheque for D200,000 was paid to Gai Enterprise and signed by Momodou Sabally and Nuha Touray, adding that another cheque for D1,947,346 was on 7 October 2016, issued to Sheriff Sawaneh, a customer of the bank.
Mr Salla adduced that there was an authority signed by Momodou Sabally and Nuha Touray for the payment of D1,396,740 to Ansumana Tamba.
Mr Salla was asked by one of the commissioners whether he wondered why the tax recovery account was opened by the office of the former president and not by the Ministry of Finance.
In response, he said it raised suspicion.
Sittings continue today.
Picture: Trust Bank MD Ebrima Salla and GTBank Bolaji Ayodele
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 18 Aug 2017 : 13:51:23
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‘Instructions from President’s Office could not be questioned’: Central Bank official tells Commission
By Dawda Faye
The Point: Friday, August 18, 2017
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/instructions-from-presidents-office-could-not-be-questioned-central-bank-official-tells-commission
 Karamo Jawara, Central Bank principal banking officer yesterday told the commission of inquiry into the assets and financial transaction of the former president Yahya Jammeh that instructions from the Office of the President could not be questioned.
Continuing his testimony on the Carnegie Mineral Mining accounts, he said that on 18 November 2014, D298,392.50 was withdrawn, adding that D1,179,528 was also withdrawn on the same date.
He stated that D298,392.50 and another D298,392.50 and D736,151.85 were withdrawn under the instruction of the Office of the President.
An amount of D3,000,000 was withdrawn and paid to TK Motors on 26 November 2014, adding that D1,192,654.32 was paid on 2 December 2014, for payment of tution fee for Ndey Basin Jobe.
A sum of D24,110 was withdrawn and paid for an air ticket for Kadijatou Hydara on 4 December 2014.
He said D897,682.05 was withdrawn and paid for Alagie Darboe’s tution fee on the same date.
A sum of D429,842.70 was on 9 December 2014, withdrawn and paid for tution fee of Sarja Badjie, he testified.
On 18 December 2014, D120,275 was withdrawn and paid for the tution fee of Ndey Basin Jobe. Haruna Saidy’s tution fee to the tune of D357,970 was paid from Carnegie withdrawal, according to him.
He said D357,970 was withdrawn and paid for tution fee of Haruna Saidy on 29 December.
On 7 January 2015, D362,763 was withdrawn and paid for Fatou Jasseh’s tution fee, adding that D362,763 was withdrawn and paid for Abdoulie Badjie’s tution fee.
On the same date, he said, D362,763 was withdrawn and paid for Ebrima Jatta’s tution fee, stating further that on the same date D2,442,888.72 was withdrawn and paid for Ebrima Jatta’s tution fee and that of Fatou Jasseh and Abdoulie Badjie.
The sum of D362,763 was withdrawn and paid for Abdoulie Badjie’s tution fee on 8 January 2015, he testified.
He stated that on the same date D782,430 was withdrawn and paid for Banie Chapman’s tution fee.
He said that on 9 January 2015, D52, 225 was withdrawn and paid for Abubacarr Darboe’s air ticket.
On 31 January 2015, he adduced, D118,354 was withdrawn and paid for Banie Chapman’s tution fee, adding that D60,218.40 was also withdrawn and paid for crew salaries.
He testified that on 26 February 2015, D182, 503.50 was withdrawn and paid for Kadijatou Hydara’s tution fee, adding that on 2 March 2015, D183,534.50 was withdrawn and paid in favour of Yusupha Jabbi.
A sum of D161,977.50 was withdrawn on 5 March 2015, and paid for Ebrima Jatta’s tution fee, he posited.
On the same date D161,977.50 was withdrawn and paid for Fatou Jasseh’s tution fee.
Again, on the same date D161,977.50 was withdrawn and paid for Abdoulie Badjie’s tution fee, he added.
On 9 March 2015, D62,135 was withdrawn and paid for Amat Bittaye and the purpose of payment was not stated, he testified.
On the same date, D559,250 was withdrawn and paid for Teneng Camara’s tution fee.
D189,600 was withdrawn on 19 March 2015, and paid for Yusupha Gai’s tution fee.
On the same date, D185,079 was withdrawn and again paid for Yusupha Gai’s tution fee.
On 7 April 2015, D295,620 was withdrawn and paid for Miss Jenevi Cardos and the purpose of payment was not indicated.
On 30 December 2015, D520,000 was withdrawn and paid to Excell Construction.
Supporting documents for withdrawal from Carnegie account were tendered by the lead counsel and was admitted by the commission.
He was asked whether the Carnegie account was government account.
In response, he said he considered the Carnegie account as government account being operated in a special way.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2017 : 21:59:10
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“Alhamdullilah Company Owes Govt. in the Millions”
By Amie Sanneh
Foroyaa: August 22, 2017
http://www.foroyaa.gm/archives/17286
Alhamdullilah Petroleum Mining Company (APAM), which is believed to be associated with former President Yahya Jammeh, owes government millions of Dalasi. The company has not been paying royalty to government. Alieu Jawo Assistant Director of Geological Department, the eighth witness said so during yesterday’s sitting of the Commission of Inquiry into the assets and financial dealings of former President Yahya Jammeh (the Janneh Commission). The Commission is being chaired by Senior Lawyer Surahata Janneh.
Mr. Jawo said APAM is supposed to pay D364,650 for surface rental, D3400,000 for institutional training and HMC operation. Jawo said 63 containers were shipped in December, 2016 totaling 1707metric tons, at $30 per metric ton this amounts to $51,210, which was also not paid by the company. They also owed government two years surface rental amounting to $37,700 and two years training and institution development amounting to $200,000.
He added that 27 containers were shipped in early 2017, but the bill of lading was not delivered to the department.
On the Sand quarrying licence which was issued to them on 7thJanuary 2016, he said the company did not pay the license fee of D10,000 and application fee of D5,000. Royalty on Sand excavation from 4th August to 31st November 2015 amounted to D2,973, 800. There is still a balance for the last payment on sand he said.
Mr. Jawo said in March 2016, they asked them to effect payment of royalty. On 4th November, 2016 he said they again wrote to them to effect payment of royalty and in January 2017, they wrote another letter reminding them of their royalty payment from 1st May to 31st December 2016. Mr. Jawo added that in 2017, they wrote to them for the company to give them an update of their export dealings and they responded that 63 containers were shipped. The first one he said was in December 2016 and 40 containers were shipped. The second one he added was done in January 2017 for 23 containers. Another 27 are at the port waiting for shipment, he said. Mr. Jawo told the commission that they have records of 63 containers. He said APAM was also operating without registration and there is penalty for that. If it is an individual, he said the penalty is 50,000 and company attracts 100,000.
