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Momodou
Denmark
11633 Posts |
 Posted - 02 Mar 2018 : 12:22:57
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‘Ex-President gave tax exemption to Westwood Company’
The Point: Friday, March 02, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/ex-president-gave-tax-exemption-to-westwood-company
Anthony Panetta, a consultant for BPI Tourism and Services and former administrator at Westwood Company, yesterday told the Janneh Commission that the former president gave tax exemption to Westwood Company. He was testifying in connection to the said company.
He stated that Westwood was registered on 16 April, 2014, and he joined the company in July, 2014, but resigned in September, 2017.
He added that BPI is a registered Gambian company and is responsible for the management of Ocean Bay and Sun Beach Hotel respectively.
On the shares of Westwood Company, he said BPI owns 50% share while Kanilai Family Farms owns 50% share, noting that when he joined BPI in 2014, the former directors intimated to him that they had directives from the office of the former president for Westwood Company to export timbers.
However, he said the directive was not issued to him but rather it was issued to Westwood Company and he would not know when the company started exporting timbers.
According to him, the former commander of the Republican Guard, General Saul Badjie, and one Mr. Nacrin signed the contract for the exportation of timbers on behalf of the companies while the director was Dracos Hussein who was also a shareholder, further stating that one Topya Mark is managing the hotels.
Mr. Panetta told the commission that there was an authorisation from the office of the former president dated 1st of June, 2014, a letter from the Department of Forestry, dated 16th of June, 2014, authorising the company to export wood, and another letter from the Interior Ministry which was a permit for the exportation of woods as well.
He said prior to the authorisation, he did not know what the company was doing, noting that the company was operating when he joined it and confirmed that it was only Westwood that was exporting woods from The Gambia. He stated that in 2015, the company started the movement of timbers.
At this juncture, documents relating to the company were tendered and admitted in evidence.
Continuing his testimony, he said the directors recruited him to work for the company, noting that no taxes were paid before the change of government. However, he said part of the taxes was paid to the tune of D20, 000,000. According to him, he was told that the former president gave the company tax exemption.
On the relationship of Westwood and Westcoat logistics, he said they are twin companies.
Mr. Panetta informed the commission that he was appointed as first director at the Mineral Company of The Gambia, noting that APAM and KFF had 50% share while Amila got 50%.
A letter from the office of the former president, copied to the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) was also produced and admitted.
Further responding to Mrs. Bensouda, he testified that he did not know why Mr. Hussein registered the company in 2014, however, he said his (Panetta) responsibility was to work with the managing director on the day- to-day activities of the company.
Dwelling on vehicles belonging to Westwood Company, he confirmed that the company used to own 5 vehicles but they were sold to BPI Tourism and Services in June, 2017.
At this juncture, Mrs. Bensouda told him that he is required to provide documents relating to the sale of the vehicles, as well as total sums of money paid to KFF, including documents indicating that they were exempted from paying taxes. He was also informed that Mr. Hussein should appear before the commission.
Certificate of business registration, Export Certificate, Memorandum of Article of Association and related documents were admitted in evidence.
Further on the Mineral Company of The Gambia, he said there was an annual report on exploration from Koina and Badari respectively and the equipment at the airport was for the refinery of gold but was quick to add that he would not know the source of the gold.
At this juncture, Commissioner Bai Mass Saine interjected and asked him why they decided to deal with a top military aide of the former president. In response, Mr. Panetta said it was strange to him because in his native country, France, someone close to the government or a military chief is not allowed to do such.
Further responding as to whether the practice of dealing with the ex- general was acceptable, he said it was not his decision.
He finally testified that Foresight Audit Firm’s audited reports for Westwood Company were usually sent to the shareholders of the company. He confirmed that the company owned two dollar accounts at Zenith and Eco Bank respectively.
The outgoing mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council, Yankuba Colley, in his testimony, revealed to the commission that the opposition APRC had never received any funds or grants from KMC for its political activities.
Mr. Colley, who also doubles as the party mobiliser, was summoned by the commission in connection to the refurbishment of the party bureau by Omar Malack and Sons Enterprise which contract he signed on behalf of the party.
According to him, the bureau belongs to AMRC but they were occupying the premises until they were forcefully evicted some time last year.
He said the purpose for the refurbishment was to enable the party to occupy the premises but he could not ascertain whether the party was paying rent since he was not part of the administration. However, he added that AMRC did inform them that they had arrears to settle.
Mr. Colley further revealed that he would not know the source of funds for the contract but believe that it was funded by the party itself.
Colley, however, confirmed the cost of the contract which he said was D1.9 million as well as signing it.
“I don’t know the contractor at the time; it was Jammeh who identified the contractor who was one Omar Malack. I would not know where the contract was signed but I believed it was signed at the Office of the Secretary Genera,l” said Mr.Colley.
He claimed that the party’s source of funds was through membership contribution and fund raising which he spearheaded; adding that ministers, National Assembly Members and mayors’ salaries were deducted as contributions for the activities of their party.
He finally testified that the party had never received any fund or grants from KMC or the Office of the President for its political activities, further noting that he was not aware that the funds used for the refurbishment were public funds given by Taiwan.
Next to testify was Omar Malack, the proprietor of O. Malack and Sons Enterprise, who said he is a contractor and carpenter by profession.
He was summoned to explain the contracts awarded to him by the office of the former president for the renovation of the APRC Bureau at Kanifing and the deputy governor’s residence at Mansakonko in Lower River Region.
Mr. Malack told the commission that he was called by the then secretary general, Ousman Jammeh, for the contracts.
According to him, the contract for the refurbishment of APRC bureau was signed by Yankuba Colley on 8 June, 2010, and the cost of the contracts was D1.9 million which was funded by the Taiwanese government.
He said the contracts were executed, and then produced the certificate of business registration and contract agreements to back up his evidence which were admitted as exhibits. During the course of admitting the documents, Chairman Sourahata Janneh observed that one of the documents bore O. Malack and Sons ‘Ltd.’ and asked him whether he owns any liability company to which he responded in the negative. The chairman then advised him not to use ‘limited’ again hence he does not operate a liability company.
Mr. Malack finally told the commission that he had done other works for the office of the former president and Farato Farms in 2009 which were funded by the former president, Yahya Jammeh.
Hearing continues on Monday 5th of March, 2018.
Author: Dawda Faye |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11633 Posts |
Posted - 06 Mar 2018 : 12:28:09
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Jammeh’s belongings displayed at Janneh Commission
The Point: Tuesday, March 06, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/jammehs-belongings-displayed-at-janneh-commission
Items believed to have belonged to the former President Yahya Jammeh were yesterday displayed by the Janneh Commission after an inventory of his belongings were brought by Spt. Foday Baldeh, who said he is the commander of PIU at State House.
He said the items were found in luxurious vehicles of the former president after he was not allowed to travel with them. According to the witness, the items were found by Spt. Gorgi Mboob who handed over the items in suitcases.
The items found in the suitcases are as follows: title deeds and other documents belonging to the former president, power of attorney, extract of minutes of Cabinet meetings, file containing Jammeh Foundation for Peace (JFP) papers, file containing documents relating to Kanilai Family Farms, power of attorney dated 21 January, 2008, to Ousman Y. Bojang alias Pa Bojang, folder containing miscellaneous items belonging to the former president, documents showing aborted sale of challenger aircraft, collection of UTG medal, two gold coins, two necklaces, two gold-plated pistols and gold-plated watch, two precious stones, gold-plated pistol, twenty rounds of bullets, 36 executive vehicle keys and a bunch of various keys and two-month black fell pen and ink bottle.
The permanent secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Assan Jallow, also appeared before the commission in connection to the Japanese grants but failed to produce certain documents required by the commission.
