President Adama Barrow addressed the nation today, responding to growing public concern over the controversial sale of assets linked to former President Yahya Jammeh and his associates. The assets, forfeited following the Janneh Commission of Inquiry, have sparked debate due to revelations of irregular transactions, prompting the President to pledge transparency and accountability.
President Barrow acknowledged the national unease in a televised statement, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to resolving the issue.
The Janneh Commission, established in 2017, investigated financial misconduct during Jammeh’s 22-year rule, concluding in March 2019. Its findings, detailed in a Government White Paper published in September 2019, identified assets for forfeiture, including livestock, tractors, vehicles, and other valuables. Barrow authorized a Ministerial Taskforce in May 2019 to oversee their lawful disposal, with regular updates to Cabinet.
However, recent disclosures by the Ministry of Justice revealed that some asset sales occurred during the Commission’s active proceedings, raising questions about oversight.
“Upon learning the details of those sales, some for the first time, I convened an urgent Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 13th May 2025, to address the matter,” Barrow stated. While his initial instinct was to launch an independent investigation, he noted that the National Assembly and National Audit Office are already probing the transactions.
“Their findings will be made public, and my government will enforce their recommendations to address shortcomings and hold accountable any individual or entity found culpable,” Barrow assured citizens. He stressed that the recovered assets belong to the Gambian people and vowed zero tolerance for negligence or wrongdoing.
The President called for calm and unity, urging citizens to await the investigation’s outcome while promising to strengthen institutional safeguards to prevent future lapses. “We are committed to full transparency in whatever we undertake on behalf of the people,” he said, adding that lessons from this incident would fortify governance systems.
The controversy has reignited discussions about accountability in The Gambia’s post-Jammeh era, with many citizens demanding clarity on how national resources are managed. As investigations continue, Barrow’s administration faces pressure to deliver on its promises of justice and transparency.
“May the Almighty God bless the Republic of The Gambia and guide us in unity and prosperity,” Barrow concluded, reaffirming his dedication to the nation’s progress.