In terms of training, he said the department did not benefit much from it and he was asked to present a list of those who benefitted from the training.
In March 2017, he said they wrote a letter to the minister responsible for mineral resources advising him that APAM have not been paying royalties and HMC did not pay a single dalasi. He added that they wrote to the Minister requesting for the termination of license and they got a response. The company’s license was terminated on 3rd May 2017, he said. They were also not submitting records of shipments, he added.
Continuing his testimony, he said they have made a series of calls and follow ups on APAM for them to pay but to no avail.
Recalling activities of Carnegie Minerals Company, Mr. Jawo said they issued license of operations to Gambia Africa Mining Company in 2005 which was operating until 15th January, 2008; that his department received a letter signed by Njogu L. Bah from the office of the President for them to write to the company to stop operation and explain fully what they are into. He added that on that same day, his department wrote a letter to Carnergie Minerals Company who within two days replied to them. Narrating further, he said on the 12th February 2008, they received another directive from the office of the president to cancel the operations of the company.
On 12th April, the department received a letter of application for a mining license from GAMICO which was copied to the office of the former president. To that effect, he said government established a team which was tasked to look into their application. Mr. Jawo further explained that the new company came with their own model which they wanted to use but government rejected it and wanted them to use government’s own. He noted that the equipment belonging to Carnergie Minerals Company were later been used by GAMICO. He said according to Carnergie, by the time of their termination of operation, there were 35,000 Metric Tons waiting for shipment but they at the Geological Department did not verify whether that was the right figure or not. He said the stock was exported but they didn’t know where the proceeds went to. He stated that during negotiations between GAMICO and government, government side wanted them to mine in the same area where Carnergie was mining and use the same equipment. On 12thNovember 2008, he said his department received a letter from government threatening to revoke the license of GAMICO as they refused to fulfill certain obligations such as a program of mining operations, surface rental, and business registration. Further testifying before the commission Mr. Jawo said government requested GAMICO to do further concentration as they were only doing the primary one but the company instead proposed to government for them to pay 30 Dollars instead of the 20 Dollars per metric ton in order to cover up for that.
On the 15th September, 2014 he said they received directives from the former President’s office for GAMICO to fully handover the company to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the President, Ismaila Sanneh, which should be supervised by the then National Intelligent Agency. The mining site was visited by the Mr. Abdoulie Cham of Geological Department and the Director of NIA at the time after the directives were given. During the process of handing over, government indicated that the shares of GAMICO belonging to one Mohammed Bass be given to APAM and government. In April 2015, the license of GAMICO was terminated and handed over to APAM.
The Commission urged the Geological department to give a list of outstanding payments from APAM that were to be made.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 22 Aug 2017 : 22:04:02
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More Bank Accounts mentioned at the Janneh commission
By Awa B. Bah
Foroyaa: August 22, 2017
http://www.foroyaa.gm/archives/17283
Permanent Secretary one Ministry of Finance Abdoulie Jallow on Monday 21st August, 2017 appeared before the commission of enquiry into the assets and financial transactions of former President Yahya Jammeh.
PS Abdoulie Jallow was summoned on accounts that were opened at the central Bank of the Gambia namely the Carnegie Mineral Account numbered 1101002647 and 01201200366, as well as the heavy minerals deposits accounts, sand mining accounts, Gambia Africa Mining International Company Limited, Gameco Training Account with other government accounts.
When asked whether he knew these accounts, PS Jallow in his response admitted that he knows this accounts because these accounts were authorized to be opened through the ministry of finance except the sand mining account. Jallow said the office of the president wrote to them for the opening of these accounts which directive were implemented.
The Carnegie Minerals accounts request letter he said were opened on the 23rd November 2006 from the office of the president requesting the opening of a special account called the Carnegie Mining Account signed by Fansu Nyassi on behalf of the Secretary General and head of the Civil servants.
Jallow said they wrote to the Acting Director of Treasury instructing him to open the directive account at the Central Bank of the Gambia dated 4thDecember 2006. The reply letter he said was written by Alieu Bah on behalf of the Permanent Secretary Baboucarr Jallow.
Jallow was asked if it required the approval of the minister to write for the account to be opened. Jallow responded that according to the Government Budget Management and Accountability Act the Permanent Secretary can authorize the opening of government bank accounts. According to the Act, Jallow read section 14 saying a person shall not open an official account in any domestic or foreign accounts without the authority of the Permanent Secretary.
Jallow said the letters referring to the opening and changes of signatories to the account including the letter from The Treasury to the Central Bank was not found. Jallow said a letter indicated change of signatories was written on 5th February 2015 signed by Ismaila Sanyang Permanent Secretary from the Secretary General and Head of the Civil Servants Office.
He was asked for the letters from the office of the president that were written to his office. After producing the letters, all letters in relations to the Carnegie mining accounts were admitted in evidence marked NS1.
To the heavy Mineral Deposits account, Jallow said this is the heavy mineral operations bank account request which was written by the Ministry of Finance on 7th August 2006 to the Director of Treasury to open a heavy Mineral Deposits bank account. The second letter he said was dated 1stAugust 2008 from the office of the president to the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance requesting the opening of the said Bank account. Jallow said a correspondence from the Geological Department wrote to the Ministry of Finance requesting on the same subject dated 30th July 2008 for the account to be open.
Another letter Jallow said was from the Geological Department to the ministry of Finance requesting the opening of the same bank account. According to Jallow, on 13th August 2008, a letter from the Central Bank of the Gambia was received by the ministry of Finance written to the director of Treasury notifying them that the said bank account has been opened.
According to Jallow, on 12th August 2008, a correspondence from the directorate of National Treasury addressed to the First deputy Governor of the Central Bank of the Gambia requesting for the opening of the Bank Account. He said they also on 3rd October 2016 received a request letter on changes of signatories to the account from the office of the president to the Governor of the Central Bank of the Gambia with a list of the signatories to the account. Jallow said the purpose for the opening of the account was to log proceeds from heavy minerals. He said these accounts are opened separately and managed independently by the account holder. The accountant General he said only manages accounts that are under their control but they facilitate the opening of a special account.
When asked about the funds that are generated from royalties. Jallow in his response said this fund should be part of the consolidated funds. The accounts opening documents for the heavy mineral operation account deposits for the Geological department accounts number 01201200416 were tendered and admitted and marked as NS2.
For the Sand Mining Account, Jallow said there are no records in their office showing that the Ministry of Finance authorizing the opening of the account but there are documents related to the opening of the account mainly from the Central Bank of the Gambia.
These documents he said shows that the Central Bank of the Gambia wrote to the Secretary General and Head of the Civil Servants informing them of the opening of the Sand Mining Account in response to a letter received from the office of the Secretary General. Jallow said there is also a letter dated 17th June 2013 from the office of the Secretary General addressed to the Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia requesting for the opening of the said account. Another Letter he said is from the Office of the President to the Governor of the Central Bank of the Gambia notifying them of change of signatories to list of accounts and the sand Mining Account dated 2nd February 2015.
