The Minister of Lands and Religious Affairs, Hamat Bah, has accused investigators of the parliamentary inquiry probing the sale of former President Yahya Jammeh’s assets of conducting biased and targeted questioning.

Mr Bah made the remarks on Tuesday while appearing before the committee to give testimony on matters relating to the disposal of Jammeh’s properties and related transactions.

Lawmakers are currently reviewing evidence on whether public officials or private actors may have influenced or benefited from the process.

During the session, Mr Bah expressed strong dissatisfaction with the manner in which investigators interviewed him during a preliminary session, claiming the questions appeared designed to implicate specific individuals.

He told the committee that he believed the investigators had pursued a line of questioning that “deliberately attempted” to tarnish the reputations of former Justice Minister Abubacarr “Ba” Tambedou, his wife Binta Ceesay, and former diplomat Alpha Barry.

“Mr Chairman, if you would allow me, I want to put a statement on record,” he said.

“When I came for my interview, what I saw… the trend of questioning suggested a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of Ba Tambedou, Binta Ceesay, and Alpha Barry. Because the entire set of questions was leading to these three people, and I found it disturbing.”

The committee did not immediately respond to his claims, but some members were visibly taken aback by the minister’s remarks.

The inquiry continues as lawmakers seek clarity on the management, valuation and sale of the assets seized from Jammeh following his 2017 departure.

By Adama Makasuba