By Fatou Dahaba
A special select committee of the National Assembly has sharply criticized Finance Minister Seedy Keita for failing to submit critical documents on the sale and disposal of aircraft linked to former President Yahya Jammeh, highlighting serious lapses in accountability and transparency.
In its report, the committee faulted the minister for failing to comply with a directive to provide the requested documentation by October 17, 2025. As the primary recipient of the summons, Keita neither delivered the materials on time nor proactively informed the committee when it became clear the deadline would be missed.
The committee acknowledged the minister’s apology during his testimony and his acceptance of responsibility. However, it emphasized that true ministerial accountability demands timely communication and adherence to parliamentary directives, rather than retrospective justifications.
On November 21, 2025, Keita was asked to provide additional information, but he again failed to do so. The committee described this as a grave breach of parliamentary expectations, warning that such conduct undermines procedural discipline, impedes effective preparation for hearings, and amounts to contempt of the National Assembly.
The inquiry exposed a significant policy vacuum in the management and disposal of high-value state assets, particularly aircraft. The minister confirmed the absence of a unified directive on handling proceeds from such sales, with transactions routed through varying accounts without a documented rationale. This inconsistency, the committee stated, exposes state resources to governance risks, financial irregularities, and weakened oversight.
Particular concern surrounds an aircraft stationed in Germany, where supporting records on maintenance costs, obligations, and disposal intentions remain missing. Despite repeated requests, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs has not supplied the necessary details, hindering the committee’s work.
Citing Section 74 of the Constitution, which holds ministers accountable to the National Assembly for departmental administration, the committee stressed Keita’s duty to keep lawmakers informed on relevant matters. By failing to provide guidance and clarity, the minister has obstructed the committee’s oversight role, leaving the aircraft’s true status undetermined.
The report detailed discrepancies in past sales. Two Air Tractors fetched $240,000 in May 2018, while three others sold for $500,000 remain at the airport pending unmet removal conditions. A Sukhoi Su-25 was disposed of in 2023 for $150,000, yet it was absent from initial inventories.
Total proceeds from aircraft sales reached $740,000, far below an independent valuation estimating their worth between $1.69 million and $2.23 million. The committee could not verify deposit locations for these funds, as the minister failed to review ministry records and report back as directed.
Inconsistencies in documentation and the overall sales process further eroded confidence.
To address these issues, the committee recommended public advertising for future state asset disposals to promote transparency. It directed the Ministry of Finance to submit a detailed report within five weeks on the German-based aircraft, including its status, incurred costs, and government intentions. If sold, the report must include the process, price, and buyer details.
The findings underscore broader challenges in recovering and managing assets identified by the Janneh Commission, amid ongoing efforts to ensure accountability for assets amassed during Jammeh’s rule.