Jallow said there was another letter from the Office of the President to the Governor of the Central Bank of the Gambia on 5th February 2015 notifying them of change of signatories to a list of accounts including the Sand Mining Account.
A letter also on 1st September 2014 addressed to the Governor of the Central Bank of the Gambia notifying them of change of signatories to a list of accounts including the Sand Mining account. Another change of signatories of account Jallow said was written from the Office of the President to the Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia on 27th July.
He said a change of signatories of account to a list of accounts including the Sand Mining Account was written from the Office of the President to the Governor of the Central Bank. According to PS Jallow the Ministry of Finance was not involved in the opening of the accounts and they obtained these documents from the Central Bank of the Gambia.
Jallow was asked if there is any law that allows the office of the president to open accounts directly at the Central Bank of the Gambia. Jallow responded no. The account opening documents for the sand mining royalties account dated 17th June in central Bank for the office of the president account number 1101004139 were admitted and marked as NS3.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2017 : 13:41:42
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Geology Department official testifies at commission
By Dawda Faye
The Point: Wednesday, August 23, 2017
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/geology-department-official-testifies-at-commission
Alieu Jawo, assistant director at the department of geology, Monday 21 August 2017 testified at the commission looking into the assets and financial transaction of former President Yahya Jammeh.
Continuing his testimony on Alhamdulilai Petroleum Mineral Mining Company, Mr Jawo said Pap Ousman Bojang submitted the company’s application for a prospecting license, acting as the Managing Director.
While the move to submit license application for Alhamdulilai Petroleum Mineral Mining Company was ongoing, there was operation as usual with Carnegie, he said but they received a letter from the Office of the President instructing them to stop Carnegie from operating, signed by Njogu Bah.
Carnegie’s licence was then cancelled, he said, adding that Toni Ghattas and Mrs Lubna Farage started the negotiation, and did come up with a model of a licence.
He said those who represented the government rejected the idea.
He testified that Carnegie Minerals was issued with a licence and their equipment were used by Gamico, adding that 35,000 metric tonnes of minerals was waiting for shipment according to Carnegie Minerals (these were stockpiles).
Mr Jawo adduced that Gamico was given a temporal licence and they exported the stockpiles of minerals, adding that their office did not know where the royalties went to.
He said the market price varied from $150 per metric tonne.
He testified that the government representatives raised issues that they wanted to mine where Carnegie was mining.
There was a letter from the government for temporal licence to Gamico, he stated.
He said that while the negotiation was ongoing, Gamico was doing the mining.
He said that on 13 June 2016, the Office of the President issued the mining licence signed by the former president.
Mr Jawo adduced that on 12 November 2008, the department threatened to revoke their licence for not fulfilling their obligation, adding that Gamico promised that they would fulfill their obligation.
He said Gomico invited a technical staff in 2010 from their department, adding that the company were to pay $20 per metric tonne as royalty.
Instead of paying that, he said they decided to pay $30 per metric tonne, adding that they continued operating until September 2016.
He said the company paid $100,000 for the training of the staff of their department, adding that they received a letter on 19 January 2009, for the operation of the company.
He stated that August 2014, they received notification of change of management from the Office of the President addressed to Gamico.
Mr Jawo posited that the Office of the President wrote to Gamico to hand over the company to Ismaila Sanyang and Abdoulie Cham of the department of Geology.
He stated that the mining sites were visited by General Sulayman Badjie, adding that there was an inventory by the time the licence of Carnegie was revoked.
He adduced that there was a letter stating that the share of Muhamed Bass would be given to Apam and some to be given to the government, adding that the letter was from the Office of the President.
He testified that Gamico never got a prospecting licence, adding that there were some executive directives which they had to follow.
He said that in August 2015, Gamico was issued a licence by the former president, adding that Ansumana Tamba was the MD of Apam and Toni Ghattas later took over.
He posited that Apam was supposed to pay D364,650 as surface rental for one year, adding that in addition to this sum, the company was supposed to pay D3,400,000 as institutional and development fee which they failed to do.
He testified that Apam was operating without registering the business.
He stated that during Ansumana Tamba’s time, Apam did not pay the sum of D2,973,800 from 2015 to 2016, adding that there was an underpayment of D3,437,350 by the company.
He adduced further that in March 2017, their department wrote to the ministry that Apam did not fulfill their obligation and of royalties, adding that their licence was terminated by the geology department.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 23 Aug 2017 : 13:55:03
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Momodou Sabally, others appear before commission
By Dawda Faye
The Point: Wednesday, August 23, 2017
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/momodou-sabally-others-appear-before-commission
 Momodou Sabally, former Secretary General and head of the Civil Service, yesterday appeared before the commission of inquiry looking into the assets and financial transactions of former President Yahya Jammeh.
Mr Sabally was summoned to shed light on the tax recovery account opened at the Central Bank of The Gambia and Trust Bank under former President Jammeh.
In his testimony, he confirmed he was a signatory to the account, acting on direct instructions by the president.
Mr Sabally, who said he was responsible for the management of the Office of the President and served as adviser to the president, adduced that he could not ask the president why the account was opened, as “the president was powerful to be challenged”.
He also said they had a budget for the Office of the President.
A former budget director at the Ministry of Finance, Sabally said they were not comfortable when they opened the tax recovery account because it was out of law, and that the account was irregular.
The account was outside the consolidated revenue, he added, saying he could not remember the purpose of the transactions.
He further testified that the president decided who should be paid from the tax recovery account, and he could not justify payments from the said account.
Sabally, who also worked at the Central Bank of The Gambia from 1999 to 2009, adduced that the president used his discretion to instruct payment for those who had done some work for the Office of the President.
Next to testify was Isatou Auba, a civil servant and former Secretary to Cabinet.
She said she was appointed as permanent secretary at the Office of the President and deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Finance.
She worked at the PMO [Personnel Management Office] in 1994, she told the commission, adding that she was dealing with minute issues to the president and covering directives.
Auba, who was summoned in relation to the Carnegie Minerals account, said she was a signatory to the Carnegie Minerals account and the tax recovery account.
She added that the former president issued instructions to open the accounts and she could not object to it.
In his evidence, Abdoulie Sallah, a retired public officer, adduced that he worked at the Office of the President from 1994 to 2014 but not continuously. His service was terminated in 2014, he told the commission.
