By Fatou Dahaba
In a revealing testimony before the special select committee investigating the sale and disposal of assets identified by the Janneh Commission, former Registrar General Alieu Jallow confirmed that Amadou Kora played a pivotal role in enhancing the prices of cattle once owned by former President Yahya Jammeh. Appearing for the third time before the committee, Jallow provided detailed insights into Kora’s voluntary involvement, significantly improving the financial outcomes of the cattle sales.
Jallow testified that the initial pricing of the cattle was disappointingly low, failing to reflect their true market value. However, the arrival of Amadou Kora, a well-known figure in the cattle trade, marked a turning point. “The pricing was not satisfactory, and that’s why I introduced Amadou Kora. He changed the game and enhanced the pricing,” Jallow told the committee. He emphasized that Kora’s expertise and reputation in cattle dealing brought credibility and competitiveness to the process.
According to Jallow, Kora participated voluntarily, not representing any institution. Jallow introduced him to the then Sheriff of the High Court, Shariff B. Tabally, who was overseeing the sales. Kora’s involvement quickly proved transformative. “When Mr. Kora came, he made it very easy for us because he had the experience,” Jallow explained. “He would estimate the weight of a cow and suggest a price, say 30,000, and we would insist on that amount until the highest bidder took it. He assisted in that.”
Kora’s expertise reportedly led to significant price increases. Jallow noted that cattle previously valued at 15,000 could fetch 18,000 to 20,000 with Kora’s guidance. “Anyone who was there and says Amadou Kora did not help us enhance the prices is not being honest,” Jallow asserted. “He indeed helped to enhance the prices.” His testimony underscored Kora’s impact, stating that “his intervention changed the game, and many things were changed.”
However, Jallow faced pointed questions from the committee about allowing an outsider to participate in such a sensitive process. Some members expressed concern that Kora, described as a “stranger” to the official proceedings, was permitted to influence pricing. Jallow defended the decision, emphasizing Kora’s reputation in the cattle trade. “He is well-known in cattle dealing, and most buyers on the ground knew him,” Jallow said. He acknowledged that some buyers felt uneasy with Kora’s presence, likely due to his ability to drive up prices, but maintained that his contribution was invaluable.
When pressed on why the Sheriff Division, tasked with conducting the sales, allowed Kora’s involvement, Jallow clarified that he was not responsible for hiring or authorizing participants. “That responsibility fell under the Sheriff,” he said, adding that he merely introduced Kora to Tabally, who did not object to his participation. Jallow further clarified his own role, stating that he was invited to observe the process but ended up assisting informally. “I did not take part in any pricing or suggest prices for any cattle,” he emphasized, distancing himself from direct involvement in the pricing decisions.
The testimony sheds light on the complexities of managing the disposal of assets linked to former President Jammeh, whose regime was scrutinized by the Janneh Commission for financial mismanagement. The cattle sales, part of the broader effort to liquidate seized assets, required expertise to maximize returns, and Kora’s involvement appears to have filled a critical gap. Jallow’s candid remarks highlighted the collaborative nature of the process, stating, “We were all together, and we did the thing. I will not come here and disown Amadou Kora because his name is everywhere.”
The committee’s inquiry continues to probe the transparency and accountability of the asset disposal process, with Jallow’s testimony raising questions about oversight and the role of external actors. As the investigation unfolds, Kora’s contribution, while praised for boosting prices, underscores the need for clearer protocols in handling high-stakes asset sales. The committee is expected to summon additional witnesses to corroborate Jallow’s account and further clarify the circumstances surrounding the cattle sales.
