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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
 Posted - 05 Sep 2019 : 08:31:15
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Source: State House FB
President Barrow will publish full Janneh Commission report
President Adama Barrow has decided to publish the full report of the Commission of Enquiry into the Financial Activities of Former President Yahya Jammeh and His Associates, following a Special Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 4th September 2019.
According to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Honourable Abubacarr Tambadou, the President gave his blessings to the full release of both the report and the Cabinet White Paper, which will contain the executive decision of Cabinet on the matter.
Although he was short of giving the exact date of publication, Minister Tambadou said it will be released for public consumption before the constitutional deadline of the end of September.
The Minister of Justice assured the public that the government is committed to fulfilling its constitutional obligations and mandate, which informs the decision of the president to publish the report.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2019 : 14:22:25
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The final report and recommendation is handed over to the Gambia Press Union and is now available to the public from today. The Government white paper states that the current Finance minister Mr. Mamburay Njie should only be reprimanded.
Janneh Commission White Paper Publication
You will recall that upon the installation of the Barrow administration in 2017, preliminary reports received from, inter alia, the Central Bank of The Gambia, Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC), Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), Gambia Telecommunications Company Limited (GAMTEL), National Water and Electricity Company Limited (NAWEC), Assets Management and Recovery Corporation (AMRC), Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), and other public institutions and government agencies, indicated that substantial funds were, either directly or indirectly withdrawn, paid out or expended on instructions or directives received from the Office of the President during the tenure in office of former President Jammeh, sometimes for unknown purposes.
It was discovered that bank accounts were opened into which funds paid by members of the public and intended for the State were directly controlled and expended by former President Jammeh or on his instructions.
It was also discovered that former President Jammeh, during his tenure in office, had accumulated at least 131 known landed properties registered in his name or in companies and foundations in which he has shares or an interest; and that he operated at least 89 private bank accounts directly or through the aforesaid companies or foundations.
Based on these preliminary reports, President Barrow deemed it in the public interest to launch an inquiry into the financial and other activities of public bodies, enterprises, and offices as regards their dealings with former President Jammeh, his family members and close associates, his financial and business affairs, and the assets accumulated by them during his tenure in office.
Accordingly, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 200 of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia 1997, and the Commissions of Inquiry Act Cap 30:01 Vol 5 of the Laws of The Gambia, His Excellency, Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, on 12th July, 2017, issued a Commission of Inquiry into the financial and other related activities of certain public bodies, enterprises and offices as regards their dealings with former President Jammeh, and the accumulation of assets by him, his family members and close associates, and for connected matters through Gazette Legal Notice 15 of 2017, ISSN 0796 with the following membership:-
i. SURAHATA B.S. JANNEH – Chairperson
ii. ABIOSSEH GEORGE - Member
iii. BAI MASS SAINE - Member
1. The Commission was assisted by Counsel Amie N.D. Bensouda who was appointed by me.
2. The members of the Commission were thereafter sworn-in and the terms of reference of the Commission included to:-
a) Inquire into and investigate the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of diverse sums of money from the Central Bank of The Gambia including from the International Gateway Account, Carnegie Mining Project Account, and any other account or fund lodged with the Central Bank and:
b) Inquire into and investigate the involvement of the Executive arm of Government under former President Jammeh in the withdrawal and application of funds or resources of public bodies, enterprises and offices or projects including but not limited to SSHFC, GPA, GAMTEL, NAWEC, AMRC, GNPC.
c) Inquire into whether and to what extent the resources meant for the Government or people of The Gambia including grants, donations, and loans were diverted, converted or misappropriated by or under the direction of the former Executive;
d) Investigate the extent to which former President Jammeh was involved in public procurement and whether any losses were caused to government by reason of such involvement;
e) Investigate the existence, nature, extent, and method of acquisition of assets and properties of former President Jammeh, his family members and close associates within the period from 22nd July 1994 to 21st January 2017, and to investigate whether such assets and properties were acquired lawfully or otherwise;
f) Investigate the companies, businesses, and bank accounts operated directly or indirectly by former President Jammeh and his close associates or in which he had an interest
g) Identify whether any person or group of persons committed any offence in relation to any matter inquired into by the Commission;
h) Recommend ways of improving on the supervision of Government Accounts in a bid to ensuring that irregular withdrawals from the said accounts do not reoccur; and
i) Recommend ways of recovering or restoring any assets, monies or other resources that may have been illegally taken, misappropriated, misapplied or lost.
The Commission submitted its Report in Nine (9) volumes totaling One Thousand and Six Hundred pages (1,600) to the President on 29 March 2019.
Following a review of the Commission’s Report, and in accordance with Section 203 of the Constitution, His Excellency, President Barrow, has decided to publish his reaction to the Report in the form of a White Paper to be published here today together with the full Report of the Commission. Because of its voluminous size, we can only share a few complimentary copies of the Report with the media today and encourage the general public to obtain copies from the GPPC in Kanifing.
First, the Government wishes to highlight the commendable work of the Commission in general, and the procedure adopted by the Commission in its investigations and public hearings. The transparent manner in which it conducted its proceedings and the extra-ordinary measures it had adopted in order to ensure fairness and adherence to law and due process is highly commendable.
The Commission has made a number of findings and recommendations in its Report. The Government has carefully considered the Report and in its White Paper has stated its decisions and accepts (except as otherwise stated in the White Paper) the findings and recommendations as they relate to the issues brought out in the Report.
In taking the decisions reflected in its White Paper, the Government has not lost sight of the prevailing governance environment created by former President Jammeh at the time. Notwithstanding, in most cases, members of the business community, in their dealings with former President Jammeh, were motivated by greed and opportunism; while those who served in public office were mostly motivated by a combination of fear and self-preservation. The Government has also taken into account the fact that The Gambia is currently going through a fragile political transition to democratic rule after over two decades of dictatorship. Consequently, the Government’s main objective, as reflected in the White Paper, is the recovery of monies stolen and/or misappropriated from the State by former President Jammeh, his family members and close associates.
For the avoidance of doubt, the White Paper does not and neither is it intended to reflect all the findings and recommendations of the Commission. It only contains the key findings and recommendations that the Government wishes to highlight from the Report, and mirrors the findings and recommendations against the list of individuals identified in Volume 9 of the Report.
Some of the key findings of the Commission include the fact that former President Jammeh, who was the primary subject of the Commission’s inquiry, and who’s salary in July 1994 when he took over power was D2,744.20:
was engaged in an unconscionable land grab and acquired 281 (two hundred and eighty-one) landed properties throughout the country. These include private residential and commercial properties, islands, forest parks, wild life reserves and wetlands.
