Africa-Press – Gambia. Alpha Barry, the receiver of former President Yahya Jammeh’s properties and head of Alpha Kapital, appeared Monday before the National Assembly’s Special Select Committee investigating the sale and disposal of Jammeh’s assets.
In his testimony, Barry detailed the complex transactions and challenges surrounding the sale of several properties linked to the former president, including one in Kanifing that drew only a single bidder.
According to Barry, the bidder initially offered D31 million for the Kanifing property but was asked to increase the offer to D33 million, which remained D8 million below the guide price. Despite the shortfall, the offer was accepted because no other bids were received.
However, the sale later fell through when the occupants—identified as members of the Gambia Armed Forces—refused to vacate the property. “At the end, the occupants would not leave, and the money was refunded,” Barry told the committee.
When questioned by counsel Aji Sainey Kah about whether the buyer ever took possession, Barry replied that they did not. He added that extensive correspondence took place between the buyer’s legal representatives and the Attorney General’s Chambers, noting the buyer’s strong interest in the location.
“The place was occupied by mechanics of the Gambia Armed Forces,” he said.
Counsel Kah then asked if it would surprise him to learn that the buyer is currently occupying the property despite having been refunded. “I would be very surprised by that,” Barry responded.
Barry went on to testify about other properties once owned by Jammeh. He said the Kerr Sering property attracted six bidders, with offers ranging from D30 million to D50 million, and was eventually sold to the highest bidder for D50 million.
A property in Kerr Sering Sanchaba Riad initially drew no bids, but a subsequent offer of D3.8 million was later received.
For the property along the Kololi Bertil Harding Highway, there were no initial bids, but an offer of D6.7 million came later. In Kotu West, no bids were received, and the property remains listed for sale.
The Palma Rima Road property received one bid of D4.3 million, but the bidder later withdrew. It was eventually sold for D4.25 million.
In Sukuta Kombo Coastal, Barry said a bid of D1.3 million was submitted by a Mr. Jarra, who later withdrew, leaving the property unsold.
The Salagi property received no initial bids but was later sold after an offer came in. In Sinchu Alhagie, there were four bidders, and the property was awarded to the highest offer of D2.2 million.
However, Sinchu Alhagie Paradise Estate No. 14 received no bids.
Barry told the committee that the Soma property, with a guide price of D15 million, was returned to the government following instructions from the Ministry of Justice. Properties in Yundum Jabang, Barra, and Kuloro A, B, and C also received no bids and were returned to the state.
He further testified that certain properties, including the Futurelec building, were placed under his custody to collect rent on behalf of the government.
The committee continues to probe the management and sale of assets seized from former President Jammeh as part of efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the recovery of public resources.
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