Asked why he was a signatory to an account as Secretary to Cabinet, Mr Sallah said there was a directive by the president and he did not object to being a signitory to an account.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 25 Aug 2017 : 13:08:45
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Ansumana Jammeh taken to task as commission progresses
By Dawda Faye
The Point: Friday, August 25, 2017
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/ansumana-jammeh-taken-to-task-as-commission-progresses
 Ansumana Jammeh, brother to former President Yahya Jammeh, on 23 August 2017, went through vigorous questioning at the commission of inquiry looking into the assets and financial transaction of former President Jammeh.
He testified that he is not employed and did serve as Managing Director of JFP, was taking care of the offices of Jammeh Foundation for Peace.
He said he was an ambassador to Qatar from 2008 to 2014.
He adduced that he was with Apam for four months in 2015 and that he had letters of appointment from 5 July 2015 to November 2015, adding that his service was terminated on 30 November 2015. He said he was appointed by the former president.
The said letters were tendered and admitted. He posited that Apam was engaged in sand mining at Kartong and Brufut, adding that he signed the license issued to Apam.
He stated that the office of the president asked him to sign the license for Apam.
Mr Jammeh said they later opened an account at GTB but the documents needed for the account were not complete, although they were operating from Standard Chartered Bank building, adding that they only mined sand but they did not export.
He posited that people were going to the quarry to buy sand.
He adduced that one Madam Sillah was their accountant and he appointed her.
A bank statement was shown to him which he recognized.
He stated that the last transaction he made at the bank was on 30 November 2015, adding that there was a balance of D10, 268,000 when he handed over to Toni Ghattas.
Handing over notes by him to Toni Ghattas were tendered and admitted.
A letter dated 17 August 2015 for the appointment of one Isatou Sallah as financial and administrative manager by him was also tendered and admitted.
He further testified that he did not know who owns the business but the person was appointed by the former president, adding that D600,000 was given to him to pay staff salaries.
He posited that he was overseeing the Abuko Central Abbatoir but he was not in full control, adding that he was engaged in Apam and JFP only.
Mr Jammeh revealed that he was a shareholder at Kanilai Family Farm, but never participated in its activities.
He said it belongs to the former president, adding that he is a shareholder in so many companies.
He posited that he has nothing to do with the assets of the former president.
Toni Ghattas was the next person to testify. He said he is a businessman and he was not the MD of Gamico but was the supervisor.
He stated that he was not employed and his company was subcontracted.
He posited that he started business with Carnegie Minerals and later Carnegie left, adding that later Gamico came in.
He adduced that he was also helping with the export, saying he was not part of the team who negotiated for the licence of Gamico.
Mr Ghattas stated that Muhamad Basir was a major shareholder of Gamico, adding that Gamico took over all the equipment of Carnegie.
He said the machines Carnegie left behind were not in good shape, adding that he was transporting mineral for shipment and he would be given a commission for a tonne.
He said Gamico was operating from Kairaba Avenue, adding that he was being paid $5 per tonne.
Mr Ghattas testified that Gamico handed over their equipment to General Saul Badjie after the company was closed down.
He said while he was in Senegal, he was informed that he was appointed as MD for Apam.
He stated that the appointment letter came from the office of the president, adding that he accepted the appointment, and that he took over from Ansumana Tamba.
He posited that there were no staff when he took over from Ansumana Tamba, and that he was using his own staff.
He adduced that the former president asked him to sell 119 containers, saying General Saul Badjie asked him to send 33,000 pounds sterling and $6,000 to State House, and that Mr Badjie requested D5,000,000, as he, Ghattas, was the sole signatory to the account at GTB.
Sheriff Tambedou earlier rose and said he was representing Mr Ghattas.
YAYA JAMMEH's BROTHER ANSUMANA JAMMEH TESTIFIES AT THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Uk9OfkgB7M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFAT1o631Kw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cAWLp4uWoM
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 28 Aug 2017 : 14:10:53
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Euro Africa Group director testifies at commission
By Dawda Faye
The Point: Monday, August 28, 2017
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/euro-africa-group-director-testifies-at-commission
 Fadi George Mazagi, director of Euro Africa Group, on 24 August 2017, testified before the commission of inquiry looking into the assets and financial transactions of former President Yahya Jammeh.
Mr Mazagi, who told the commission he was doing the job of his managing director who had travelled, said their company produces petroleum products.
In his testimony in relation to 32 vehicles which were shipped from Europe to The Gambia, he adduced that the cost of the vehicles was to the tune of 600,000 Euros.
The vehicles, he testified, were sold but they did not have anything from the Office of President or the Ministry of Tourism, which bought the vehicles.
There was a bill of laden for the vehicles, he explained, saying that he was not involved directly in the transaction, as he was only being given feedback.
When it was put to him that there was no tender of the vehicles, and was asked who received the vehicles, Mr Mazagi said he did not know.
He further said there was no written request.
Asked whether it was normal he did not follow the transaction involving the sum of 600,000 Euros, he said there was no written evidence that the vehicles were delivered.
It was also put to him that there should have been signatures to show the vehicles were delivered but he said he could not give an answer to the satisfaction of the commissioners.
He posited that he thought the vehicles must have been received by the Office of the President.
When it was also put to him that it was unacceptable the vehicles entered The Gambia with nobody to receive them, he said he knew the vehicles were received, adding that his company was registered.
He was asked by the commission to produce documents to show that his company was registered.
One of the commissioners also told him that if he did not produce documents to show the vehicles were received then it meant the vehicles were not received.
Further testifying, he stated that his company was the supplier of facilities to NAWEC, adding that they also built a power station.
He said he thought Euro Africa Group registered as a foreign company.
He informed the commission that he has 10.5% share at the company, GPA 15%, GNPC 10%, Muhamad Basir 31.5%, SSHFC 33% and the Ministry of Finance 3%.
Mr Mazagi further told the commission that they had to give the power station to NAWEC to reconcile, although the electricity company “owes” them D65,000,000.
He adduced that he is also the director of Global Trading Group which operates in Belgium, adding that they were not connected to any other company.
He said he knows Gamico and that Muhamad Basir was a shareholder but “the company is no more operating”.
Earlier, Alagie Jallow, a carpentry contractor, testified saying he lives at Latrikunda German and has a carpentry work shop.
The work shop started more than 20 years ago, he said, adding that he knows the former president.
At that juncture, he was shown a photocopy of his ID card to identify, which he did.
He was then given a Trust Bank statement from tax recovery account indicating that he cashed a cheque for D383,443.
He said he could not remember those who gave him the cheque, adding that Nuha Touray had never given him a cheque but cash. He had some documents to prove it, he said.
But the commission told him that they had documents bearing his ID.
He adduced that he never received a cheque from State House but was told by the commission that there was a cheque for D613,510 to which his ID card was attached, indicating that he had received the money.
In response, he stated that he had received cash but never went to the bank to receive money.
He was also told there was another cheque for D284,623 to which his ID card was attached and which he received.