The Commission also found that disproportionate amounts of resources were wasted, misappropriated and diverted by former President Jammeh amounting to at least D1,065,012,512 (one billion and sixty-five million, and twelve thousand Dalasis); $304, 718, 071 (three hundred and four million, and seven hundred and eighteen thousand and seventy-one Dollars).
That the meager resources at the disposal of the country were managed at former President Jammeh’s whim and caprices without regard to the structures and processes in place to ensure coherence and accountability; that former President Jammeh, from his actions, reserved the right to appropriate funds from wherever they were available to him, for procurement of goods and services and made no distinctions as to whether the project was for his personal benefit or for public purposes;
that at least D3,330,046.60 (three million, and three hundred and thirty thousand, and forty-six Dalasis); $1,858,367 (one million, and eight hundred and fifty-eight thousand, and three hundred and sixty-seven Dollars); and GBP6,618.41 (six thousand, and six hundred and eighteen Pounds Sterling), mostly in cash, was improperly authorized and directly transferred for use by Zineb Jammeh from various accounts in the country.
The Commission found that former President Jammeh’s financial dealings and/or activities were at all stages facilitated, assisted or even guided by a number of people. The Commission has identified seventeen
persons (17) as close associates of former President Jammeh based on the evidence before it. These include military officers who left with him into exile, private individuals and companies that had business dealings with him either directly or indirectly through companies in which former President Jammeh had an interest.
Apart from persons who fall in the said category, the Commission also found that there were others who worked with former President Jammeh by virtue of the offices they held, many of whom were also involved in his financial dealings and/or activities.
The Commission underscored that the damage former President Jammeh has caused to Government institutions, public resources and State Owned Enterprises is of such serious nature that the Government ought to introduce a motion before the National Assembly for charges to be brought against him for theft, economic crimes and corruption.
Based on the recommendations of the Commission, the actions taken by the Government is expected to generate nearly a Billion Dalasis from the assets forfeited to the State and to be sold.
However, it should also be emphasized that the Commission was not only established for the recovery of monies even though it was equally important that there was a credible and transparent process of accountability which provided us with the legal and evidentiary basis for our recovery efforts. The Commission was also meant to expose the level of corruption and the extent of reckless disregard for fiscal discipline and safeguards against abuses. Therefore, the Commission has made a number of policy recommendations in order to improve on these safeguards.
Thank you all.
Janneh Commission indicts dozens
The Standard: September 13, 2019
https://standard.gm/janneh-commission-indicts-dozens/
Scores of institutions and former public officials including senior government officials and close associates of former president Yahya Jammeh have been indicted by the Janneh Commission.
The Standard is privy to the report of the commission of inquiry into the financial activities of former president Yahya Jammeh and his close associates, which is set for release this morning.
Government places lien on 14 Jammeh associates, institutions
http://eyeafrica.tv/government-places-lien-on-14-jammeh-associates-institutions/
EYEAFRICA TV: Banjul, The Gambia: Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubacarr Tambadou have announced that government has placed a lien on the properties of fourteen of former President Yahya Jammeh’s close associates and institutions.
The fourteen individuals and institutions are: business man Amadou Samba, Tarek Musa, fazegi Mazegi, Elija Reymond, Martin Keller, Nicolae Buziainu, Dragos Buziainu, Ali Youssef Sharara, Woreh Njie-Ceesay, Toni Ghattas, Feryane Diab Ghanem, Trust Bank Limited, Guaranty Trust Bank and MA Kharafi and Sons company.
Mr. Tambadou announced the government decision during a news conference in his office in Banjul, at the release of the 93-page report of the Commission of Inquiry that was established by President Adama Barrow in July 2017, to probe into financial activities of public bodies, enterprises and offices as regards to their dealings with the country’s former President, Yahya Jammeh.
The report indicts several other former officials of the Jammeh government on misappropriation of millions of Gambian dalasis and foreign currencies. It also indicted Jammeh himself who took the largest chunk of the misappropriation deal.
Mr. Jammeh and his government have been accused of adverse financial mismanagement during his 22-year dictatorship rule, which also bankrupted the country’s economy. During the sittings of the Commission of Inquiry, his one-time Presidential affairs minister Dr. Njogu Lamin Bah, who is also indicted by the report described Jammeh of having “real” appetite for money.
Individuals adversely mentioned as bearing responsibility for civil and criminal wrongs in the report include President Jammeh and wife Zineb Souma-Jammeh, former vice president Isatou Njie-Saidy, former secretary generals Njogu Bah and Momodou Sabally; former ministers Yankuba Touray, Edward Singhatey, Ebou Jallow (AFPRC junta spokesman), Ismaila Sambou, Manlafy Jarju, Fatou Mas Jobe, Kebba Touray, Sira Wally Ndow-Njai and Momodou Aki Bayo; former cabinet secretary Noah Touray, former head of the Republican National Guard Lt General Sulayman Badjie, brother of former president Ansumana Jammeh and chief of protocol to Presidents Jammeh and Barrow Alhagie Ousman Ceesay.
The report also found against businessmen Mohammed Bazzi, Fadi George Mazegi, Tarek Musa, Ali Yousseh Sharara, Toni Ghattas, Amadou Samba, Nicolae Buzainu and Dragos Buzainou.
Former Central Bank heads Amadou Colley, Basiru Njai, Oumie Savage-Samba, GNPC’s Momodou Badjie, Momodou Lamin Gibba formerly of SSHFC and GPA, Edward Graham formerly of SSHFC, Feryale Diab-Ghanem, Abdoulie B Cham, Woreh Njie-Ceesay and Fatou Njie. Many others have been found culpable.
The commission, headed by veteran lawyer Sourahata Janneh was tasked to identify institutions, persons and groups of persons directly involved in the financial dealings and activities of former president Jammeh, his family members and close associates.
It was also tasked to identify whether any offences were committed by any persons, and to make recommendations as to the ways and means of recovering and restoring of assets, monies or other resources that may have been illegally taken, misappropriated, misapplied or lost. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2019 : 17:28:04
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Opinion by Madi Jobarteh
Pres. Adama Barrow should take Janneh Commission Report before the National Assembly
The Janneh Commission Report is a national document that came out of major historical circumstances of our country. Therefore this report should not be decided only by the Government at Cabinet level. It is necessary that the President places the report before the National Assembly for their consideration and action.
By doing so the President would be demonstrating strategic and constructive leadership that can only do well for the country. The Government must not monopolize the report but to make it a truly national property by sharing with the Parliament.