Commission counsel, Amie Bensouda, told the commission that the witness was required to furnish the commission with certain information but failed to do so.
However, the witness replied that they had provided the commission with all the documents, noting that they had some files to submit.
Mr. Jallow stated that he thought that the commission would get in touch with their record office, but he was told by Counsel Bensouda that it was their office that should have furnished the commission with the required documents.
Counsel Bensouda further put it to him that one Ebrima Colley called him and would not pick up his phone.
At this juncture, Chairman Sourahata Janneh told the witness that they had powers to deal with witnesses, noting further that if the witness failed, the commission would resort to their power.
At this juncture, Counsel Bensouda told the chairman that the commission needed all the closed files regarding the Japanese grants from the year 1998 to date, list of Japanese aids, accounts of all the proceeds from 1998 to date, all contracts signed with Kanilai Group International, reconciliation of supplies made to KGI and amounts paid by KGI into the Central Bank Account, and any other relevant documents.
Chairman Sourahata Janneh, at this juncture, gave the witness until 20 March, 2018, to submit the documents required by the commission, and if he had any excuses, he could liaise with the secretary to the commission.
Earlier, Isatou Auber, former secretary to the Cabinet, who was served with a summons on 28 February, 2018, according to the process server, failed to appear before the commission.
She was summoned with regard to the payment of D7million from MRI. Counsel Bensouda then urged the chairman of the commission to warn the witness, noting that if she fails to appear on Thursday, a bench warrant should be served on her.
Author: Dawda Faye |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11633 Posts |
Posted - 07 Mar 2018 : 15:37:15
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Jammeh never wanted to be asked questions on the Gamtel gateway - says Momodou Sabally
The Poine: Wednesday, March 07, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/jammeh-never-wanted-to-be-asked-questions-on-the-gamtel-gateway-says-momodou-sabally-1
The former secretary general, Momodou Sabally, yesterday told the Janneh Commission that former President Jammeh never wanted to be asked questions on the Gamtel gateway.
He reappeared to shed light on the contract between MGI Telecom Company and the government for the management of Gamtel international gateway which he signed in his capacity as the then secretary general.
Testifying before the commission on the contract, he said he was called at Kanilai where he met the former president, former managing director of Gamtel, Baboucarr Sanyang, Bala Jassey, a gentleman from Switzerland and General Saul Badjie for MGI to take over the management of the gateway.
According to him, an agreement was reached for MGI to take over the gateway which included the technical aspect of the contract and proceeds were sent into the government account and MGI also had a share.
However, he said he could not remember whether there was specific fees that MGI supposed to receive, further stating that the former president decided to terminate the contract of TELL, the reason, he said, he was not privy to.
Further testifying, Sabally claimed that he believed that General Saul Badjie had an influence on the said contract , noting that Gamtel contracted the gateway management to MGI.
He further told the commission that they signed an agreement and MGI took over the management of the gateway, further stating that after one month, he did not see the said gentleman from Switzerland.
According to him, he called the then Gamtel MD at the time and told him that revenues were not being paid and further forwarded his concern to Jammeh who promised him that he would take care of the issue.
Sabally stated that the former president downplayed his constraint and later he travelled, so when he came back few months later, he was fired as SG.
He recalled that he signed the agreement but could not remember the terms and conditions of the contract neither could he recall the date he signed the contract.
He stated that he did not seek legal advice and could not remember who was present at the time of signing the contract, noting that it was possible that the contract he signed was missing.
Mr. Sabally went on to say that it was the responsibility of Gamtel to protect the interest of the government, further noting that he was aware that an account was opened by the office of the former president.
Further testifying, he told the commission that he did not know whether the former president requested for an incentive for terminating the contract with TELL.
He said he believed that his dismissal partly had to do with the contract, noting that any time the gateway was changing hand, he would not be involved.
Commissioner Saine, at this juncture, asked him what was the interest of the former president in the gateway, and he responded that he believed that the former president benefitted from the contract.
Mr. Sabally adduced that he would not say Saul Badjie was a co-president but he believed that he was more powerful than the former vice president, adding that Saul Badjie was calling ministers and giving them instructions.
“There were consequences for not abiding by Saul Badjie’s instruction,” he finally told the commission.
Earlier, the managing director of FIB, Modou Mousa , reappeared in connection to KGI and KFF files.
He told the commission that they had the original copies of the accounts of these companies.
He was, however, reminded by counsel that they had submitted four accounts. On the JB KGI account, the signatories were Alieu B. Ceesay and Sajar Camara , noting that the account was opened on 7 November, 2012.
At this juncture, transaction documents and other relevant documents were tendered and admitted as exhibits.
Dwelling on KGI joint venture account, he said the signatories were the same while on KGI bakery account ,he said it was opened on 14 June, 2014, with a balance of D92,040.14 and the signatories were Goreh Njie, David Omar Bass and Binta Sanneh.
Further testifying on KGI Japanese rice account, he said it was opened on 13 May, 2014, and the signatories were the same and there was a balance of D2, 497,830.25.
On KGI Gambia Muslim butchers account, he stated that it was opened on 6 May, 2016, and the signatories were the same, with a balance of D658, 148.23 and there were no transactions on the account but service fees were charged.
Mr. Mousa said KGI boutique account was opened on 30 May, 2014, with the same signatories, noting that there was a balance of D56,923.48.
On KGI cement account, he told the commission that it was opened on 19 March, 2015, with the balance of D33,308.65 with the same signatories.
On Sindola Safari lodge account, he testified that it was opened on 2 February, 2010, and Amadou Samba served as signatory to the account on 10 September, 2012, and the balance was D210, 876.03.
Further testifying, Mr. Mousa disclosed that the Mooten Kafoo account was opened on 26 July, 2008, while the signatories were the former president and Ebou Jammeh, with a total balance of D13, 185.34.
At this juncture, the said accounts were tendered and admitted in evidence.
Dominic Gomez, the managing director of Zenith Bank, also faced the commission in connection to the accounts submitted to the commission.
Dwelling on some accounts, he mentioned that KGI Japanese rice account was opened on 18 January, 2011, and Ousman Bojang was the sole signatory, noting that there was a balance of D834.87 at the time it was closed while another KGI Japanese rice account, he stated was opened on 22 May, 2014, and the signatories were Wory Njie-Ceesay, Saja Camara and David Omar Bass with a balance of D160, 016.62.
Documents relating to the accounts were tendered and admitted in evidence.
Hearing continues today.
Author: Dawda Faye |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11633 Posts |
Posted - 08 Mar 2018 : 13:02:53
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Gamtel operates at a loss Says Current GM,Gamcel
Thursday, March 08, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/gamtel-operates-at-a-loss-says-current-gmgamcel
Elizabeth Mendy - Johnson, the current general manager at Gamcel, yesterday testified before the Janneh Commission, saying that Gamtel operates at a loss.
She reappeared in connection to MGI projects.
In her testimony, she told the commission that MGI sent a female staff for skill development, noting that MGI supported them for roaming and that there was aggressive partnership with MGI for support.
She further stated that Gamtel has been in existence since 2001 and their partnership with MGI was a development project, noting that; “you should know what your partner is giving you is correct.”
According to Mrs. Johnson, she knew from the agreement that an amount should be paid but understood that MGI would not ask for payment. It was put to her by Counsel Bensouda that MGI deducted $1,093,600 for roaming, and she said that she was not aware.
The witness was also asked by Counsel Bensouda whether she knew the list of all those who attended the MGI event and the cost involved.
In response, she told the commission that she could not remember, noting that PURA rated Gamtel third in rank, adding that Gamcel has not gained any significant development.
However, she adduced that Gamtel owns Gamcel and they appoint managers as well, further stating that they are trying to compete, and competition depends on what you could offer.
