The Gambia government issued a formal response to an investigative report published by The Republic, defending its asset recovery and disposal process as “transparent, legal, and structured”. 

In a statement released Monday, the government sought to clarify what it described as “misleading impressions” created by the article. It stressed that the disposal of assets linked to former President Yahya Jammeh followed a two-phase, legally grounded procedure.

The first phase, according to the statement, was managed by the Janneh Commission, a Presidential Commission of Inquiry established under the Gambian Constitution. The Commission was mandated to investigate the financial dealings of the former regime and determine which assets were unlawfully acquired.

Based on its findings, it recommended the forfeiture of various properties and items including livestock and agricultural equipment. These recommendations were made public in a comprehensive report.

The second phase was carried out by a Ministerial Taskforce, comprising the Ministers of Justice, Local Government and Lands, Tourism and Culture, and Agriculture.

This body was supported by a Technical Committee made up of senior officials from key ministries.

The Taskforce reviewed the assets identified by the Commission and oversaw their disposal.

According to the government, the sales were conducted through a closed bidding process, after public advertisement and valuation. A private firm, Alpha Kapital Advisory, was appointed as Receiver to manage the process and report regularly to authorities.

“All steps taken were within the confines of the law and guided by the public interest,” the government said in its statement. “The processes followed were transparent and aimed at maximising value from the recovered assets.”

In response to concerns over accountability, the government confirmed that the National Audit Office has audited all asset sales conducted so far, and its findings will be submitted to the National Assembly.

Furthermore, officials pledged to release a detailed public report outlining the full asset disposal process, including sale prices, procedures followed, beneficiaries, and total proceeds.

“The Government reaffirms its commitment to uphold the rule of law and to ensure that the resources of the Gambian people are managed responsibly,” the statement concluded.

By Adama Makasuba