The Janneh Commission has dealt with issues that touch on all aspects of governance and the State. These issues are more than legal and institutional issues but they also have sociocultural and political dimensions for which the National Assembly must take leadership on it.
The report has highlighted how deep and widespread abuses took place that also borders on the failure of the oversight functions of the Assembly. Therefore the National Assembly is the right platform that the President should take the Report with his own White Paper. That way the parliament will have the right discussion to make the right decisions.
Just because the Constitution empowers the President to create such commissions of inquiry does not mean only the President should decide the report. Good leadership is when the President demonstrates the good sense to share the report with the National Assembly. I hope his advisors make him understand and do that ASAP.
Taking it to the National Assembly also ensures greater transparency and accountability and prevents selective justice and favoritism. The recommendations of the report should be implemented in full and there should be no sacred cows! To ensure that then the report must be taken to people’s house!
For The Gambia Our Homeland |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 13 Sep 2019 : 21:56:43
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Alhagie Ceesay Is All Smiles As Barrow Administration Rejects Janneh Commission’s Sacking Advice
Fatu Network: September 13, 2019916
By Lamin Njie
https://fatunetwork.net/alhagie-ceesay-is-all-smiles-as-barrow-administration-rejects-janneh-commissions-sacking-advice/
The Barrow administration has rejected a recommendation by the Janneh Commission that Alhagie Ousman Ceesay, the chief of protocol to President Barrow be sacked from his role.
Ceesay has been on the brink since 2017 after he was found to have withdrawn million of dalasis in state funds while working as chief of protocol to former President Yahya Jammeh.
The commission at the end of its investigation recommended that Ceesay who still retains his position at the office of the president be dismissed.
But the Barrow administration has rejected the advice in a white paper that was released on Friday.
The document outlines measures the Barrow administration has or will take against individuals who assisted former president Yahya Jammeh steal billions of dalasis in public funds. It was released alongside the Janneh Commission’s report.
On the case of Mr Alhagie Ceesay, the Barrow administration said: “The duties and functions of state protocol officers are very wide and varied. In reality, they carry out a range of activities for their principals and they enjoy a unique position of confidence within the state architecture which is necessitated by the functions of their office.
“Tellingly, the commission did not make any findings of infringement of any specific policies, guidelines or regulations that govern the functions and duties of state protocol officers. Indeed, none exist.
“Neither has the commission illustrated from other jurisdictions the roles and responsibilities of state protocol officers as a yardstick against which the conduct of Mr Alhagie Ousman Ceesay and other state protocol officers could be measured not did the commission refer to the terms of employment of Mr Alhagie Ceesay.
“Consequently, the government rejects the commission’s recommendation that Mr Alhagie Ceesay should be dismissed. The same applies by extension to all other state protocol officers against whom adverse findings were made in respect of similar conduct under similar circumstances.” |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 14 Sep 2019 : 22:27:21
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List of Persons To Be Issued The Assets Declaration Form.
1. Family members
Zineb Souma Jammeh
Ansumana Jammeh
2. Close associates
Lt General Sulayman Badjie
Brigadier General Umpa Mendy
Brigadier General Bora Colley
Brigadier General Ansumana Tamba
Lt Colonel Amadou Joof
Lt Colonel Nuha Badjie
Lt Colonel Sana Manjang
Lt Colonel Sana Jarju
Mohamed Bazzi
Amadou Samba
Fadi Mazegi
Toni Ghattas
Balla Jassey
Baboucarr Sanyang (ex-Md Gamtel)
Ali Charara
Tarek Musa
Yankuba Badjie (ex-NIA DG)
Ilija Reymond
Nicolae Buzainou
Dragos Buzainou
Woreh Njie–Ceesay
Amadou Colley (ex-governor Central Bank)
Feryale Ghanem–Diab
Muhammed Lamin Gibba (ex-Md GPA,
SSHFC, & AMRC)
3. Public Officers
Tumbul Danso (ex-Md SSHFC)
Abdoulie Cham (Geology)
Alieu Jawo (Geology)
Elizabeth Mendy-Johnson (GM Gamcel)
Momodou Badjie (ex-MD GNPC)
Edward Graham (ex-Md SSHFC)
Abdoulie Cham (SSHFC)
Banding Sillah (Gamtel)
Ousman Jobarteh (GPA)
Lamin Sanyang (GPA)
Ebrima Cham (Gamworks )
4. AFPRC members
Edward Singhatey
Yankuba Touray
Ebou Jallow
Lamin Kaba Bajo
5. Vice President
Isatou Njie-Saidy
6. Ministers
Balla Garba Jahumpa
Mousa Bala Gaye
Sirra Wally-Ndow
Fatou Mass Jobe
Ismaila Sanyang
7. Secretaries-general
Mambury Njie
Njogou L Bah
Momodou Sabally
8. Secretaries to Cabinet
Ebrima O Camara
Noah Touray
9. Protocol Officers (OP)
Alhaji Ousman Ceesay
Fatou Njie
Muhammed Batata Juwara
Buba I Demba
Borry S Colley
10. Contractor
Sheriff Sawaneh
11. Military officers
Nuha William Jammeh (Military Police)
Momodou Lamin Mendy (GAF Active Member
Edward Mendy
Yankuba Colley (Sergeant Major)
12. Central Bank of The Gambia
Basirou Njie (ex-DG 1)
Oumie Savage-Samba (ex-Dg 2)
Ousainou Corr (ex-Director of Finance)
Abdoulie Cham (ex-Director of Finance)
Njoba Sankareh Sarr (Prinicpal Currency Officer) |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 16 Sep 2019 : 14:22:51
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Commission finds that Jammeh wasted over D1B
The Point: Monday, September 16, 2019
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/commission-finds-that-jammeh-wasted-over-d1b
Abubacarr Ba Tambadou, the attorney general and minister of Justice on Friday disclosed that the Commission of Inquiry widely known as Janneh Commission found that disproportionate amounts of resources were wasted, misappropriated and diverted by former President Jammeh amounting to at least D1,065,012,512 (one billion, sixty-five million, five hundred and twelve thousand dalasis); $304, 718, 071 (three hundred and four million, seven hundred and eighteen thousand and seventy-one Dollars).
Justice Minister Tambadou made this announcement at a press briefing held at his chambers while releasing the 93-page report of the Commission of Inquiry that was established in July 2017 to probe into the financial activities of public bodies, enterprises and offices with regard to their dealing with former Present Yahya Jammeh.
