The United Democratic Party (UDP) has called for an independent public inquiry into serious allegations of corruption, nepotism, and lack of transparency in government dealings under President Adama Barrow’s administration. The demands, outlined in a press statement released today, follow a damning exposé by The Republic titled “Inside the multi-million-dollar Gambia gov’t venture that makes president’s nephew a major food importer” and concerns over the questionable sale of Mega Bank.
The UDP expressed alarm over claims that President Barrow’s nephew has become a major food importer through a government venture, raising red flags about favoritism and abuse of office. The party highlighted that loans were allegedly extended to companies linked to the nephew—Win Win Oil, JV General Trading Import & Export, and Ecotra Group Limited—without evidence of a transparent or competitive process. The statement questions the basis for these loan allocations, their repayment terms, and whether they serve the public interest or risk financial loss to the state.
Further fueling public suspicion, the UDP pointed to the sale of Mega Bank, which was reportedly sold below market value to a close associate of President Barrow. The lack of clarity on the valuation, bidding process, or buyer identity has sparked accusations of insider dealing and state capture. The UDP stressed that the food import venture and the bank sale show a systemic failure to adhere to procurement guidelines, conflict-of-interest rules, or parliamentary oversight, eroding public trust and threatening the rule of law.
In response, the UDP issued a five-point demand to the Barrow administration. First, it called for a high-powered, independent commission to investigate the food import venture, the loans to the named companies, and the Mega Bank sale. Second, it demanded full disclosure of all related documents, including loan applications, approval records, repayment terms, and the Mega Bank sale agreement. Third, the party urged the government to submit these matters to the National Assembly for public scrutiny and debate. Fourth, it called for legal action against those found guilty of corruption or abuse of office, alongside efforts to recover any lost public funds or assets. Finally, the UDP emphasized the need for stronger institutional safeguards, including enforced conflict-of-interest rules and procurement laws to prevent future misconduct.
“Public office is a trust, not a family enterprise,” the UDP stated, warning that allegations of nepotism and corruption must not be ignored. The party urged President Barrow to act decisively by launching an impartial inquiry and releasing all relevant records to restore public confidence.