She told the commission that she could not tell off head the lowest revenue collected but Gamtel operated at a loss.
Mrs Johnson further stated that when the contract with MGI was stopped, they could not bill their customers, disclosing that they had to go back to their billing system.
“We used to average between D 900, 000 and D 1, 000, 000 loss a day,” she stated.
She narrated that they needed the most sophisticated billing system to make it more vibrant and up to standard, stating further that they needed to pay MGI $1.7 million after the contract with MGI was terminated.
She testified that no action was taken to negotiate for the payment of this amount, disclosing that they were trying to see if they could budget for another billing system.
Ousman Jobarteh, the deputy managing director of Gambia Port Authority, also faced the commission to shed light on the exportation of timbers by Westwood Company.
He told the commission that he knew the said company which was involved in the exportation of timber bound for China.
Mr. Jobarteh further stated that he had a record of how many containers the company exported to China, revealing that the company exported in 2014/15,106 containers while in 2012, they exported 19,747 containers and they were timbers in logs.
At this juncture, documents relating to the summary of the activities of the company were tendered and admitted in evidence.
Asked how the company was introduced to GPA, he said the agency they were dealing with gave them a letter as the sole exporter of timbers. Mr. Jobarteh went on to say that according to the letter, the company was authorised to export timbers, adding that Westwood brought a scanner which is stationed at GPA to scan containers and is currently operating and is under their custody.
Next to face the commission was the former deputy director of Agricultural Engineering Service, Ousainou Jobe, and the current officer in charge of the unit at the Ministry of Agriculture, Mustapha Minteh.
Mr. Jobe told the commissioners that he started work from 1973 to 31 December, 2017.
He was reminded that they were summoned in connection to John Deere tractors.
According to him, they assembled 78 tractors and there was a team from South Africa, noting that the tractors were left at MSA garage and the ministry asked him to be responsible for the tractors.
He informed the commission that the tractors were left at the garage for one year and letters came from the ministry to leave the tractors at the garage.
Mr. Jobe revealed that 334 farming implements were handed over by the office of the former president, noting that after the handing over, instructions came to supply the tractors.
He stated that up to 2015, 55 tractors were distributed, and 13 were left at MSA garage, further disclosing that it was one Siaka who was responsible for MSA and the tractors were handed over to him.
Mr. Jobe further told the commission that generals, Tamba and Badjie gave the instructions to distribute the 55 tractors and was quick to say that most of the tractors were received by Kanilai Family Farms and they were told that the tractors should be given out on hire basis.
He informed the commission that two tractors were taken to exiled former president’s mother’s farms in Bujinga, noting that they were made to understand that the tractors were bought by SSHFC, and that those who were hiring the tractors did not pay for their services.
At this juncture, summary of the distribution of the tractors were tendered and admitted as evidence.
The director of IT Gamtel/ Gamcel , Seedy Ceesay, also appeared before the commission in connection to MGI project.
He said he is based at Gamcel office but both companies contributed to their budget, adding that from August 2017 to date he has been working with Gamcel.
According to him, as the managing director of co-network, at the time he was involved in the switching of networks, noting that he has never set his eyes on MGI switches despite they were managing the gateway and did not know where their switch was located.
He said he did not have any connection to the switches of MGI but was involved in the billing system and they were to integrate their switches to MGI and the authority came from the then MD.
However, he said he was involved in one MGI project, that’s Gamcel billing system, further indicating that they had a meeting in Switzerland to discuss the bypass fraud, and the loss was not discussed at the meeting.
Mr. Ceesay told the commission that what they discussed at the meeting was that they needed to have a server, stating that MGI was responsible for detecting the fraud, since they were managing the international gateway.
“It is not a fraud on our side but on the international gateway,” he told the commission.
At this juncture, Counsel Bensouda asked him why Gamtel had difficulties in the operation of the system after taking over from MGI. In response, he said he did not know why the system was not working and that he did not know what MGI did on the system.
Mr. Ceesay informed the commission that they called experts but the system was not working, disclosing that he did not know anything about the sum of over $1million deducted by MGI.
Sarjo Khan, the Director of Customer Care Services at Gamcel, also gave evidence on the same matter.
Hearing continues today.
Author: Dawda Faye |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11633 Posts |
Posted - 09 Mar 2018 : 13:14:17
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‘I am not competent to tell why no facility letter to give loan to JFP’
Thed Point: Friday, March 09, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/i-am-not-competent-to-tell-why-no-facility-letter-to-give-loan-to-jfp
The managing director of Trust Bank, Ebrima Sallah, yesterday told the Janneh Commission that he was not competent to tell the commission why there was no facility letter to give a loan to Jammeh Foundation for Peace (JFP).
He reappeared to explain the deduction of funds from various accounts relating to the former president and Jammeh Foundation for Peace among other accounts.
Mr. Sallah, in his evidence, confirmed the deduction of over $100,000 and transferred to various accounts, noting that the former president was a signatory to all the accounts where funds were deducted and transferred.
He, however, told the commissioners that he had not seen the facility letter indicating the terms and conditions of the loan with regard to the Jammeh Foundation for Peace accounts; adding that no correspondence was shown to him and concluded that the document was not at their office.
According to him, the former president was the one managing the said accounts and also gave instructions for the transaction on the foundation’s accounts and other related accounts. “It is unacceptable to give out the loan without a facility letter,” Commissioner Saine told the witness.
At this juncture, Mrs. Bensouda reminded him that the commission was expecting documents relating to JFP accounts.
Mr. Augustus Prom Junior, Louise Prom, also reappeared before the commission with regard to the Westwood Company and was told by Mrs. Bensouda that he was to provide information relating to Westwood Company in connection to payments made to the former president. In response, Mr. Prom disclosed that he had the information.
He told the commission that they had given BPI Tourism and Services officials’ access to the records of Westwood Company for the exportation of timber.
He also gave the summary of the timber exported by the company from the years 2014 to 2017 and the total containers of timber exported, he said, was 13,028 valued at $39,084,000.
He also provided the loan agreement between Westwood Company and its other agencies, testifying that the sum of $5million-loan was in respect of Ocean Bay Hotel while the sum of$ 2million-loan was in respect of Sun Beach Hotel, and there was another loan of $500,000 in respect of the Mineral Company which had 3 years grace period without an interest.
According to him, the sum of over D38, 000,000 was outstanding while the sum of D62, 933,406 was in relation to Sun Beach Hotel, further stating that the sum of $7,810,115 was disbursed to Kanilai Family Farms as advance dividend by Westwood Company from the years 2015 to 2016.
Mr. Prom also told the commission that he had the tenancy agreement between BPI Tourism and Services Ltd. and Westwood Company and the sum of $40,000 was the annual payment agreement.
Further testifying, he said The Gambia Revenue Authority is claiming the sum of D253, 000,000 from Westwood Company and out of this sum, the company only paid the sum of D70, 000,000 with regard to tax while Maersk Line Shipping Agency is claiming the sum of D11.2 million for the containers used for shipment, while GIEPA is claiming the sum of $5million for the warehouse at the airport. He added that the total debt for Westwood Company amounted to D273, 930,000.
At this juncture, summary of the containers exported and other related documents were tendered and admitted in evidence.
Mr. Anthony Panetta, former Westwood administrator, also reappeared before the commission and informed that he is the only director of BPI Tourism and Services Ltd.
He was summoned in connection to some documents to be submitted to the commission with regard to Westwood and BPI Tourism and Services Ltd. respectively.
Documents produced by the witness including the Memorandum and Article of Association of BPI Tourism and Services Ltd. correspondences between the witness and the managing director of BPI, agreement between Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation and BPI for the management of both Ocean Bay and Sun Beach hotels were tendered and admitted as exhibits.