He denied receiving the money, saying he could not remember whether he gave his ID card to Momodou Sabally or Nuha Touray.
He posited that when he went to State House, they would receive his ID card and pay cash.
He testified that he had a contract with former president to do some work at Wadna, and it was done to the satisfaction of the former president. This was why the former president gave him another contract to construct the Marakisa Bridge, he said.
He was asked to produce the contract document for the construction of the bridge but he said he had lost some of the documents.
Asked whether he could read, he said he could read in Arabic, adding that he never did any work at State House.
He said that all the time he was dealing with the Ministry of Works, and one Mr Camara at State House would pay him for the work done by him.
Mr Jallow indicated that he had a contract at KGI to the tune of D1.5 million, and it was Pa Bojang who paid him but could not confirm whether he received the whole amount.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 29 Aug 2017 : 13:03:07
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Commission takes Sabally, Njogu Bah to task
By Dawda Faye
The point: Tuesday, August 29, 2017
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/commission-takes-sabally-njogu-bah-to-task
 The commission of inquiry looking into the assets and financial transactions of former President Jammeh yesterday took Momodou Sabally, the former Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service, to task.
He was reminded that he was asked to come back to make some clarifications on the withdrawal of D5,000,000 from the Carnegie Minerals account he and Nuha Touray signed and he, Sabally, withdrew.
It was put to him that he received D3,000,000 and Makamb Bah received D2,000,000, and was asked how could he explain this.
Mr Sabally told the commission that the payment of the D5,000,000 and the transfer of $75,000 were backed by directives, and that cash withdrawals were instructed by the former president.
He said most of the time the former president would give verbal instructions, and they would write memos to show that they carried out the instructions by the former president.
He testified that he could not remember these specific transactions because there were many transactions.
He adduced that they had many files and he would check those transactions if they were in the files.
It was put to him that D12,000,000 was paid to Sering Touba Ndure - who was one of the contractors of the former president - from the Carnegie Minerals account.
Mr Sabally said he never met Sering Touba Ndure, adding that a particular project was taking place at Kanilai and it was Sering Touba Ndure who was doing the project.
When he was also asked to shed light on the payment of D12,931,791 to Sering Touba Ndure from the Carnegie Mineral account, Sabally said the payment had to do with Kanilai.
They had an accountant at the office of the president, he said, adding that they would require documents before writing letters or issuing cheques.
He said some transactions did not go to the accounting officer at the office of the president.
Mr Sabally stated that with regard to the students’ tuition fees, payments were done on the instructions from the president, adding that when the government severed ties with Taiwan, they continued paying for the students.
He further revealed that the former president identified who should be sponsored and would issue an instruction, adding that students would make a follow-up.
He said that sometimes the students themselves would meet the former president, adding that there was a bonding process at the office of the former president.
He stated that the records of the students could be found at the office of the former president.
Mr Sabally testified that 6,700 Euros was for the purchase of cars from the Carnegie Mineral account, adding that it was the time when they hosted the Islamic Organisation conference.
Asked whether there was an alternative in the absence of directives, Sabally responded that if there was no directive, they would not be able to buy the cars, adding that the former president issued directives on what he wanted to be done.
He adduced that he did not think the selection of the students was competitive, adding that he never heard about the Scholarship Advisory Board.
Mr Sabally said everything was done at the office of the former president in relation to the tuition fees of the students.
Njogu Bah was the next witness to testify. He told the commission that he lives at Busumbala and he is unemployed.
He further posited that he was Secretary General of the Gambia government from 8 January 2010 to 17 March 2010, and that his service was terminated in 2011.
He was shown some documents to have a look and he confirmed that he signed them in relation to Carnegie Minerals.
Mr Bah adduced that he remembered that the Carnegie Minerals license was terminated but did not know why it was terminated, as the termination was a directive from the former president.
He further testified that he could not say much about Apam, adding that he came across Apam during the commission.
He said he did not know what Apam does.
He was asked about accounts outside the consolidated revenue fund opened by the office of the former president.
Mr Bah replied that as Secretary General, he created in 2013 tax recovery account at GTB.
It was put to him that there was a withdrawal of $500,000 equivalent to D14,400,000 from the Carnegie account at GTB, but he said that he could not confirm the withdrawal.
He added that he could not recall the Carnegie Minerals account.
It was also put to him that there was a National Security account but said he did not know the reason for opening the account, adding that he did not know the associates of the former president.
The former president dealt with many people, he added.
Mr Bah also said there might have been contracts he awarded but could not remember, adding that the former president was engaged in bakery and butchery directly or indirectly.
He was in a dilemma, he said, adding that Taiwan and the office of the former president had bilateral budget and that funds were being sent from Taiwan by way of cheques to the Secretary General at the office of the former president.
He adduced that the funds were spent for the purpose for which they were intended.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 09 Sep 2017 : 18:33:27
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“Payments/withdrawals without authority regarded as unauthorized by Jammeh”
Foroyaa: September 8, 2017
By Mamadou Dem
http://www.foroyaa.gm/archives/17685
Karamo Jawara
Mr. Karamo Juwara, Principal Banking Officer at the Central Bank of The Gambia, yesterday continued with his testimony by informing the Janneh Commission, that in his opinion, withdrawals that were made without authority from the account holder or signatory, will not be regarded as Jammeh’s authorizations. This is the Commission set up by the government of the Gambia to probe into the financial dealings and assets of former president Jammeh and his associates.
Mr Jawara who came with a bunch of documents showing transactions from the Special Project Fund and Vision 2016 Accounts, recalled that on 19th May 2015, the sum of $500,000.00 was received by Sanna Jarju under the authority of Yahya Jammeh, who was the sole signatory to the said account; that on 25th May 2015, the sum of D10,000,000.00 was paid but there was no document showing the authority. But that it was the director of finance who effected the payment.
The next transaction he went on, was on 1st June 2015, when the sum of $129,600.00 was paid to SOVGE Co Ltd, a bank in China which was signed by the former President whilst on the 3rd and 4th of June 2015, the sum of $300,000.00 was paid to Sanna Jarju and on the 8th of June 2015, another sum of $300,000.00 was paid to Sanna Jarju, again under the directives of Jammeh.
Mr. Juwara further revealed that on 10th June 2015, $54, 600.00 was signed by Jammeh for the payment of 20 Doctors and Nurses which was received by Sanna Jarju.
On 17th June 2015, he said the sum of $215,000.00 was authorized by Jammeh to be paid to Sanna Jarju, former Chief Protocol, Office of the President whilst on the 18th of the same month and year, $400,000.00 was authorised by Jammeh, to be paid to Mr. Jarju; that on the 29thof the same month and year, the sum of $75,000.00 was signed by Moses Mendy, for payment to the Jammeh Foundation (JFP) which was authorized by President Jammeh.
