Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Testimony before the National Assembly has raised fresh concerns over how state properties linked to the former president and his associates were handled, with some reportedly sold while still registered in their names.
Registrar General Abdoulie Colley told lawmakers that at the time of certain transactions, “the properties were still owned by the former president. By the former president, yes. And his associates.”
Mr. Colley revealed that in 2020 he acted on a memo directing him to encumber and cancel some properties, even though “there was no legal basis to act upon the memo.”
On the implementation of recommendations from the white paper that followed a commission of inquiry into the former president’s assets, he said, “The white paper is final and binding… but it has to be executed, in this case, the Director of Lands.”
He clarified, however, that the document alone is not sufficient enough to automatically void ownership: “The white paper is not sufficient enough to cancel title,” stressing that only competent authorities such as the Solicitor General or the Director of Lands can do so.
Commenting on properties being sold while still in the former president’s name, he warned, “You cannot sell what you don’t have.” Yet, he noted that once a lawyer submits an assignment request without conflicting documentation, “I would just act on the assignment.”
The Registrar General further explained the need to maintain proper records: “There must be some history… It must be the current owner now selling to a new party. Unless it is in your name, you cannot press.”
Lawmakers heard that while the white paper set out the government’s position, the execution of its directives required proper legal and administrative steps. Mr. Colley admitted procedural gaps in the process but maintained that transfers could proceed if authorities with the mandate acted accordingly.
The revelations underscore the complex legal and administrative challenges in reclaiming state-owned properties tied to the former president, raising questions about accountability and the clarity of government directives.
