By Fatou Dahaba
Ramatoulie Sarr, the former Secretary of the Janneh Commission, faced a stern warning from a special select committee investigating the sale and disposal of assets identified by the commission. During a heated session, Sarr was cautioned to provide full and frank disclosure of information or risk being cited for contempt for failing to guide the committee adequately.
The committee, chaired by Abdoulie Ceesay, is probing the management and disposal of assets under the Janneh Commission’s purview. Counsel Lamin M. Dibba pressed Sarr to familiarize herself with the committee’s terms of reference and consult colleagues to provide accurate information. Dibba emphasized that, as head of the secretariat, Sarr was responsible for memos and reports submitted to the commission. “We expect you to answer some of the questions,” he stated, challenging her claim of being unaware of key activities during her tenure.
Dibba expressed frustration at Sarr’s apparent lack of knowledge, stating, “It is prudent for you to understand what has transpired in the Janneh Commission while serving as Secretary General.”
He warned that the committee would take a “very close stance” and urged Sarr to review the commission’s report thoroughly. “We don’t want you to come back again and tell us you don’t know,” he added, stressing that Sarr, as Secretary, was expected to be fully informed about the commission’s operations.
Committee Chairperson Abdoulie Ceesay reinforced Dibba’s remarks, noting that evidence had been submitted to the committee, and witnesses were expected to provide relevant information to aid the investigation. “We will accept that you take time to go back, read the report, and understand the content,” Ceesay told Sarr. “Know exactly what you have done and what others have done as well.”
Committee member Kebba Lang Fofana expressed concern over Sarr’s evasive responses, warning that her lack of cooperation could set a problematic precedent. “She should be in a position to answer the questions. If she doesn’t know, she should tell us who should know,” Fofana said. He referenced a letter from Sarr to the commission, in which she claimed to have been a mere figurehead, with her responsibilities curtailed. Fofana dismissed this, stating, “It will not be convenient, but the questions will be answered. If someone else is responsible, tell us.”
The committee’s inquiry focuses on the sale of tractors and vehicles, custodial documents, and whether these were transmitted to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) or preserved as soft copies. Additionally, the committee is investigating visits by two groups of Americans, details of which Sarr claimed ignorance.
The session saw tense exchanges, with counsel highlighting Sarr’s apparent neglect of responsibilities. Sarr was appointed Secretary following the dismissal of Alagie Mamadi Kurang, placing her at the center of the commission’s operations. The committee directed her to review the report and return with comprehensive answers to steer their investigation in the right direction, underscoring the importance of transparency in their probe into the commission’s handling of assets.