The next transaction according to him was on 7thJuly 2015, in the sum of $100,000.00 signed by Jammeh and received by Sanna Jarju, whilst on the 20th of July 2015, another sum of $252,334.00 was transferred to the Special Deposit Account authorized by exiled former president.
The Central Bank Official further testified that on 17th August 2015, $250,000.00 was paid to Sanna Jarju, but that the instruction wasn’t received from the signatory and on the same date and year, another payment of $400,000.00 was paid to Sanna Jarju but that there was no instruction from the signatory and the payment was approved by the governor; that there was an overdraft in the said account at the time.
At that juncture Mr. Juwara intimated to the Commission that in his opinion the payments or withdrawals that were made without authority from the signatory (Jammeh), will be regarded as not authorized by Jammeh, who was the sole signatory to the account; that on the 25th of May 2015, the sum $250,000.00 was paid to General Sulayman Badjie whilst on the 31st of August 2015, there was a withdrawal of D10,000,000.00 for the purchase of tents for state house without authority.
“On the 16th of September 2015, the sum of $400,000.00 was withdrawn after an internal Memo was signed by General Badjie and payment was approved by the Governor but there was no instruction from the signatory of the account. On the 16th of the same month and year, $252,652.85 was signed by General Badjie but no authority was attached. Another transaction on the same day amounting to $800,000 was authorized by General Badjie, Office of the President. On the 26th October 2015, $100,000.00 and $500,000.00 was signed by General Badjie but there was no authority from the signatory to the account,” Mr. Juwara explained, noting that the bank has an Internal Audit Department but that he was not aware of the Internal Audit Compliance Department.
The next transaction he said, was on 26thOctober 2015, in the sum of $500,000.00 which was signed by General Badjie but there was no authority from the signatory to the account. He added that on the 20th of October 2015, $200,000.00 and $300,000.00 was paid to General Badjie and there was no authority from the signatory to the account; that on the 29th of October 2015, $100,000.00 was signed by Jammeh for monthly payments to the Jammeh Foundation and PEGEP, through a Trust Bank Account, commencing October, 2015.
Another payment of $500,000.00 was paid to Sanna Jarju on the 30th of October 2015; that on the 30th October 2015, the sum of $500,000.00 was signed by the former president and received by Sanna Jarju.
On the 19th of November 2015, Mr Juwara further revealed that the sum of $290,000.00 was paid to the Gambian Embassy in the USA and was signed by the former president for the purchase of 42 International School buses, whilst on the 25thof November 2015, $400,000.00 cash payment was made to the office of the president but there was no authority; that on the 3rd of December 2015, another payment of $200,000.00 and $100,000.00 was received by Lieutenant Buba Jammeh respectively.
He said on the 30th October 2015, the sum of $108,952.19 was received by Mr. Borry LBS Colley and the finance director and his deputy gave authority for the said sum to be disbursed to Colley. On the 30th of the same month, there was a cash payment to Lieutenant Buba Jammeh, amounting to $150,000.00 whilst on the 2nd of November 2015, General Badjie received payments of $500,000.00 without a request being signed from the former president and there was no signature from the bank as well. He added that Michel Barrai was the deputy director at the time.
A further transaction on the 3rd November 2015, amounting to $258,000.00 without payment instructions equivalent to D10, 000,000.00 was made and on the 10th of November 2015, there was a request of $529,567.00 which was also signed by General Sulayman Badjie; that it was the Deputy Governor that authorized payments to be effected. He said on the 10th of November 2015, Lieutenant General Modou Lamin Mendy, Office of the President, received the sum of $100,000.00 but there was no letter head justifying that the instructions were indeed from the account holder.
On the 18th of November 2015, Gen. Sulayman Badjie signed a request of $532, 039.00 and was authorized by the 1st Deputy Governor; that the sum of $3,945,000.00 was also received by Sulayman Badjie. Transactions documents on the 3rd of December 2015, couldn’t be traced according to the witness but there was a cash payment of $200,000.00 received by Lt. Buba Jammeh. There were additional payments to Lt. Jammeh amounting to $100,000.00 and that on the 3rd of December 2015, a request of $529,901.00 was signed by Gen. Sulayman Badjie, authorized by both 1st and 2nd deputy Governors of the Central Bank.
The witness testified that Nuha Williams and MS Jammeh, on the 24th of March and on the 1st and 2nd of April 2016, after being authorized by the deputy Governor, received the sum of $216,071.20. Mr. Antoumana Tamba, office of the president is also alleged to have received the sum of $346,900.99 on the 6th of June 2016.
Mr. Juwara finally testified that on the 23rd of January 2017, Nuha Wiliams and MS Jammeh requested the payments of $99,122.81 leaving a balance of $22,623.00 in the account. However, the witness testified that they will endeavour to produce documents that were not attached on some of the transactions. At that point, Commission Counsel Amie Bensouda, applied to tender the transaction documents on the said account which were accordingly admitted and marked as exhibits.
Meanwhile business mogul, Tony Ghattas, continued with his evidence and was cross-examined by his lawyer Sheriff Tambadou and contract documents between APAM and China for building of dredges in Sanyang and related areas, were tendered to the Commission.
According to Ghattas, the contract was over $8,000,000.00 and APAM made a payment of $290,000.00 in respect of the dredges. Contract document dated 7th September 2016, and a letter from the Geology Department for rehabilitation from Banjul to Senegambia, were exhibited.
Mr Ghattas when asked by Commission Chairman and Senior Counsel Sourahata Janneh, regarding his stay in the country, said he came to The Gambia to look for investment. “How many dollars did you come with into The Gambia?” Commission Chairman Janneh enquired. “I came with less than $50,000 and I have been in The Gambia for 17 years,” Mr Ghattas responded. See our subsequent edition for more cross-examination by Ghattas’ attorney, Sheriff Tambadou and Commission Chairman respectively. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 09 Sep 2017 : 18:43:31
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Former President’s office was operating 22 accounts, says Central Bank official
Thursday, September 07, 2017
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/former-presidents-office-was-operating-22-accounts-says-central-bank-official
Karamo Jawara, principal banking officer at the Central Bank, yesterday made some startling revelations before the commission of inquiry looking into the assets and financial transactions of former president Yahya Jammeh.
He informed the commission that the office of the former president operated 22 bank accounts which include the following: International Gateway, Special Project Vision 2016, National Youth Development Fund, State Aircraft Special Account, Green Industries and Development, Fish Handling Account, Office of the First Lady (dalasi and dollar accounts), Mop Petroleum, Sabc Engagement, and Special Security accounts.
Mr Jawara said that while the office of the former president operated 22 accounts, they had presented before the commission the most active of all the accounts.
He stated that the International Gateway account was operated by the office of the former president at the Central Bank and its number 1103001840, adding that it was opened on 26 September 2013, upon the request of the office of the former president.