“Some of the key findings of the Commission include the fact that former President Jammeh, who was the primary subject of the Commission’s inquiry, and who’s salary in July 1994 when he took over power was D2,744.20 and was engaged in an unconscionable land grab and acquired 281 (two hundred and eighty-one) landed properties throughout the country,” he revealed.
“It includes private residential and commercial properties, islands, forest parks, wild life reserves and wetlands,’ he mentioned.
The minister also stated that the Commission had found the meager resources at the disposal of the country were managed at former President Jammeh’s whims and caprices without regard to the structures and processes in place to ensure coherence and accountability; that former President Jammeh, from his actions, reserved the right to appropriate funds from wherever they were available to him, for procurement of goods and services and made no distinctions as to whether the project was for his personal benefit or for public purposes.
“That at least D3,330,046.60(three billion, three hundred and thirty million dalasis); $1,858,367 (one million, and eight hundred and fifty-eight thousand, and three hundred and sixty-seven dollars);and GBP6,618.41 (six thousand, six hundred and eighteen pounds sterling), mostly in cash, was improperly authorised and directly transferred for use by Zineb Jammeh from various accounts in the country,” Justice Minister Tambadou revealed.
He disclosed that the Commission found that former President Jammeh’s financial dealings and/or activities were at all stages facilitated, assisted or even guided by a number of people. “The Commission has identified 17 persons as close associates of former President Jammeh based on the evidence before it.
“These include military officers who left with him into exile, private individuals and companies that had business dealings with him either directly or indirectly through companies in which former President Jammeh had an interest,” he added.
“Apart from persons who fall in the said category, the Commission also found that there were others who worked with former President Jammeh by virtue of the offices they held, many of whom were also involved in his financial dealings and/or activities. Some of the key findings of the Commission include the fact that former President Jammeh, who was the primary subject of the Commission’s inquiry, and who’s salary in July 1994 when he took over power was D2,744.20: was engaged in an unconscionable land grab and acquired 281 (two hundred and eighty-one) landed properties throughout the country. These include private residential and commercial properties, islands, forest parks, wild life reserves and wetlands.
“The Commission underscored that the damage former President Jammeh caused to government institutions, public resources and state owned enterprises is of such serious nature that the government ought to introduce a motion before the National Assembly for charges to be brought against him for theft, economic crimes and corruption,” he revealed.
Based on the recommendations of the Commission, the actions taken by the government are expected to generate nearly a billion dalasis from the assets forfeited to the state and to be sold.
The minster, however, made it clear that it should also be emphasised that the Commission was not only established for the recovery of monies even though it was equally important that there was a credible and transparent process of accountability which provided the state with the legal and evidentiary basis for its recovery efforts.
“The Commission was also meant to expose the level of corruption and the extent of reckless disregard for fiscal discipline and safeguards against abuses. Therefore, the Commission has made a number of policy recommendations in order to improve on these safeguards,” he announced.
Author: Fatou B. Cham
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 16 Sep 2019 : 14:29:23
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Minister Tambadou Harps On Sale of Jammeh’s Assets
Foroyaa: September 13, 2019
By: Kebba AF Touray
https://foroyaa.gm/minister-tambadou-harps-on-sale-of-jammehs-assets/
Gambia Government will generate nearly one billion dalasi from the sale of assets forfeited to the State as a result of recommendation made by the Janneh Commission.
The Minister of Justice, Abubacarr Tambedou
made this statement on Friday in a press conference on the white paper released by the Gambia Government in reaction to the report prepared by the Janneh Commission.
“Based on the recommendations of the Commission, the actions taken by the Government are expected to generate nearly a Billion dalasis from the assets forfeited to the State and to be sold” he said.
The commission was established to investigate into the financial dealings of the former president Jammeh, his close associates and family members.
He clarified “the Commission was also meant to expose the level of corruption and the extent of reckless disregard for fiscal discipline and safeguards against abuses”.
He said: “The Commission underscored that the damage former President Jammeh has caused to Government institutions, public resources and State Owned Enterprises is of such serious nature that the Government ought to introduce a motion before the National Assembly for charges to be brought against him for theft, economic crimes and corruption.”
Consequently, he stressed, the Government’s main objective, as reflected in the White Paper, is the recovery of monies stolen and/or misappropriated from the State by former President Jammeh, his family members and close associates.
“It was discovered that bank accounts were opened into which funds paid by members of the public and intended for the State were directly controlled and expended by former President Jammeh or on his instructions”, he told journalists.
He said some of the key findings of the commission indicate that Ex-President Jammeh, acquired 281 landed properties throughout the country. These include private residential and commercial properties, islands, forest parks, wild life reserves and wetlands.
He said “the Commission also found that disproportionate amounts of resources were wasted, misappropriated and diverted by former President Jammeh amounting to at least D1,065,012,512 (one billion and sixty-five million, and twelve thousand dalasi)”.
He added “the meager resources at the disposal of the country were managed at former President Jammeh’s whim and caprices without regard to the structures and processes in place to ensure coherence and accountability”.
He also said at least D3, 330,046.60 (three million, and three hundred and thirty thousand, and forty-six Dalasis); $1,858,367 (one million, and eight hundred and fifty-eight thousand, and three hundred and sixty-seven Dollars); and GBP6, 618.41 (six thousand, and six hundred and eighteen Pounds Sterling), mostly in cash, was improperly authorized and directly transferred for use by Zineb Jammeh from various accounts in the country.
The Commission found that former President Jammeh’s financial dealings and/or activities were at all stages facilitated, assisted or even guided by a number of people.
He added that the Commission has identified seventeen persons as close associates of former President Jammeh based on the evidence before it.
These he revealed, include military officers who left with him into exile, private individuals and companies that had business dealings with him either directly or indirectly through companies in which former President Jammeh had an interest.
Apart from persons who fall in the said category, Tambedou further said the Commission also found that there were others who worked with former President Jammeh by virtue of the offices they held, many of whom were also involved in his financial dealings and or activities.
He said “therefore, the Commission has made a number of policy recommendations in order to improve on these safeguards”.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 17 Sep 2019 : 08:29:35
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Commission Orders Amadou Samba To Pay Millions
Foroyaa: September 17, 2019
By: Kebba AF Touray
https://foroyaa.gm/commission-orders-amadou-samba-to-pay-millions/
The Janneh Commission has ordered Mr. Amadou Samba to pay the sum of US$134,000(approximately D6, 566,000) for the acquisition of the Daily Observer Newspaper.
This is among seven penalties imposed on Mr. Samba, for his involvement in financial transactions, while handling Director portfolios in Gamveg Oil Company, EAGL and Gam Petroleum.