Mrs. Bensouda told him that he was expected to compile dividend to BPI which should be submitted to the commission.
The commission will resume on the 19th of March, 2018.
Author: Dawda Faye |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11633 Posts |
Posted - 21 Mar 2018 : 15:00:15
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You surrendered your authority in terms of tax collection Commissioner Saine tells witness
The Point: Wednesday, March 21, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/you-surrendered-your-authority-in-terms-of-tax-collection-commissioner-saine-tells-witness
Commissioner Bai Mass Saine yesterday told, Essa Jallow, deputy commissioner general and dead of Domestic Tax at The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), that his office surrendered their authority in terms of tax collection.
Mr. Saine made this remark when Mr. Jallow told the commission that he had no knowledge of the existence of Oratus, Global Voice and TELL companies.
However, Mr. Saine told him that it was not acceptable that he was not aware of the existence of the said companies.
Mr. Jallow was summoned in connection to Multimedia Gateway Incorporation (MGI) on the management of the International Gateway.
In his testimony, Mr. Jallow told the commission that they could not find the files of Global Voice Group, TELL and Oratus except that of MGI in their system. He said taxes are levied on companies based on the certificate issued to them; adding that he had the annual returns and summary of tax for MGI from 2014-2016.
According to him, with regard to Corporate Tax, MGI paid D749, 049.46 while on Value Added Tax (VAT) and PAYE was D4, 034,417. He said the total liability for MGI corporate tax was D9, 200,252.97. However, he said tax exemption can also be done legally if the president feels that it is in the interest of the state without going through GIEPA.
The tax authority officer also explained that the commissioner general has the power to ask any registered company to pay tax.
Assan Jallow, permanent sectary at the Ministry of Agriculture, yesterday reappeared before the Janneh Commission to produce certain documents such as the Japanese grants.
According to him, some of the assistance rendered by the Japanese government was Japanese Food Aid, Japanese technical assistance among others. However, he was asked by Counsel Bensouda whether he had brought a list of all consignments of Japanese aids. He responded that he did not bring along the file and was not aware that it should have been submitted to the commission, but he had brought the financial statement.
Mr. Jallow, at this juncture, disclosed to the commission that the total deposit at the Central Bank was D212, 876,695.42. He, however, told the commission that he did not know the total value of aids the Japanese government sent to The Gambia.
Mrs. Bensouda asked him to provide to the commission the list of all the aids supplied, and was further asked how much was supplied to KGI and how much KGI paid to the Central Bank.
He recalled that the contract with KGI for the supply of the aid started in 2012 and they received four consignments; adding that the consignments with KGI were done without any agreement.
Bala Jassey, chief executive officer of Mobicell Blue Ocean Wireless Company, also reappeared and was reminded by Mrs. Bensouda that he had submitted a folder to the investigators.
At this juncture, the said folder was shown to him, and went through it. He then confirmed that he submitted the said folder to the commission. However, the folder together with additional documents produced by his lawyer, Malick Mba’I, were tendered and admitted in evidence.
Mr. Jassey was reminded about the management service agreement, and he confirmed that he had it. He was further asked whether he had other management service agreements with MGI and Mobicell, which he confirmed.
At this juncture, Counsel Bensouda asked him whether the commission received the service offer, and he said they did not submit any service offer to MGI.
Telecom Expert Jassey disclosed that there was no specific document outlining the service offer, adding that he never set his eyes on the agreement between MGI and the government.
He further disclosed that they did some work at the office of the former president and he never introduced General Soul Badjie to the MGI representative.
He added that he visited Kanilai once and accompanied the delegation to the said village, saying that he did not attend the meeting during which he was at the Sindola Hotel.
At this juncture, the witness was asked by Counsel Bensouda to produce his qualifications before the commission.
Sitting continues today.
Author: Dawda Faye |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11633 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2018 : 12:52:06
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You are here to tell the truth Says Counsel Bensouda
The Point: Thursday, March 22, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/you-are-here-to-tell-the-truth-says-counsel-bensouda
Counsel Bensouda at the Janneh Commission yesterday told Bala Jassey, the chief executive officer of Mobicell Company, that he was at the commission to tell the truth. He reappeared in connection to the Gamtel gateway contracts among other related matters.
It was put to him by Counsel Bensouda that a letter dated 3 February, 2014, was written to him by one Muhammed Lamin Jaiteh from the office of the former president, and the said letter was shown to him, which he confirmed.
After going through the letter, he stated that according to the said letter, a proposal he made would never happen, adding that he submitted a proposal to the tune of $995,000, He noted that he spoke to the former first lady in French through Saul Badjie’s phone, adding that he did not know why the former first lady spoke to him in French while he was in Dakar, Senegal.
Mr. Jassey confirmed that he had worked at the office of the former first lady. At this juncture, a letter written by the then Gamtel MD, Baboucarr Sanyang, was shown to him. He had looked at the said letter, and confirmed it.
He also confirmed working at the state house in 2012, and there was a letter indicating that they did some work at state house to the tune of $316,469, adding that in the same year he never had any connection with General Saul Badjie, and that his interaction with Saul Badjie was on instructions.
At this point, Counsel Bensouda reminded him that he had a contract with the former government and there were documents showing payments relating to the contract .In response, he said those were payments made to him for the second phase of the contract.
When further put to him by Counsel Bensouda that he was instrumental in connecting MGI to The Gambia , he replied that he never had specific meeting with any secretary general .
Bensouda further put it to him that Njogu Bah said in his evidence that he, Jassey, accompanied MGI representatives to Kanilai. In response, he said a letter was written to MGI office for him to attend the meeting in Kanilai but he never attended it.
Counsel Bensouda further asked him whether he knew that MGI wanted to manage the international gateway, and what effort did he make to help them. Answering to the question, he said MGI was directly dealing with the office of the former president.
Counsel Bensouda again asked him whether he got a certificate from GIEPA, he said he did not. He stated that he never bid for any contract at the office of the former president and Gamtel.
At this juncture, he was shown documents indicating some payments to the tune of D461, 680 from the tax recovery account, which he confirmed.
He told the commission that he worked at the National Assembly, and confirmed that the said contract was awarded by Baboucarr Sanyang, the then MD of Gamtel. He testified that the National Assembly did not award him any contract.
At this juncture, Bensouda put it to him that the sum of $585,804 was the cost of the contract and Gamtel paid him more than the said amount, and was again put to him that he charged $35,000 for default payment. He replied in the negative.
At this juncture, he was shown a set of documents and was put to him that he also charged $35,687 which he said was currency loss, but he denied this.
Further testifying, he told the commission that there was a letter showing the reason for the payment of $35,000, adding that the said amount was not for a penalty.
Mr Jassey revealed that he had several meetings at the NA before and after the contract and was invited by the NA and Gamtel, noting that he never communicated directly with the NA.
He also told the commission that he had the said contract to provide the maintenance services for the NA. At this juncture, Counsel Bensouda put it to him that there was no contract between him and the NA, and he confirmed it.
Again, Counsel Bensouda put it to him that the NA did not sign a document they sent to the NA because the NA said they had no connection with his company. In response, he said they did not send a contract to the NA, noting that when Gamtel said they could not support the system; that was when they sent a contract to the NA.
Counsel Bensouda put it to him further that he performed a contract for MGI. In response, he said he carried out ICT projects for MGI. He further told the commission that they replaced the router at Gamtel on behalf of MGI, further stating that he could not tell the commission the total cost for the ICT projects but they summarised the payments.
Mr. Jassey testified that he did not do additional work at the office of the former president.
At this juncture, documents relating to the projects carried out on behalf of MGI and other relevant documents were tendered and admitted in evidence.
Hearing continues today.