He posited that the first transaction was on 8 October 2013 with a withdrawal of $310,000, adding that Nuha Touray, Momodou Sabally, Kalilu Bayo, Abdoulie Sallah, Isatou Auba and Sulayman Samba served as signatories to the account.
Documents showing opening of the account and signatories were tendered and admitted.
He said the last transaction was made on 4 July 2014, adding that proceeds were connected to the International Gateway.
Mr Jawara adduced that the total deposits into the account was $5,421,732.98, adding that $5,421,410.61 was withdrawn and there was a balance of $292.
He posited that $310,000 was the first withdrawal and signed by Momodou Sabally, adding that it was received by Mumammedu Batata Juwara and no purpose was stated.
He said $300,109.73 was withdrawn on 30 September 2013, and was received by Batata Juwara, adding that $305,621.80 was paid to a governor on 21 March 2014, and signed by the former president and Momodou Sabally.
Mr Jawara stated that $54,671.45 was withdrawn on 16 April 2014, and signed by the former president and Momodou Sabally, adding that $1,000,000 was paid by Momodou Sabally and received by Sanna Jarju.
He adduced that $85,880.08 was paid to Competent Company on 13 May 2014, and signed by Momodou Sabally and Nuha Touray, adding that $35,332.61 was paid to FIB Bank in 14 March 2014, and Sindola Safari Lodge was the beneficiary, and no purpose was stated.
A sum of $95,000 was paid to African Union Broadcasting in Senegal on 14 May 2014, and was signed by Abdoulie Sallah, adding that $750,000 was paid on 21 May 2014, and was signed by Momodou Sabally and received by Buba I. Demba on behalf of Momodou Sabally.
Mr Jawara said that on 21 May 2014, $100,000 was withdrawn and received by Makamba S. K. Bah on behalf of Momodou Sabally and signed by Nuha Touray and Momodou Sabally, adding that $70,000 was paid to Makamba S.K. Bah on 21 April 2014 on behalf of Momodou Sabally and instruction to be furnished later.
He posited that on 29 May 2014, $248,942 was withdrawn and signed by Nuha Touray and Momodou Sabally, and paid to TK Motors Ltd.
Mr Jawara adduced that $250,000 was also withdrawn and signed by Momodou Sabally and was received by Sanna Jarju on behalf of Momodou Sabally,
He added that $44,633.40 was a reversal and $97,209 was withdrawn and sent to the Gambian Embassy in America for tuition fees and maintenance on 10 June 2014, and was signed by Momodou Sabally and Nuha Touray.
He posited that $9,943 was paid for tuition fee for Ya Conteh on 10 June 2014 and was signed by Momodou Sabally and Nuha Touray, adding that $873,362.45 was received on behalf of Momodou Sabally by Makamba S.K. Bah on 17 June 2014, and signed by Momodou Sabally.
Mr Jawara was asked why an apex bank like the Central Bank gave out the money to Momodou Sabally, who said he would send an authority for the withdrawal.
In response, he said it was approved by the governor of the bank.
Mr Jawara further testified that on 24 June 2014, $44,633.40 was withdrawn and signed by Momodou Sabally and Nuha Touray, and no purpose was stated, and that the money was sent to America.
He stated that $100,000 was received by Nuha Touray and paid to Momodou Sabally on 26 June 2014, and was signed by Nuha Touray and Momodou Sabally, adding that $43,117.98 was paid to the UTG on 2 July 2014, for tuition fees and was signed by Momodou Sabally and Nuha Touray.
He said that $132,669.24 was paid for copies of the New Magazine featuring report on The Gambia on 3 July 2014, and was signed by Momodou Sabally and Nuha Touray, adding that on 4 July 2014, $120,000 was paid to Arts Contemporary in Morocco for VIP carpet for the office of the former president, and was signed by Momodou Sabally and Nuha Touray.
Mr Jawara further testified that out of a total deposit of $5,421,732.98, $292 was the balance.
Author: Dawda Faye |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 27 Sep 2017 : 11:13:38
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GPA MD testifies before commission
By Dawda Faye
The Point: Tuesday, September 26, 2017
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/gpa-md-testifies-before-commission
Abdoulie Tambedou, the managing director of Gambia Ports Authority, yesterday testified before the Commission of Inquiry that looks into the assets and financial transactions of former President Yahya Jammeh.
Introducing himself to the Commission, Tambedou said, he is managing director of GPA, and that he was also an accounts clerk and director of finance.
He stated that he was confirming the debts owed to the GPA by Youth Development Enterprise (YDE).
Mr Tambedou adduced that they had been involving the YDE until the government took a legal action against YDE, adding that he could not produce the letters written to YDE, because they were submitted at the High Court, as there was a criminal case against YDE.
He stated that the amount YDE owed to the GPA was over D16, 000,000, further positing that there were directives from the Office of the former President for the Barra-Jally ferry to be used by Gam-petroleum to transport materials at the tune of D16, 500,000.
Tambedou, who disclosed that they had finally given out the ferry to Gam-petroleum, posited that GPA wrote to Gam-petroleum for compensation, but the ferry was never returned.
At this point, letters written by the former MD and Muhammed Bazi were tendered and admitted as evidences.
Mr Tamdedou said that the former MD did not pursue the debt; neither did he also pursue it, because the former MD did not hand it over to him.
He also stated that there was another directive from the Office of the former President to give Gam-petroleum their tanks.
He adduced that Gam-petroleum had abandoned the tanks and they did not pay rent, further noting that negotiation was led by Amadou Samba.
Mr Tambedou posited that Euro Africa owed GPA D18,000,000 for a land and that Gamtech leased agreement was signed by Amadou Samba, adding that the company was producing groundnut oil.
He testified that Gamtech did not respond to their letters for payment, and that GPA wrote to the Attorney General for legal action.
He posited that GPA had a letter from the Ministry of Lands to give out their land to Shyben Madi, further stating that GPA had received another letter for extension of the period.
He adduced that they had another claim for Kanilai Family Farm to pay rent, which they failed to do so, further noting that their share is being used by Shyben Madi.
He said they also had a claim against Euro Africa for one of their shares which was handed over to the company.
Mr Tambedou stated that when Euro Africa requested for their share, GPA did not agree, further noting that a directive then came from the Office of the former President for GPA to hand over their share to Euro Africa, and they had their share back.
Mr Tambedou adduced that the GPA also claimed D10, 420,103.21 against Euro Africa, adding that they wrote several letters to the company to recover the sum.
He posited that GPA had claimed for the sum of D25, 840 for ferrying former president’s animals from Banjul to Barra, further noting that the total sum owed to the GPA by the former president was D383, 365.
Earlier, Yankuba Colley, who is a soldier in the military for 15 years, testified that he was the orderly of General Saul Badjie, and was working at Saul Badjie’s office.