The seven fines levied on Mr. Samba, as indicated by the Janneh Commission are, 134,000 for the acquisition of Daily Observer Newspaper, US$350,000 for the sale of Gamveg Oil Company to KGI illegally paid from the Central Bank of The Gambia, D4,689.48 being his part in the arrears of rent for sheds owned by Gam Petroleum.
The fines also include D7,680,696 being his part for the conversion by Gam Petroleum of the Barajally Ferry, D588,963 compensation for the people of Mandinari, Euro 84,00 being Capital Gains Tax on the sale of his shares in Gam Petroleum to the SOEs and EUR240,000 being overpayment for Gam Petroleum shares sold to the SOEs.
The commission found that among others Mr. Samba was involved in business dealings with the former regime under Jammeh, such as being the Chairman of the Board of Kairaba Beach Hotel before and after it was seized by Jammeh from Baba Jobe. Samba is also alleged to have been involved in the operation of Sindola and was a signatory to the accounts.
The commission also found that in view of Samba’s role in the acquisition of the Observer Newspaper, Mr. Samba and former President Jammeh are jointly and severally liable for the restitution of the sum of US$268,000, being money allegedly stolen by former president Jammeh from the Central Bank of The Gambia, which was used to purchase the observer Newspaper.
The commission however blamed state institutions for their failure to effectively carry out their constitutional and statutory responsibilities, to safeguard against abuses, which Mr. Samba took advantage of.
“This opportunism by Mr. Samba must not, however be equated with civil or criminal liability on his part. The state must take full responsibility for this institutional failure”, says the Commission. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 17 Sep 2019 : 12:38:56
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PRESS RELEASE FROM CENTRAL BANK OF THE GAMBIA
Central Bank assures banking industry will not be harmed with commission’s report implementation
It would be recalled that the Government of The Gambia in July 2017 established the Janneh Commission to look into the financial activities of the former President Yhaya A . J. J. Jammeh and his close associates. The findings and recommendations of the Commission are contained in a nine (9) Volume report released on Friday September 13, 2019.
Volume 9 of the report mandates the Central Bank of The Gambia to implement recommendations relating to the banking sector. The implementation of the said recommendations would not adversely affect the strong financial position of the banks.
The Central Bank wishes to inform the general public that the banking sector is well capitalized and adequately profitable.
The Bank assures the general public and bank customers in particular that their funds are safe.
The banking sector remains safe, sound and stable. There is no cause for alarm. Customers are urged to continue their normal banking transactions as usual. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 18 Sep 2019 : 21:56:06
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Bazzi banned from entering Gambia, company shares forfeited
The Point: Wednesday, September 18, 2019
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/bazzi-banned-from-entering-gambia-company-shares-forfeited
Mohammed Bazzi has been banned from entering Gambian territory following the release of a 93-page report, an excerpt of the report of the Commission of Inquiry widely called the Janneh Commission, in which the government accepts a recommendation that he (Bazzi) be declared persona non grata.
That recommendation is particularly reinforced by the fact that Mr. Bazzi was, on 17 May, 2018, designated a specially designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224.
The U.S. Treasury also designated five of Mr. Bazzi’s companies on the same date including Global Trading Group N.V. and Euro African Group Ltd., both registered in The Gambia.
Mohammed Ibrahim Bazzi is a Lebanese origin and he also held a Gambian Diplomatic Passport No. D0000129, due to his positions as the consul general of The Gambia in Lebanon.
Mr. Bazzi came to The Gambia sometime end of 2000 into early 2001 and he was invited to The Gambia by Tarek Musa because he was in the electricity power business and was declared a close associate of former President Jammeh on 13 October 2017.
The former President Jammeh or alternatively, Mr. Bazzi and others are jointly and severally liable for bribes paid to former President Jammeh.
“The government is of the considered view that while former president Jammeh, Muhammed Bazzi, and others are criminally liable for these acts of bribery and the said bribes should be recovered from the assets of former President Jammeh,” the report pointed out.
“Because it would amount to double jeopardy to ask Mohammed Bazzi and others to pay the same monies that they have already paid to former President Jammeh, even as a bribe,” it continued.
The government takes particular note of the Commission’s observations that Mr. Bazzi among others was a non-citizen and non-resident of The Gambia who was painfully exploitative and contributed nothing of very little to the economy and welfare of The Gambia.
“He had no respect for Gambians or Gambian institutions and in his quest for wealth, he focused only on profits mostly unlawfully obtained through bribes and other illegitimate means including collusion with former President Jammeh. He greatly contributed to the near ruin of The Gambia,” the report indicated.
The government also accepts the commission’s recommendation that the owing companies associated with following companies associated with Mohammed Bazzi should be permanently banned and they are hereby permanently banned from participating in any government procurement.
The report also pointed out that all existing contracts of government with any of the said companies shall be forthwith and immediately cancelled where appropriate and all shares belonging to Mohammed Bazzi in these companies are hereby forfeited to the state.
Author: Fatou B. Cham |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 24 Sep 2019 : 22:14:56
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Gov’t seeks to recover over $52M from Switzerland
The Standard: SEPTEMBER 24, 2019
By Omar Bah
https://standard.gm/govt-seeks-to-recover-over-52m-from-switzerland/
The Government of the Gambia has announced plans to institute civil proceedings in the courts of Switzerland for the recovery of $52, 837, 514, sums illegally obtained through MGI by Illija Reymond and Martin Keller, both Swiss nationals.
This revelation was made in the Government white paper in response to recommendation by the Janneh commission.
“Government will institute civil proceedings in the courts of Switzerland for the recovery of these sums as well as make a formal complaint to Swiss authorities against MGI for fraudulent conduct,” the government said in its White Paper.
The Swiss duo are also ordered to pay the sum of ($52,837,514) within 30 days of the publication of the White Paper, failing which their properties shall be forfeited to the state and sold.
Illija Reymond and Martin Keller, both Swiss nationals, are said to be close associates of ex-president Yahya Jammeh and they are accused of defrauding close to fifty-two million dollars belonging to the Gambian people in their capacity as managing partners of MGI Telecom AG (MGI), a company incorporated under the laws of Switzerland.
MGI was the exclusive international gateway manager in the Gambia from May 2014 to 2017 when their contract was terminated.
General Saul Badjie
The Government of the Gambia has also announced plans to institute criminal charges against former Commander of the Republican Guard, General Sulayman Badjie for theft, economic crimes and corruption.
According to the Commission between September 2015 and January 2017 alone, Saul Badjie is responsible for misappropriating or diverting monies in the total of $23, 645, 342, euro 300, 000 and D14, 606, 000.