Author: Dawda Faye |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11633 Posts |
Posted - 22 Mar 2018 : 21:27:58
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Bala Jassey Reappears At The ‘Janneh’ Commission
Foroyaa: March 22, 2018122
By Mamadou Dem
http://www.foroyaa.gm/bala-jassey-reappears-at-the-janneh-commission/
The Chief Executive Officer and proprietor of Mobicell Company Bala Jassey, yesterday reappeared before the ‘Janneh’ Commission to testify on the Gamtel Gateway contracts among other related matters.
Appearing before the commission, it was put to him by Counsel Bensouda that a letter dated 3rd February 2014, was written to him by one Muhammed Lamin Jaiteh from the office of the former president and the said letter was shown to him which he confirmed.
Upon perusal of the letter, Jassey stated that it was a proposal he made that never happened; that he submitted a proposal to the tune of $995,000, noting that he spoke to the former First Lady in French through Saul Badjie’s phone; that he did not know why the first lady spoke to him in French while he was in Dakar, Senegal. Jassey confirmed that he had worked at the office of the former first lady.
At this juncture, a letter written by the former Gamtel MD Baboucarr Sanyang, was shown to him, which he also confirmed to the Commission. He confirmed working at the state house in 2012 and added there was a letter indicating that they did some work at State house amounting to $316,469; that he never had any connection with General Saul Badjie, and that his interaction with him was on instructions.
At this point, Counsel Bensouda reminded him that he had a contract with the former Government and there were documents showing payments relating to the contract. In response, Jassey said those were payments made to him for the second phase of the contract.
When it was further pressed on him by Counsel Bensouda that he was instrumental in connecting MGI to The Gambia, Jassey replied that he never had specific meetings with any Secretary General.
Mrs. Bensouda further put to him that Njogu Bah said in his evidence that he (Jassey) accompanied MGI representatives to Kanilai. In response Jassey responded that a letter was written to the MGI office for him to attend the meeting in Kanilai; but that he never attended.
Counsel Bensouda further asked whether he knew that MGI wanted to manage the International Gateway, and the effort he made to assist them. Responding to the question, Jassey said MGI was directly dealing with the office of the former president.Counsel Bensouda again asked whether he got a certificate from GIEPA and he responded in the negative; that he never bid for any contract at the office of the former president and Gamtel.
At this juncture, he was shown documents indicating some payments amounting to D461, 680 from the tax recovery account, which he confirmed.
He told the Commission that he worked at the National Assembly and confirmed that the said contract was awarded to him by Baboucarr Sanyang, the then MD of Gamtel. He testified that the National Assembly did not award him any contract.
At this juncture, Bensouda put it to him that the sum of $585,804 was the cost of the contract and Gamtel paid him more than the said amount; that he charged $35,000 for default payment. Jassey responded in the negative.
He was further shown a set of documents and was put to him that he also charged $35,687 which he said was currency loss, but Jassey denied this.
Further testifying, Jassey told the Commission that there was a letter showing reasons for the payment of $35,000; that the said amount was not for a penalty.
The telecom expert revealed that he had several meetings at the National Assembly before and after the contract and was invited by the National Assembly and Gamtel; that he never communicated directly with NA. He told the Commission that he had the said contract to provide the maintenance services for the NA.
At this juncture, Counsel Bensouda put to him that there was no contract between him and the NA, which he confirmed.
Again, Counsel Bensouda put it to him that the NA did not sign a document that was sent to them because the NA said they had no connection with his Company. In response, Jassey said they did not send a contract to NA, noting that when Gamtel said they could not support the system that was the time they sent a contract to the NA.
Counsel Bensouda further put it to him that he performed a contract for MGI. In response, Jassey said he carried out ICT projects for MGI; that he replaced the router at Gamtel on behalf of MGI, further stating that he could not tell the Commission the total cost for the ICT projects but they summarised the payments.
Mr. Jassey testified that he did not do additional work at the office of the former president.
At this juncture, documents relating to the projects carried out on behalf of MGI and other relevant documents, were tendered and admitted as exhibits.
Sitting continues today. |
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Momodou
Denmark
11633 Posts |
Posted - 23 Mar 2018 : 18:05:36
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I could not have said no because of circumstances, Amadou Samba Testifies
The Point: Friday, March 23, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/i-could-not-have-said-no-because-of-circumstances
Amadou Samba yesterday told the Janneh Commission that he could not have said no when the former president asked him to sign a contract for the construction of a recording studio and a conference centre at Kanilai.
Mr. Samba began his testimony by reminding the commissioners that the former president on numerous occasions would ask him for quotation which he had been doing for him on many occasions and that was what happened in the case of the construction of the recording studio and the conference centre that was built at Kanilai.
He recalled that during the said works at Kanilai, he invited the officials of Swami India Construction Company in his office for the contracts which were executed.
Mr. Samba testified he had no vested interest in the affairs of Kanilai Family Farm (KFF), despite he had signed numerous agreements on behalf of the company but he knew the consequences if he refused to sign .
“Being a lawyer, I knew that there was no implication for not signing. I don’t even know the managers or the general manager of Kanilai Family Farm. If there is any liability, KFF will be responsible for it and not me,” Mr. Samba told the commission.
Though he confirmed his involvement in the construction of four houses for the president in his village who asked him to find workers for him but he would not know the cost of the houses, since there was no formal contract.
Mr. Samba accused Jammeh of using his company, Gacem, and its resources to build the said four houses, claiming that some of his materials are still at Kanilai for 20 years and he dared not to ask Jammeh about them.
He testified that the fish pond and the three storey buildings were built by CSE but did not know who built the military school.
Mr. Samba further recalled that Jammeh would some time ask him to do some work for him.
Next to testify was the former secretary general, Sulayman Samba, who was also summoned in connection to the International Telecommunication gateway.
In his evidence, Mr. Samba told the commission that he is a retired public servant from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in 1996, adding that he was also once a permanent secretary as well as secretary general after then SG Lamin Nyabally’s appointment was terminated from 2015 to 2016.
However, Counsel Amie Bensouda asked him whether he was aware of the Special Project account opened by the former president for proceeds to be deposited in the said account from payments made by MGI, which had an agreement with the former government. In response, he said he was not aware, noting that he was not also aware of the Gamcel Billing System which MGI financed.
Counsel Bensouda reminded him that there were Carnegie and Sand Mining accounts to which he was a signatory, and asked why he was a signatory to the said accounts.
In reply, he said that was a cultural organisation he found at the office of the former president.
Asked whether it was proper for the former president to misappropriate funds that should have been in the consolidated revenue fund, and he stated that it was not proper under normal circumstances.
Counsel Bensouda further asked him why the former president was using public funds without the participation of the accountant general and the Ministry of Finance. He replied that the question should go to the former president.
He was again asked by commissioner Bai Mass Saine whether he had the latitude to tell the former president that something was wrong, and in response, he stated that there were some failures.
Author: Dawda Faye |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11633 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2018 : 13:38:38
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KFF Bought ‘Futurlec’ Building ASP Delo Baldeh
Foroyaa: March 27, 2018
By Mamadou Dem
http://foroyaa.gm/kff-bought-futurlec-building-asp-delo-baldeh/
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Delo Baldeh of the Gambia Police Force and a member of the Commission’s investigating team, yesterday revealed to the ‘Janneh’ Commission that Kanilai Family Farms bought ‘Furelec’ building for D44, 000,000.
ASP Baldeh made this revelation while testifying in connection with assets belonging to the former president, Yahya Jammeh.
According to ASP Baldeh, the former president owned a property at 17A Hagan Street and it was sold for D2.5 million while his property at 78A and B of the same Street, were also sold to the former president but that there was an outstanding part of the properties which were not sold to him.
