Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda Jallow has disclosed that President Adama Barrow stopped the sale of Hamza Barracks, a military facility located at Mile 2 in Banjul, which had been earmarked for auction.

Hamza Barracks, formerly the Palm Grove Hotel, was converted into a military barracks by ex-president Yahya Jammeh. It was among the properties forfeited to the state following the adoption of a white paper on the findings of the Janneh Commission, which investigated Jammeh’s financial dealings.

During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Minister Jallow was asked to clarify whether the barracks had been sold for D1.2 million. In response, he explained that while the property had been listed for sale, President Barrow intervened and halted the transaction upon being informed.

“The barracks has not been sold, and there are no plans to sell it since it has been retained for use by members of the armed forces,” Jallow stated.

Bakau MP Assan Touray questioned whether the justice minister knew why the president had countermanded the Janneh Commission’s recommendation for its sale. Jallow responded, “No, I did not find out why.”

Wuli East MP also sought clarification on whether all properties forfeited from Jammeh had been recommended for sale. Minister Jallow explained that while the Janneh Commission recommended forfeiture, a separate government committee reviewed the assets and decided which would be sold or retained for state use.

“Initially, Hamza Barracks was on the list of properties to be sold, but a directive was issued to keep it, which is why soldiers are still occupying it,” Jallow elaborated.

Sanementereng MP Fatou Cham pressed the minister on why the barracks, which has fallen into visible disrepair, has not been renovated to provide suitable living conditions for the soldiers stationed there.

“Really, I do not know,” Minister Jallow admitted.

The revelation has raised questions about the government’s decision-making regarding forfeited assets and the condition of military accommodations in The Gambia.

Source: Standard Newspaper