The government has also banned Gen Badjie from holding public office. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 25 Sep 2019 : 13:03:45
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Mohamed Bazzi Banned from entering The Gambia
Foroyaa: September 24, 2019
https://foroyaa.gm/mohamed-bazzi-banned-from-entering-the-gambia/
Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim Bazzi is of Lebanese origin. He also held a Gambian Diplomatic Passport No. 000129 due to his position as Consul General of The Gambia in Lebanon. Mr. Bazzi came to The Gambia sometime end of 2000 into early 2001. He was invited to The Gambia by Mr Terek Musa because he was in the electricity power business. He was declared a close associate of former President Jammeh on 13th October, 2017.
The Commission found, inter alia, that Mr Bazzi was involved in extensive business dealings both with former President Jammeh through their companies, and with the Government of The Gambia with the full support of former President Jammeh. Mr Bazzi’s main foreign partner was Mr Fadi Mazegi, while his main local partner was Mr Amadou Samba. Mr Bazzi and Mr Amadou Samba were introduced around the same time Bazzi met former President Jammeh. Some of Mr Bazzi’s family members were also involved in the operation of his companies in The Gambia.
The Commission found that Mr Bazzi is known to have interest in at least fifteen (15) companies which either directly or indirectly had business dealings with the Government and former President including Euro Africa Group Limited (EAGL), Global Trading Group NV (GTG), Gam Petroleum Company Limited, Gamveg Oil Company, Gambia Milling Corporation Limited (GMC), Gambia-African Mining International Company Limited (GAMICO), Royal Atlantic Residence etc. Mr Bazzi’s first business in The Gambia and dealing with former President Jammeh, Mr Amadou Samba and Mr Baba Jobe (deceased) was through GTG in respect of supply of Generators, rehabilitation of the Distribution Network, and supply pf Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) to NAWEC.
The full extent of the Commission’s findings regarding Mr Bazzi is contained in the Report particularly in Volume 9, pages 127-142. These include findings that Mr Bazzi’s companies were awarded exclusive contracts by NAWEC using funds illegally withdrawn from the Central Bank of The Gambia and SSHFC under the directives of former President Jammeh. For instance, GTG was single sourced for the supply of 3 generators in 2001 on the directive of former President Jammeh even though same was fully financed by the Exim Bank of Taiwan in the total sum of $15,686,000. The Export-Import Bank of Taiwan provided $5 million which was made available to GTG through the Central Bank (CBG). GTG was paid a further $10.9 million by the CBG to pre-finance the purchase of the generators. In 2002, Exim Bank of China provided a loan of $25,542,000 to partly pay off GTG the pre-financed sum of over $10 million.
The Commission found that a reconciliation of the loan amount, the contract sums and the money advanced from CBG show GTG received $16,658,700 in 2001 instead of the agreed $15,686,000. This was $972,700 and did not account for this sum.
Furthermore, the Commission found that from July 2002 to May 2015, GTG under directives from former President Jammeh, was awarded the exclusive rights to supply heavy fuel oil to NAWEC at a margin of PLATS +17%. The Commission found that 3% was for the construction of a storage tank facility in Banjul for the sum of $2 million which was never built. The agreements were renewed on two occasions with different managing directors of NAWEC but the directors of the GTG Mohamed Bazzi and Fadi Mazegi never informed them of the 3% make-up, although at the time of the first renewal, they were in charge of NAWEC under a management contract between NAWEC and Global Management Systems. GTG maintained the 17% make-up until the exclusivity ended and also used the same rate for fuel supplied under the IPP thus inflating the prices. The 3% difference charged by EAGL from October 2002 to July 2013 under the Fuel Supply Agreement between GTG and NAWEC amounted to $3,886,981.53.
The Commission also found that EAGL took over the exclusive contract awarded by the Government under the executive directive of former President Jammeh to supply all the country’s petroleum needs from Euro African Oil Company Ltd. Fadi Mazegi was authorized by Mohamed Bazzi on GTG letterhead to become signatory to the two companies’ accounts in 2004. The Contracts were extended in 2006, and 2010. The Commission found that both EAGL and GTG respectively had 100% control of the supply of petroleum products/HFO and were therefore monopolies under Gambian law. These two companies were also engaged in conduct that prevented, restricted or distorted competition contrary to the Competition Act. The Commission further found that the basis for the sole agency status awarded to EAGL and GTG was a direct violation of the Government procurement rules, as it created a favored status founded on the personal relationship between the directors of EAGL and former President Jammeh, which is shown to have been sustained by, and through, direct bribery and other corrupt practices.
For example, the Commission found that EAGL transferred the sum of $2,550,000 into a Trust Bank Limited (TBL) account controlled by former President Jammeh as follows:
$1,000,000 – 6th March 2013;
$500,000 on 28th March 2013;
$500,000 on the 8th May 2013;
$250,000 on 31st July 2013; and
$300,000 on the 19th November 2013.
Regarding the above payments, the Commission noted that 6th March 2013, the Secretary General, Dr Njogou Bah, issued a letter on the handing over of the IPP and settlement of liabilities due to EAGL. The Commission also noted that 7th May 2013, former President Jammeh had written to Mr Bazzi threatening to terminate the exclusive contracts and instituting criminal investigations against him. Based on these, the Commission concluded that the payments were from EAGL for the personal benefit of former President Jammeh and therefore a bribe. The Government takes note of the Commission’s observation that Fadi Mazegi or Mr Amadou Samba were not aware of these payments as incentives demanded by former President Jammeh.
The Commission also found that in addition to the $2,550,000 paid into the said TBL account, EAGL illogically paid or facilitated the payment into former President Jammeh’s personal salary account over a period of 18 months the total sum of D240,280,000. The Commission concluded that there was probable cause for holding that these payments were illegally and intended to bribe former President Jammeh.
The Government accepts the Commission’s findings in so far as they relate to Mr Mohamed Bazzi. Accordingly, the Government accepts the recommendations of the Commission that Mr Mohamed Bazzi’s properties including his assets, companies, shares and other acquisitions be forfeited to the State or confiscated by the State and sold. The proceeds of sale shall be applied to the payment of monies for which Mr Mohamed Bazzi, and all companies associated with him, are found to be liable in the Report. The said properties are hereby forfeited to the State.
The Government also accepts the Commission’s recommendations that the large parcel of land along the Bertil Harding Highway in the TDA allocated by Government to Royal Atlantic Residence Ltd be re-entered and sold, and to negotiate with the Islamic Corporation for Development, a subsidiary of the Islamic Development Bank, a portion of their investment that could be refunded on equitable grounds in the continued mutual interest of the IDB and The Gambia.
