Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow has admitted that he became aware of certain sales of forfeited assets tied to former President Yahya Jammeh and his associates for the first time only after recent disclosures by the Ministry of Justice—disclosures made under mounting pressure from youth-led protests and a media investigation by The Republic.

In a national address late Tuesday evening, President Barrow acknowledged that while a task force was officially established in 2019 to manage the disposal of Jammeh’s seized assets, some transactions—such as sales of livestock, tractors, vehicles, and other valuables—had taken place earlier, even while the Janneh Commission was still holding hearings.

“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 said.

The President’s revelation comes after days of sustained public demonstrations largely driven by Gambian youths, who demanded full accountability for assets recovered from the former president’s vast network of properties and companies.

The protests were sparked by The Republic’s exposé suggesting that some of Jammeh’s assets may have been sold off under questionable circumstances and without proper public disclosure.

President Barrow emphasized that the original goal of the Janneh Commission—established in 2017 under his government and concluding in 2019—was to promote transparency and accountability after decades of state capture and financial malpractice under Jammeh’s regime.

Barrow said that in May 2019, following the commission’s final report and recommendations from the Ministry of Justice, he approved the formation of a ministerial task force to supervise the sale and management of the confiscated assets.

He noted that this task force was to report regularly to Cabinet and operate within legal and transparent parameters.

However, recent information released by the Ministry of Justice confirmed that some sales occurred during the commission’s active proceedings—raising serious questions about timing, authorization, and oversight.

“My initial reaction would be to establish an independent investigative panel to get to the bottom of every aspect of the sales,” Barrow declared.

But he said he would proceed in consultation with existing state institutions. “Within the arrangements of our constitutional framework, I have always prioritized acting in collaboration with the National Assembly and the National Audit Office, both of which are already conducting inquiries into the matter.”

He assured the public that the outcome of those inquiries would be published, and his government would implement all recommendations, including sanctions for those found responsible for any wrongdoing.

“The assets recovered belong to the people,” Barrow said firmly. “My administration will not tolerate negligence or any wrongdoing related to safeguarding our resources. We are committed to full transparency in whatever we undertake on behalf of the people.”

In a tone that sought to calm national anxieties, the president urged citizens to remain law-abiding and patient as the investigations continue. “Until we receive the report on the ongoing investigations, I urge you all to remain calm, law-abiding, and reassured that this matter will be handled within the ambit of the law.”

The address appears aimed at stemming growing mistrust, particularly among young Gambians, many of whom have voiced frustration with what they describe as a lack of genuine accountability in the post-Jammeh era.

While Barrow’s admission that he was unaware of some asset sales may further complicate public confidence, his pledge to act decisively—coupled with institutional investigations already underway—could determine whether this becomes a turning point in the fight against corruption or yet another unfulfilled promise in the country’s democratic transition.