He said he had been an orderly for Saul Badjie for 8 months, further noting that prior to being an orderly to Saul Badjie, he was servicing at the Military Intelligence.
Mr Colley stated that his duty was to keep the office of Saul Badjie clean and to keep files in order, adding that Saul Badjie had sent him to the Central Bank to collect money.
At this juncture, he was given a document from the Office of the former President to confirm whether the signature on it was his, to which he responded in the positive.
He told the Commission that it was Saul Badjie who gave him the document to sign and also took his ID card and attached it to the document.
He said he knows Nuha William Jammeh who works with them, further positing that he does not know what Nuha William Jammeh took to Saul Badjie, because he was always at the gate.
Mr Colley testified that he sometimes helped Nuha William Jammeh to take suitcase to Saul Badjie, adding that whenever he received money from the Central Bank he would hand it over to Saul Badjie.
Ousainou Corr, who said he is now unemployed, told the Commission that he was the director of finance at the Central Bank for 9 years and he worked at the bank for 26 years.
He stated that his role was to ensure that entries and supporting documents were always collected, and that they had an operating manual as their guideline.
He adduced that some receipts were taken to the State Guards, adding that the transactions were done out of working hours, but he could not remember the exact time.
Mr Corr adduced that this was a practice at the bank, further noting that when cheques arrived after working hours from the Office of the former President they used to process them, and when the governor of the bank authorised their payment, that’s when they are paid.
He said he would sign the accounts to authenticate the payment, adding that he used to receive authority before effecting the payments.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 27 Sep 2017 : 12:33:44
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Njogu Bah recalled at commission
By Dawda Faye
The Point: Wednesday, September 27, 2017
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/njogu-bah-recalled-at-commission
Njogu Bah, former secretary general, was yesterday recalled at the commission that looks into the assets and financial transactions of former President Yahya Jammeh.
He was reminded that he was asked to tell the commission about the close associates of the former President.
He stated that the former President did not tell him his close associates, and that he would not assume that certain people were his associates.
He said he took an oath of secrecy and was still binding, further stating that witnesses to the commission are not protected, and it would have been better if it was in camera.
It was put to him that there were certain people whom he fears, but he noted that ‘this was not the case.’
When asked whether he knew anyone who used to do business with the former President, he replied in the negative.
He further testified that Amadou Samba, some investors from abroad and some Gambians too used to go to the Office of the former President.
He told the Commission from the period 2005 to 2010, he was at State House, but he could not remember when the term executive directive was used.
At this point, a document from the GNPC and the Ministry of Petroleum, indicating a cheque for D10, 000,000 for the rehabilitation of the prison was shown and handed over to him.
Mr Bah posited that there was an instruction from the Office of the former President to receive the cheque, which he did and handed it over to the former President.
He testified that he could not remember what had happened with the cheque.
Buba I. Demba, former protocol, also testified and said he was a civil servant from 2014 to 2016, and that he was a student at the UTG.
He adduced that he was also chief of protocol.
He posited that he went to Equatorial Guinea with the former President and came back on 4 February 2017, and that they were staying in a hotel.
He testified that he went to escort the former President, and his role was to facilitate their journey.
Demba said he also carried out instructions from the former President, but stated that he had never handled his money.
When shown a document indicating the receipt of $750,000, he said it was Momodou Sabally who had sent him to the Central Bank to receive the said money.
He adduced that he received the money and handed it over to Momodou Sabally.
At this point, another document was shown to him indicating some money being received by him, but he said it was a cheque which he received.
Muhammed Batata Juwara was the next witness to testify.
He said he worked as a civil servant at the Office of the former President in 1994, and that he briefly started on 10 July 2013, at the Office of the former President as Deputy Chief of Protocol.
He stated that he often prepared former President’s traveling transactions and he also travelled out of the country with him.
When shown a document to which his ID card was attached, Juwara said he was sent by Momodou Sabally to the Central Bank to receive some money, adding that the governor of the bank had asked him to wait on arrival.
Mr Juwara adduced that he was given $310,000, which he delivered to Momodou Sabally, further noting that when he handed over the money to Momodou Sabally, he was ordered to convert it into CFA France.
He posited that he was able to get some CFA Franc and gave it to the orderly at State House, who asked him to sign a book, which all of them appended their signatures on it.
He adduced that the remaining dollars was given back to Momodou Sabally.
He further testified that his service was terminated, only to be later reinstated, adding that one has to be careful with the former President.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 28 Sep 2017 : 12:21:20
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Momodou Sabally at Commission Again
By Dawda Faye
The Point: Thursday, September 28, 2017
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/momodou-sabally-at-commission-again
Momodou Sabally, former Secretary-General, yesterday reappeared before the Commission of Inquiry that looks into the assets and financial transactions of the former President Yahya Jammeh.
He was recalled in connection with the GNPC account.
He was shown a document to confirm whether he actually appended his signature on it, to which he responded in the positive.
He posited that it was the former President, who was not happy with the former Gambia National Petroleum Corporation, GNPC’s MD Badjie, whom he thought was the one who withdrew a sum of money from the account.
He testified that he told the former President that Mr Badjie did not withdraw the money, as according to him, the former President said he did not trust Mr Badjie.
Mr Sabally stated that he had withdrawn $2,000,000 and handed it over to the former President, but its purpose was not stated.
He adduced that the former President at one time wanted to buy Dunes Hotel and asked them to withdraw some money from GNPC account, which he would later refund, but it never happened.
He posited that $100,000 was withdrawn and paid to JFP. He said he told the former President that he was the one who withdrew the money from Trust Bank.
Mr Alagie Ousman Ceesay, chief of protocol, testified concerning a sum of $1,000,000 he received from the Central Bank under the instruction of former President.
In testimony, Ceesay said, he had given the money to the former President, as well as $500,000.
He confirmed that another $1,000,000 was received by him from the Central Bank and taken to the former President, but he did not know the purpose of its withdrawal.
According to him, the money was put in bags or boxes and then delivered to him.
Another person to testify was Muhammed Bazzi, a Belgian and Lebanese national, who identified himself as a Consul General in Lebanon.
Bazzi said he came to The Gambia in 2001, further stating that they were involved in the areas of electricity and mining.
He adduced that he had a share of 75% at Premia Investment Group.
He explained that Gamico had stepped in after Carnegie Mineral, adding that the former President asked them to take over from Carnegie.
He said Tony Ghattas was doing the transportation and was given a commission.
Bazzi, who said he was not involved in the termination of Carnegie, stated that he had to pay legal fees when there was a case between government and Carnegie.
He concluded by saying that they were stopped by the NIA operatives from doing their work.
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Janneh Commission of inquiry on Y. Jammeh's assets
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