Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Turkish Embassy in Banjul has confirmed that Karpowership received all payments owed by The Gambia earlier this year, stating the Turkish energy firm was fully paid in June and July 2025 and that “there is no new payment expected.”
The clarification, shared with journalists on Friday, appears at first to contradict Finance Minister Seedy Keita’s earlier briefing to lawmakers, in which he said part of the expanded US$45 million World Bank package would be used to clear arrears owed to Karpowership.
According to the Embassy, the company will issue an official statement on the matter.
The Minister’s remarks in the National Assembly had suggested that outstanding arrears remained and would be settled once the new World Bank funding becomes available – an assertion now challenged by the Embassy’s comments and one that raised questions about the accuracy of information provided to lawmakers.
However, in a swift response, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs issued a statement clarifying what it described as a “sequencing matter.” The ministry explained that Karpowership was indeed fully paid earlier this year, but through an advance payment made directly by the Government of The Gambia.
The ministry said the arrangement was that once the World Bank disburses the approved US$45 million package, government would be reimbursed for the Karpower arrears it had already settled using its own funds.
“It is therefore correct that the Minister’s briefing to the National Assembly regarding the use of World Bank funds to settle Karpower arrears is accurate,” the statement noted, adding that although Karpowership has already been paid, the World Bank financing will still cover the arrears by reimbursing government.
The ministry expressed appreciation for the Embassy’s clarification and stressed that “there is no discrepancy between the parties involved.” It urged media houses to verify information from official sources to ensure accurate public communication.
The Ministry of Finance reaffirmed its commitment to transparency in public financial management and said it will continue working closely with partners to ensure clear and consistent information-sharing.