The Government takes note of the Commission’s recommendation that former President Jammeh, or alternatively, Mr Mohamed Bazzi and others are jointly and severally liable for bribes paid to former President Jammeh. The Government of the Gambia is of the considered view that while former President Jammeh, Mr Mohamed Bazzi, and others are criminally liable for these acts of bribery, the said bribes should be recovered from the assets of former President Jammeh because it would amount to double-jeopardy to ask Mr Mohamed Bazzi and others to pay the same monies that they have already paid out to former President Jammeh, even as a bribe.
The Government takes particular note of the Commission’s observations that Mr Mohamed Bazzi, among others, was non-citizen and non-resident of The Gambia who was painfully exploitative and contributed nothing or very little to the economy or welfare of The Gambia. He had no respect for Gambians or Gambian institutions. In his quest for wealth, he focused only on profits mostly unlawfully obtained through bribes and other illegitimate means including collusion with former President Jammeh. He greatly contributed to the near ruin of The Gambia.
Consequently, the Government accepts the Commission’s recommendation that Mr Mohamed Bazzi be declared persona non grata, and Mr Mohamed Bazzi is hereby declared persona non grata by the Government of The Gambia and specifically banned from entering Gambian territorial jurisdiction. This recommendation is particularly reinforced by the fact that Mr Bazzi was, on 17th May 2018, designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of the Treasury pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224. The U.S. Treasury also designated five of Mr Bazzi’s companies on the same date including Global Trading Group N.V. and Euro African Group Ltd both registered in The Gambia.
The Government also accepts the Commission’s recommendation that the following companies associated with Mr Mohamed Bazzi should be permanently banned, and they are hereby permanently banned, from participating in any Government procurement:
Euro African Group Ltd
Global Trading Group NV
Global Power Systems
Multi Shipping Company Ltd
GAMICO
Gammobile
Gammobile
Gamveg
Royal Residence
GEG
Votrag
Las Services
GMS
Ibrahim Bazzi and Sons
Gamilo
Gamcon
SPL
WARD
Africard
Royal Atlantic Residence
All existing contracts of Government with any of the said companies shall be reviewed forthwith and immediately cancelled where appropriate, and all shares belonging to Mr Mohamed Bazzia in these companies are hereby forfeited to the State.
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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 2019 : 08:57:22
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Government Orders Social Security to takeover Ocean Bay, Sun Beach Hotels
Foroyaa: September 26, 2019
https://foroyaa.gm/government-orders-social-security-to-takeover-ocean-bay-sun-beach-hotels/
The Government of The Gambia has issued orders to the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation to takeover the management of Ocean Bay and Sun Beach from BPI.
Here is the full government’s decision on the White Paper with regards to Mr. Nicolai Buziainu and Mr Dracos Andre Buziainu.
Mr. Nicolai Buziainu and Mr Dracos Andre Buziainu are Romanian businessmen. Nicolai is said to be the uncle of Dracos. Former President Jammeh appointed Mr. Nicolai ambassador at large, and Gambia’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. They were both declared close associates of former President Jammeh on 16th April, 2018.
The Buziainus were business partners of former President Jammeh, and with him, invested in the following companies:
BPI Tourism and Services Ltd (BPI)
Westwood Gambia Limited (Westwood)
Westport Logistics Limited (Westport)
Mineral Company of The Gambia Limited.
The Commission found, inter alia, that by the executive directives and/or influence of former President Jammeh; two hotels located at Cape Point and belonging to SSHFC, Ocean Bay Hotel and Sun Beach Hotel were respectively leased to BPI. The terms of both leased were heavily influenced by former President Jammeh, no competitive and due process was not followed. The negotiating terms on behalf of SSHFC felt constrained in each case to accept the terms offered by BPI because of perceived influence by former President Jammeh. BPI borrowed $5 million from Westwood by a loan agreement dated July 2014 for Ocean Bay Hotel, and $2 million for Sun Beach Hotel. These monies were never paid.
The Commission found that BPI Investment Group FZE, and Kanilai Family Farms Limited owned Westwood with equal shares of 50%, Mr. Gabriel Acaram Nakalaeh signed on behalf of BP Investment Group and General Salayman Badjie signed on behalf of Kanilai Family Farms. The Commission further found that by the authorization of former President Jammeh. This was followed by a further authorization from Department of Forestry. All exports had to go through the said company at an extortionate and imposed fee of $3000 per container which the members of the Timber Association were compelled to pay. In this way, Westwood controlled the timber business throughout the country. The total benefit derived by Government including Customs charges and Forestry fees was D16,700 per container, i.e. less than $400 per container. A total number of 15,106 containers were exported from the country by Westwood between 2014 and 2017 (according to GPA records) at $300 for the total value of $45,318,000 illegally earned by Westwood from the export of timber. $7,810,115 was received by General Sulayman Badjie as dividend on behalf of Kanilai Family Farms i.e. former President Jammeh. BP Investment Group FZE drew down $4,939,040 as dividend. No withholding tax on dividend at 15% was paid.
The Commission found that Westport, a sister company to Westwood with the same shareholding structure – 50% BPI Group and 50% KFF – was incorporated in April 204. Westport was granted the concession agreement to scan all containers at the ports. Westwood facilitated a mobile cargo scanner installed at the airport with the loan of 2.6 million euros and a further D20,288,000. Furthermore, the Commission also found that another company, Mineral Company of The Gambia (MCG), was incorporated in 2013. The two shareholders are a company registered in Dubai called Amira Overseas Free Zone Establishment for 50% , and the remaining 50% was split between APAM Limited and Kanilai Family Farms Limited together. The Commission has already found elsewhere in its Report that APMA was neither incorporated nor registered and was in effect an illegal company in The Gambia. Mr. Nicolai Buzaianu signed on behalf of Amira Overseas, and Mrs. Fatou B. Jammeh signed on behalf of APAM and KFF. MCG bought gold refining equipment from Italiapianti Orapispa which was installed at Banjul International airport but was never operated.
The Commission found that the activities of former President Jammeh and the Buziainus had a devastating effect on our environment. Former President Jammeh, for his personal gain, created a demand for timber which led to accelerated deforestation as civilians cut down trees indiscriminately to feed the demand. This also undermined the role and ability of the Forestry Department to regulate the timber business, and the laws designed to protect our forest resources. Former President Jammeh, to facilitate his deforestation scheme, embarked upon the annexation of the country’s forest resources. This activity will take the country many years to recover from.
