By Sainabou Sambou
The high-profile commercial dispute between Win-win Company Limited and rice supplier George Bannon escalated further on Wednesday as Defense Witness One, Alhagie Kebbeh, took the stand at the High Court in Banjul, delivering detailed testimony on multimillion-dollar bank transfers and unfulfilled supply obligations.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Jaiteh listened intently as Kebbeh outlined how Win-win Company Limited disbursed approximately $44 million to Bannon for the supply of rice under a major commercial agreement. The witness, who appeared composed and methodical, told the court that the payments were executed through several reputable financial institutions, including EcoBank, FBN Bank, Access Bank, and GTBank.
Kebbeh explained that he personally reviewed and verified the transactions using official bank statements issued in the name of Win-win Company Limited. “These were authentic bank records,” he testified, confirming that the transfers occurred between 2020 and 2021.
According to his evidence, while substantial payments were made, the supplier only partially fulfilled the delivery terms. Initial consignments were received following standard inspection and customs clearance, but subsequent deliveries stalled, leaving a significant shortfall in the agreed rice volumes.
The court heard that Win-win Company Limited repeatedly engaged Bannon regarding the undelivered quantities. However, the supplier allegedly sought account reconciliations and referenced prior financial arrangements, including bank guarantees linked to the transaction.
Despite ongoing discussions, full delivery was never completed, prompting the company to treat the matter as a formal commercial dispute and explore alternative supply sources.
Kebbeh further testified that Win-win subsequently contracted TradeAce Ventures Limited, a UK-based entity, to supply 12,500 metric tons of rice valued at around €3.43 million. Payment for this new deal was structured through a Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) issued via Win-win’s bank, which required confirmation from the supplier’s financial institution before shipment.
Yet, according to the witness, even after the SBLC was confirmed, TradeAce delayed delivery for several months.
Communications between the parties included repeated assurances and updates, but no rice was shipped within the stipulated timeframe. After more than six months of delays, Win-win canceled the letter of credit. Kebbeh noted that the company incurred some costs associated with the arrangement, while the bulk of the funds remained unutilized.
In a final bid to secure the needed rice, Win-win entered into another agreement with a supplier based in Dakar, Senegal, for 8,500 metric tons under fresh contractual terms.
The trial continues, with further witnesses expected to testify as both sides seek to resolve the multimillion-dollar claims.