On the property at 26 Buckle Street, he said they did not have the title deed for the transfer but the property was owned by Mr. Ebrima A Samba, while the property at 13 Picton Street was owned by one Mr. Jones and was occupied by soldiers; that it was sold to the former president to the tune of D4, 000,000.
Further revealing the properties, he said the property at 15 Dobson Street was an empty land sold by the Ndow Family to the tune of D3,000,000 while the property at 11 Russell Street, was occupied by one Salieu Nyassi of KGI.
ASP Baldeh explained that the Banjul Aqua Culture Farm (Saro Garden), was owned by one Ebrima and Omar Jatta; that it measured 30.75 hectares, noting that he did not see any fish project in the said premises; that the whole place was developed with trees and three rooms were constructed for use as offices.
Still testifying, ASP Baldeh told the Commission that the former president owned a property at 73A Leman Street, but that he did not have the title deed; that they had the sketch plan, further noting that they did not know who sold it to the former president.
He added that another property at 64 Leman Street was sold to the former president to the tune of D3.4 million by the Cham Family; that it is a developed land and they had the title deed of the said property.
Testifying further, ASP Baldeh told the Commission that the former president bought Jeng’s Electrical Company to the tune of D900, 000 and it was a leased property.
On the property at 3 Hagan Street, he said it was occupied by one Fatoumata Jammeh and was sold by the High Court to Kanilai Family Farm; that they did not have the title deed. ASP Baldeh further told the Commission that he would verify whether there is a property at 75 Hagan Street owned by the former president.
Mr. Baldeh further testified that the property at 57A Hagan Street was occupied by Ya Lison Ndong and one Assan Joof; that Yasin Joof sold it for D900, 000 to Kanilai Family Farm, while the property at 78B Hagan Street was sold to the former president in 2005.
On the property at 49A Grant Street, ASP Baldeh said it belongs to KFF and they did not have any documents.
Baldeh further stated that there is another property at number 25 Fitzerald Street which is an undeveloped plot, noting that the property at 9 Leman Street was sold to the KFF for D1.2 million, and is not developed.
He told the Commission that the property at 18 Picton Street was bought by the former president but they did not have the title deeds.
On the Hamza Barracks property, formerly Palm Grove Hotel, ASP Baldeh disclosed that it was sold for £500, 000 by Edward Raphael Jansz and Carol Anne Jansz; that it has ever been occupied by soldiers since it was bought by the former president.
ASP Baldeh further testified that the property at 61 Hagan Street was owned by the children of Matarr Sarr and it was bought for D1.5 million, while the property at 60 Hagan Street was occupied by soldiers and owned by one Malick Mbaye; that it was bought for D1.5 million and he had a copy of the title deed.
He revealed that the property at 34 Wellington Street was owned by Sir Dawda Jawara, and was sold to the former president to the tune of $650,000; that this is an empty land, while the property at 2 Fitzerald Street was sold to the former president in 2010 for D2, 000,000 through the Principal Registrar of the High Court; that they have a copy of the title deed.
Baldeh told the Commission that the property at 72 Gloucester Street was acquired by Kanilai Family Farms and they had the sketch plan, while the property at 6 Independence Drive, was an empty plot and formerly owned by the Gambia Electrical Company. He said they were in possession of the sketch plan.
Dwelling on the property at 13 Grant Street, he said it was sold through one Raymond Ceesay for D21.5 million which was owned by Julia Ceesay; that there were 24 properties owned by the former president in Banjul, noting that there were other four properties discovered in Banjul as well.
At this juncture, documents relating to the properties of the former president in Banjul, were tendered and admitted as exhibits.
Further continuing his testimony, ASP Baldeh said former president Jammeh owned 38 properties in the KMC, namely Kotu Power Station Property leased by the then Minister of Lands; Kotu Point Property, which covers the space from the Kotu Police Station to Palma Rima Hotel; former Destiny’s Night Club which is still operating but subleased; Futurelec property sold to KFF to the tune of D44,000,000 by the former Chief Justice; a property from Djembe Hotel junction to Bakadaji Hotel which is 6.4 hectares; Old Kotu Quarry property which was bought in 2014 and is 19.7 hectares and fenced; a property leased to KFF in 2001 which is situated at Old Jeswang and covers Cape Point-Sting Corner junction measuring 103 hectares; a property at Mile 7 which is also leased and is 1.25 hectares; Fajara Water Tank property which was sold in 2009 and was also leased by the former Secretary of State, Ismaila Sambou and fenced; No. 72 Kairaba Avenue property which is a developed property sold by I.B. Jobe alias Jobe Dollar, but that the owners of the property are claiming that the property was illegally taken from them by the former president; Kairaba Avenue property where the bakery is and sold by the late Alhagie Marie Jagana; a property at 16 Kairaba Avenue opposite Alliance Francaise which was acquired from Edward Joiner; Fajara ‘M’ Section property which was sold by Gambia Baptist Mission in 2015 for D5,000,000; another Fajara ‘M’ Section property owned by one Sulayman Sowe; another Fajara ‘M’ Section property near the Standard Chartered House which is an empty land measuring 1800 square metres.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11633 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2018 : 20:17:19
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‘Baba Jobe’s properties were taken by president Jammeh’
The Point: Wednesday, March 28, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/baba-jobes-properties-were-taken-by-president-jammeh
ASP Delo Baldeh yesterday told the Janneh Commission that reports indicated that Baba Jobe’s properties were taken by the former president, Yahya Jammeh.
Mr. Baldeh, a member of the police investigating team of the Janneh Commission, shed light on the properties of the former president.
Officials of the Departments of Lands and Survey, Physical Planning, Gambia Tourism Board also continued to present more properties owned by the former president.
The power point presented by Bunja Janneh, displayed over 50 properties acquired by the former president and his business enterprise, Kanilai Family Farm within the Kanifing Municipal Council and West Coast Region respectively.
Mr. Baldeh also explained how the former president acquired a plot of land at Talinding which he said was acquired through the community of Talinding.
He explained that there was a letter addressed by the alkalo of Talinding, Alhajie Ebou Bajie, to the former president following his consent for the allocation of the said plot of land to him.
ASP Baldeh further revealed that the building located at Kanifing Industrial Estate occupied by Kanilai Family Farms along the Banjul highway was also acquired by Jammeh as well as Maintenance Service Garage at the same location which formerly belonged to one Mbye Njie and Sons for maintenance service which was assigned between AMRC and KFF.
Commission also heard that Jammeh bought a property of land belonging to Baba Jobe to the tune of D5million after an assignment between one Momodou Fofona and KFF.
According to ASP Badeh, one of Mr. Jobe’s properties located at Kotu West was also acquired by the former president through a deal between him and Tida Jaiteh-Jobe, the wife of Baba Jobe, who said she was forced to sell the property.
ASP Delo Baldeh at that point explained that all the properties they had come across, there was an authority from the former president including that of late Baba Jobe’s properties.
Continuing with the list of properties within KMC, Mr. Baldeh told the commission that there was another owned by the former president which is opposite the Kotu property, noting that one Marian Omar Sallah owned a property which was allocated to Baba Jobe, and it was also taken by the former president despite the fact that it was not assigned to him.
According to Baldeh, there was an authority from the former president to one Pa Bojang to transfer all his (Jammeh’s) properties to KFF including Baba Jobe’s properties; adding that the president had a land situated at Kololi which was occupied by one Haruna Tamba, and assigned to Baba Jobe’s daughter.
On the property at Cape Point, he told the commission that it was owned by Baba Jobe and assigned to one Fatou Ceesay but was taken by the former president while the property at Bakau (a super market) was also owned by the former president and there was a title deed. He testified that the property was sold for D8, 000,000.
Further testifying, he revealed that Ndeban Clinic was owned by the former president and it measured 30,000 square metres, noting that it was sold by the High Court for $150,000 and is occupied by one Bully but the clinic is not operational.
