Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The National Assembly Special Select Committee probing the sale and disposal of former President Yahya Jammeh’s assets resumed its public hearings on Monday but faced an unexpected delay when the Director General of the Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency (GLMA) failed to testify as scheduled.
The GLMA director was due to appear before the committee to answer questions relating to the sale of livestock linked to former President Jammeh.
However, the hearing could not proceed after it emerged that the witness had not submitted a written statement to the investigative team prior to the public session—a prerequisite for testimony.
Committee Chairperson Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay explained that GLMA had received two separate correspondences: one requesting a preliminary statement-taking session on July 17 and another summoning the agency to the public hearing.
According to Hon. Ceesay, GLMA mistakenly assumed that both notices referred to the same engagement and therefore skipped the initial investigative interview.
“They wrote an apology letter to the committee, which we accepted,” said Hon. Ceesay. “However, we have instructed the witness to complete the statement-taking process today and return tomorrow to provide his testimony.”
Hon. Ceesay expressed concern over the confusion and issued a firm warning to all future witnesses.
“The committee provides adequate notice to every witness. It is the responsibility of each witness to verify the contents and dates in the letters they receive,” he said. “Going forward, we will not accept any excuses.”
He emphasized that the authority of parliamentary committees must be respected and warned of consequences for non-compliance.
“In the interest of the public, we must uphold the laws that establish this committee. Any witness found to disregard, disrespect, or challenge the authority of these committees will be dealt with in accordance with the Constitution and the Standing Orders,” he declared.
The session was adjourned until 2:30 p.m., when the Director of Parks and Wildlife was expected to appear before the committee to submit a statement and offer testimony.
The Janneh Commission, whose findings prompted the current parliamentary inquiry, uncovered widespread misappropriation and irregular disposal of public and personal assets under Jammeh’s regime. The committee’s ongoing hearings are aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in how those assets were managed.