The Commission found that Westwood and related companies. Westport Logistics Limited, BPI Tourism and Services ltd, Mineral Company Ltd, were incorporated for the sole purchase of engaging in further illegal activity of former President Jammeh and his close associates Nicolai Buzaianu, Dracos Buzaianu, Acaram Naklaeh, and General Sulayman Badjie. Furthermore, Westwood avoided paying taxes. The Withholding Tax on the dividend payment of $12,749,155 alone would have been about $1,912,000. Other taxes owed to Gambia Ports Authority are in excess of D250,000,000 for the period of the monopoly.
The Government accepts the findings of the Commission in so far as they relate to Mr. Nicolai Buziainu and Mr Dracos Buziainu. Accordingly, the Government accepts the Commission’s recommendation that Mr. Nicolai Buziainu and Mr Dracos Buziainu should pay back to the State the sum of $45,318,000. Consequently, all properties including assists, companies, shares and other acquisitions of Mr. Nicolai Buziainu and Mr Dracos Buziainu are hereby forfeited to the State for sale. The proceeds of sale shall be applied to the payment of monies for which Mr. Nicolai Buziainu and Mr Dracos Buziainu, and all companies associated with them, are found liable in the Report.
Moreover, the Government has also decided that the lease of the two hotels, Ocean Bay and Sun Beach, by SSHFC to BPI be immediately terminated. SSHFC is hereby ordered to henceforth takeover the management of the two hotels as it sees fit.
The following companies, associated with Mr. Nicolai Buziainu and Mr Dracos Buziainu and former President Jammeh, are hereby permanently banned from conducting business in The Gambia:
BPI Tourism and Services Ltd (BPI)
Westwood Gambia Limited (Westwood)
Westport Logistics Limited (Westport)
Mineral Company of The Gambia Limited.
Furthermore, Mr. Nicolai Buziainu and Mr Dracos Buzianu are hereby declaredpersona non grata and specifically banned from Gambian territorial jurisdiction.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 24 Jun 2020 : 22:51:14
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OVER D1 BILLION DALASI RECOVERED FROM THE SALES OF FORMER PRESIDENT YAHYA JAMMEH'S PROPERTIES.
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Aboubacarr Tambadou, informed the Members of the Assembly that the Gambia Government has recovered over one billion dalasis from the sales of the property of former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh.
The information came when the member of Serrekunda, #Halifa Sallah asked the minister to indicate to the assembly how much the Government has spent on the Janneh Commission and how much money has been recovered so far in cash and kind.
#Halifa Sallah further asked the minister to inform the assembly how much the government realistically expect to recover.
In respond, Ba Tambadou indicated: "As at 15th June, 2020 our records at the ministry of justice indicate that at a total cost of 116 million, 909 thousand and 77 dalasis associated with the Janneh Commission recovery efforts between July 2017 and June 2020, we have recovered a total amount of one billion, one hundred and ten million, two hundred and thirty-nine thousand and two hundred and twenty-seven dalasis.
“As well as an additional amount of D88, 535, 000.00 committed but still outstanding.”
Tambadou said the recoveries have all been paid into a designated special recovery account at the Central Bank of The Gambia under the control of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, except an amount of 50 million dalasis which was paid directly to the TRRC Victims Trust Fund as Government initial contribution to the fund. He said the TRRC used the money to assist the victims to go for oversea treatment.
According to him, the total amount include the proceeds of sale of some assets, payment made by some individuals against whom adverse findings were made by the Janneh Commission and other monies generated from the activities of the Janneh Commission itself.
“With just over 11% of the total properties sole, we have almost reach the one billion dalasis target we had expected to generate from the sales of all the properties forfeited to the State and have already surpass this figure in our overall assets recovery efforts,” Ba Tambadou said.
With regard to the amount the Government realistically expected to recover, Tambadou said it is difficult to ascertain at this point in time as they continue to exceed expectations in the sales of the assets.
Tambadou however said he is advised that based on the current process of sale, they expect to raise at least D1.4 billion from the assets already identified for sale.
Nonetheless, he said this amount may increase if the ministerial task force adds other properties to the list of assets to be sold.
“May I also add that this is based on the assumption that the COVID-19 pandemic will not have an impact on the sale process as some purchasers may rely on bank financing to purchase their assets,” he added.
Speaking further, Tambadou said they are also vigorously pursuing other leads outside the country arising from the Janneh Commission inquiry.
Minister Tambadou said a lead from the Commission’s proceedings have led to the recent discovery of millions of dollars frozen in a foreign bank account.
He added that the account has been frozen pending the conclusion of their efforts to return the money back to the country.
“This is of course a more complex process and obviously requires a high degree of confidentiality pending the final outcome,” he said.
Clarifying further, Minister Ba Tambadou said they are working with a number of foreign governments and partners that are assisting them to recover the millions of dollars.
“Others outside the country have also reached out to initiate discussions on possible return of some monies back to the country,” he remarked.
#Halifa Sallah pushed further and asked how much has been spent on the Janneh Commission?
Ba Tambadou said it would be difficult to tell exactly how much is spent at the moment.
“because unfortunately and regrettably some of the Commission’s payments were being done in arrears. And as I am standing here right now, there is still some payments outstanding to the Commission,” he said.
He however assured the members of the assembly that the matter will be resolve this week. He said after this week, when the final payment is done to the Commission, he would be able to provide the members with the expenditure on the Commission exclusively.
Meanwhile, Minister Ba Tambadou indicated that even though they are at an early stage of assets recovery, what they have accomplished so far is the most successful by far to have been carried out in the country.
He informed the assembly that a full report of the assets recovery will be submitted to the Gambia Government together with an audit report of the entire process at the end of their exercise. And the Government will be glad to share these with the assembly members.
Source: Kexx Sanneh |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jun 2020 : 12:02:46
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Halifa Sallah has identified practices that should not have been allowed by the commision in the first place ,Ba Tambadou has a difficult job to do but I am sure it will be noted that he is doing his very best fo deal with "problems" that should never have occoured in the first place.
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"#Halifa Sallah pushed further and asked how much has been spent on the Janneh Commission?
Ba Tambadou said it would be difficult to tell exactly how much is spent at the moment.
“because unfortunately and regrettably some of the Commission’s payments were being done in arrears. And as I am standing here right now, there is still some payments outstanding to the Commission,” he said. "
“because unfortunately and regrettably some of the Commission’s payments were being done in arrears..." |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Janneh Commission of inquiry on Y. Jammeh's assets
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