On the property at James Baker’s Street at Bakau, he said it was bought by KFF for D3,000,000 and was occupied by one Sierra Leonean; adding that the property at Bakau Newtown is an empty land and there is a deed of assignment, and that it was sold to KFF for D2,000,000.
With regard to the property at Fajara South Atlantic, he stated that it is an empty land and was sold to KFF for D2.7 million, noting that at Cape Point around Sunwing Hotel, the former president had a property measuring 11.9 hectares.
According to him, at Cape Point, there was a certificate of purchase for the land owned by the former president with 1000 square metres and was bought for D4,000,000 through the Sheriff Division. He added that there was an assignment between Ansoumana Kujabi and KFF.
Mr. Baldeh informed the commission that the former president also had another land at Cape Point in the name of his mother, Ajaratou Fatou Asombi Bojang, who purchased it from Ismaila Kabba Sambou which measures 1500 square metres.
He testified that there was another property owned by the former president assigned to Abdou Assan Kaira and was owned by Baba Jobe but taken by the former president and it is now a developed property and occupied as well.
At this juncture, documents relating to the properties owned by the former president were tendered and admitted in evidence.
Dwelling on Kombo South- East properties owned by the former president, he said the Njambai Forest property belongs to the former president but it was formerly owned by Dr. Lenrie Peters who sold it to KFF and was transferred to the former president.
On Siffoe Garden property, the witness told the commission that it was allocated by Alagie Malick Demba to the former president situated at the sea side but it is not fenced. He added that the Gunjur property owned by the former president is fenced and the length is from Medina Salam to Gunjur.
Mr. Baldeh further revealed that there was another Medina Salam property owned by the former president which he visited and showed interest but the community denied him but he gave out money and acquired it.
He said the former president also had a property at Sambuyaa, further stating that he also had another property at Sanyang Kairaba which the former president claimed to be the owner.
Other properties, according to him, are Scan Gambia, Santamba at Sanyang, Sanyang quarry, Tanji River side property as well as another property in Kombo South which he acquired after demolishing some compounds in the area.
Sittings continue today.
Author: Dawda Faye |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11633 Posts |
Posted - 29 Mar 2018 : 08:01:55
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More Assets, Properties of Former President Exposed
Foroyaa: March 28, 2018
By Mamadou Dem
http://foroyaa.gm/more-assets-properties-of-former-president-exposed/
ASP Delo Baldeh of the Gambia Police Force and member of the investigation team of the ‘Janneh’ Commission, yesterday continued to give more details on the numerous properties acquired by the former president, Yahya Jammeh.
Officials of the Departments of Lands and Surveys, Physical Planning, Gambia Tourism Board, also continued to give details of more properties owned by the former President.
A power point presentation made by Bunja Janneh, depicted 53 properties acquired by the former president and his business enterprise Kanilai Family Farm (KFF), within the Kanifing Municipality and the larger West Coast Region.
ASP Baldeh explained how the former president acquired a plot of land in Talinding which he said was acquired from the community; that there was a letter addressed by the Alkalo of Talinding Alhajie Ebou Bajie, to the former president, following his consent for the allocation of the said plot of land to him.
ASP Baldeh further revealed that the building located at the Kanifing Industrial Estate occupied by Kanilai Family Farms along the Banjul highway, was also acquired by Jammeh as well as the Maintenance Service Garage in the same location, which formerly belonged to one Mbye Njie and Sons, for maintenance services, which was assigned between AMRC and KFF.
The Commission also heard from ASP Baldeh that Jammeh bought a property of land belonging to Baba Jobe for D5million after an assignment between one Momodou Fofona and KFF.
According to ASP Badeh, one of Mr. Jobe’s properties located at Kotu West was also acquired by the former president through a deal between him and Tida Jaiteh-Jobe, the wife of Baba Jobe, who said she was forced to sell the property.
Baldeh at that point explained that all the properties they had come across, were acquired through the authority of the former president including that of the late Baba Jobe’s.
Continuing with the list of properties within the KM, Mr. Baldeh told the Commission that there was another property owned by the former president situated opposite the Kotu property, noting that one Marian Omar Sallah owned the property and allocated it to Baba Jobe, but was also taken by the former president despite the fact that it was not assigned to him.
According to Baldeh, there was an authority from the former president for one Pa Bojang to transfer all his (Jammeh’s) properties to KFF including Baba Jobe’s properties; that the president had a land situated at Kololi which was occupied by one Haruna Tamba and assigned to Baba Jobe’s daughter.
On the property at Cape Point, he told the Commission that it was owned by Baba Jobe and assigned to one Fatou Ceesay but was taken by the former president while the property at Bakau (a Super Market) was also owned by the former president and there was a title deed of the property. He testified that the property was sold for D8, 000,000.
Further testifying, he revealed that Ndeban Clinic was owned by the former president; that it measured 30,000 square metres, noting that it was sold by the High Court for $150,000 and is currently occupied by one Bully, but that the clinic is not operational.
On the property at James Baker’s Street in Bakau, ASP Baldeh said it was bought by KFF for D3,000,000 and was occupied by one Sierra Leonean; that the property at Bakau Newtown is an empty land and there is a deed of assignment; that it was sold to KFF for D2,000,000.
On the property at Fajara South Atlantic, he stated that it is an empty land sold to KFF for D2.7 million, noting that at Cape Point around Sunwing Hotel, the former president had a property measuring 11.9 hectares.
According to him, at Cape Point, there was a certificate of purchase for the land owned by the former president with 1000 square metres and was bought for D4,000,000 through the Sheriff Division. ASP Baldeh added that there was an assignment between Ansoumana Kujabi and KFF and further informed the Commission that the former president had another land at Cape Point in the name of his mother, which was purchased from Ismaila Kabba Sambou and measuring 1500 square metres.
ASP Baldeh further testified that there was another property owned by the former president assigned to Abdou Assan Kaira which was owned by Baba Jobe but taken by the former president; that it is now a developed property and occupied as well.
At this juncture, documents relating to the properties owned by the former president were tendered and admitted as exhibits.
Dwelling on the Kombo South / East properties owned by the former president, ASP Baldeh said the Njambai Forest property belongs to the former president but was formerly owned by Dr. Lenrie Peters who sold it to KFF.
On Siffoe Garden property, the witness told the Commission that it was allocated by Alagie Malick Demba to the former president and is situated at the sea side but not fenced; that the Gunjur property owned by the former president is fenced and the length is from Medina Salam to Gunjur.
Mr. Baldeh further revealed that there was another Medina Salam property owned by the former president which he visited and showed interest in but that the community denied him; that when he gave them money, he acquired it.
He said the former president, had a property at Sambuyaa, further stating that he also had another property at Sanyang Kairaba.
Other properties, according to him, are Scan Gambia, Santamba at Sanyang, Sanyang quarry, Tanji River side property as well as another property in Kombo South which the former president acquired after demolishing some compounds in the area.
Sittings continue today.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11633 Posts |
Posted - 29 Mar 2018 : 18:10:43
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There was no due process when the land was acquired - says DG, Gambia Tourism Board
The Point: Thursday, March 29, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/there-was-no-due-process-when-the-land-was-acquired-says-dg-gambia-tourism-board
Abdoulie Hydra, director general (DG) of The Gambia Tourism Board, yesterday revealed to the Janneh Commission that there was no due process when the former president acquired a land at Bijilo.
Investigators also close to the Janneh Commission continued to present more properties acquired by the former President Yahya Jammeh within the districts of Kombo South and Kombo North.
The total properties acquired by the former president in the District of Kombo South was 18 while that of Kombo North was more than 17 properties, according to the presentation done by officials from the Department of Lands and Physical Planning during a power point presentation before the commission.
