President Adama Barrow has reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring that those accountable for any irregularities in the sale of assets owned by former President Yahya Jammeh will face complete legal repercussions. In his address to the nation on Wednesday, the president highlighted his administration’s dedication to maintaining transparency and accountability.
During his address, President Barrow emphasised that his administration has consistently prioritised collaboration with the National Assembly and the National Audit Office, both of which are presently examining the issue. The results of these investigations will be disclosed, and his administration will diligently apply their recommendations to rectify any identified deficiencies.
“In accordance with our constitutional framework, I have consistently emphasised the importance of working together with the National Assembly and the National Audit Office, both of which are currently investigating the issue.”
“The findings will be released to the public, and my administration will implement their recommendations to rectify the identified shortcomings and ensure accountability for any individual or entity deemed responsible,” the president stated.
The president noted that the conclusions of the Janneh Commission of Inquiry, finalised in March 2019, led to a government white paper released in September 2019—a document he supported to enhance transparency and accountability in public matters.
“In May 2019, following the recommendation of the Justice Ministry, I approved the establishment of a Ministerial Taskforce to ensure the lawful and transparent disposal of the aforementioned assets.” The Taskforce has been providing regular updates to Cabinet. “Disclosures by the Ministry of Justice confirm, however, that certain transactions, which include the sale of livestock, tractors, vehicles, and other valuables, were conducted during the active proceedings of the Commission,” the president stated.
He indicated that upon discovering these revelations—some of which were new to him—he promptly convened an emergency Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, to urgently tackle the issue.
“My initial reaction would have been to establish an independent investigative panel to get to the bottom of every aspect of the sales,” he said.President Barrow reaffirmed to Gambians that all recovered assets rightfully belong to the people and stressed that his government will not condone any form of negligence or misconduct in the management of national resources.
“We are committed to full transparency in whatever we undertake on behalf of the people, and I pledge that lessons learned from this incident will be used to fortify our institutions and systems against future lapses. Until we receive the report on the ongoing investigations, I urge you all to remain calm, law-abiding, and reassured that this matter will be handled within the ambit of the law.” President Barrow stated.