ASP Delo Baldeh, in his evidence, told the inquiry that the former president acquires a property at Jambur village which was allocated to him by Wandy Bojang and the community leaders of the village.
On the properties located within the Kombo North, the director general of Gambia Tourism Board, at that point, intimated to the commissioners that plots number 4 to 14 were under the Tourism Development Areas.
The property located at Brufut Ghana town along the main highway, according to ASP Delo Baldeh, is in the name of Aja Asombi Bojang, the mother of the former president, which was acquired by him and it measures 1,126.50 square metres. ASP Baldeh, however, said they have not got the title deed except the sketch plan of the area.
Next property, he said, is located at Brufut, Madina, which was also acquired by the former president after he requested for it from the community leaders.
For the property located at Brufut Sanimentering near the Sheraton Hotel measuring 11.84 hectares, ASP Baldeh said the land was also acquired by the former president in 2005 as well as plot number 75 located at Brufut height layout but according to the director general of GT Board, the said land belongs to private individuals.
Brufut football field, according to the police ASP, was also acquired by the former president but it is part of tourism development areas and it measures 12.05 hectares, and it is not developed.
Brufut former CSC campus and Brufut fish landing site was also acquired by the former president but according to Delo Baldeh, the CSC campus was initially acquired by Ismaila Kabba Sambou who allocated the land to the former president as a replacement, while the fish landing site was leased to him.
Further exposing the former president’s properties, he said that there was another property at Bijilo and was leased to the former president in 2010, measuring 3.75 metres but there was no data allocation. He added that it was sold to the tune of D3,000,000.
On the Brusubi property by the roundabout, he said it was assigned to the late Baba Jobe but it now belongs to Awa B. Kaira and it was sold to Banta Kaira to the tune of D1, 000,000 but it was later bought by the former president.
On the Yundum/Banjulinding Garden, it was leased to David Kwasie Jawara but it was assigned by Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara to KFF. Still on the former president’s properties, ASP Baldeh disclosed that the former president has a property at the Banjul International Airport measuring 69.90 hectares but no record has been seen indicating that it was owned by the former president.
ASP Baldeh told the commission that the former president has another property situated at Kerr Sering which was formally owned by Baba Jobe and is occupied by one Modou Camara, adding that this property was taken from Baba Jobe by the former president and no documents were found.
At Yarambamba Housing Estate, Baldeh revealed that the former president owned five plots of land which were assigned to KFF by TAF Holding; adding that the chief executive officer of TAF Holding, Mustapha Njie, confirmed to the investigators that the former president sent soldiers for these properties and each was bought to the tune of D200,000.
On the Sukuta property, he stated that it was leased to Lawyer Edward Gomez who assigned it to the former president, noting that they have the lease of the property. He added that the former president also has a property at Kerr Sering which was occupied by Amadou Sanyang who is related to the former president’s mother.
Mr. Baldeh finally told the commission that the former president also has another property at Bijilo which was formerly occupied by the green boys, measuring 17.70 hectares; adding that they have a title deed of the property and it was for Home of Medical Mission.
Hearing continues today.
Author: Dawda Faye |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11633 Posts |
Posted - 03 Apr 2018 : 19:01:33
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Jammeh owns more than 110 properties so far
The Point: Tuesday, April 03, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/jammeh-owns-more-than-110-properties-so-far
Former President, Yahya Jammeh has acquired more than 110 properties within Banjul, Kanifing Municipality and Kombos, according to revelations from the Janneh Commission so far.
It is revealed that he acquired 28 properties in Banjul, 38 in Kanifing Municipality, 18 in Kombo South and 27 in Kombo North, making a total of 111 properties so far.
Continuing his testimony for the commission, ASP Delo Baldeh, a member of the investigation team of the Janneh Commission, on the 29th of March, 2018, told the commission that the 24th property in Kombo North at Brufut owned by the former President Yahya Jammeh, was leased to Laurant Gbagbo, the former president of Ivory Coast by Kanilai Family Farms.
Continuing his testimony, Mr. Baldeh stated that the former president had another property at Bijilo and was leased by Kanilai Family Farms and was bought by the former president for D10,000,000, noting that the former president also owned a property at Kerr Sering in 2000, and the assignment was made between Doudou Jobe and Babanding Fofana. He further disclosed that the former president made an authority and the property was occupied by somebody who refused to make a statement. He disclosed that the property is 900 square metres, and it originally belonged to one Alieu Ceesay.
The witness narrated that the former president had another property at Bijilo in the name of Santanba Farms and it measures 1.16 hectares which was not leased, adding that there was an allocation letter.
On the property at Busumbala owned by the former president, he said that there was a High Court judgment in the sum of D8,000,000, and that it was leased in the name of Kanilai Family Farms.
Mr. Baldeh informed the commission that the former president owned a property at Paradise Estate to the tune of D7,000,000, further noting that the former president owned a property at Brufut and was formerly owned by Baba Jobe, adding that they did not have any document relating to the said property and that it is occupied.
Continuing his testimony, he said that there was a property that belonged to the former president at Brufut Height which was sold by the High Court to the tune of D3,000,000, stating that there was another property which was assigned to Oceanic Bank and was sold to Kanilai Family Farms for D6,000,000.
ASP Baldeh further told the commission that the former president had another property at Brufut Car Park which was also assigned to Oceanic Bank and sold to Kanilai Family Farms to the tune of D4,000,000.
At this juncture, the Registrar General Alieu Jallow, told the commission that they found some people difficult to cooperate with the investigators but said they would get into the root of the investigation. He said that they would still investigate into the properties of the former president.
Chairman Sourahata Janneh assured him that the commission would give the investigators the necessary support if the need arises.
Sitting continues today.
Author: Dawda Faye |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11633 Posts |
Posted - 04 Apr 2018 : 15:23:39
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Janneh Commission hears more revelations on Jammeh’s properties
The Point: Wednesday, April 04, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/janneh-commission-hears-more-revelations-on-jammehs-properties
Investigators yesterday continued to present more properties acquired by the former President, Yahya Jammeh , in West Coast Region and districts within the region.
The lead investigator, ASP Delo Baldeh, continued his testimony on the properties of the former president in Kombo districts and Fonis as well.
ASP Baldeh told the commissioners that the former president had a property in Foni Kampassa measuring 32.5 hectares which was leased to him in 2013 by the community leaders.
He also informed the commission that the community leaders of Bussura, Duwasu, Kassa kunda, Seyone , Darsilami, Kuloro , Cubineh, Dimbaya and Manduarr villages respectively allocated lands to the former president.
According to him, the property in Kuloro village was allocated to the late Baba Jobe and Toullie Jarju by the alkalo of the village and the family, measuring 17.40 hectares. But according to ASP Baldeh, the said land was among the properties of Baba Jobe taken by the former president, noting that they have not got the lease document of the former president regarding the said property.
On the properties acquired by the former president in Fonis, commission’s Counsel Amie Bensouda, at this point, intimated to the commission that the former president acquired 32 properties in the fonis.
In his evidence, ASP Baldeh told the commissioners that the properties acquired by the former president in the districts of Foni were located in different villages namely: Kampassa , Kayaborr, Bantanjang, Alla Kunda, Santanba, Kanilai, Bujinka, Dobong, Burock, Ngiffi farm, Bunuborr Park, Tintinba, Jomo Kunda , Nyangit, Bintang Katacorr, Bintang Lewoto, Jalalo island, Batending Kajara farm, Kaw Kaw Island, Bulanghorr Island and Lewoto and Foni Berefet respectively.
According to the lead investigator, all these properties were leased to the former president by the community leaders of the respective villages measuring in different hectares.
Sittings continue today.
Author: Dawda Faye |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Janneh Commission of inquiry on Y. Jammeh's assets
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