Africa-Press – Gambia. In a detailed session before the Special Select Committee on Friday, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita, confirmed that the cabinet-approved sale of one of the aircraft formerly owned by ex-President Yahya Jammeh for $240,000, assuring lawmakers that due process had been followed.
Minister Keita told the committee that while he had not personally overseen the initial stages of the aircraft disposal, all approvals were carried out under cabinet directives. “By the time the cabinet approved, all due processes were presumed completed,” he said, emphasizing that the Ministry of Finance had acted within the framework of existing laws and regulations.
According to Keita, the government retains ownership of nine aircraft, some of which had already been sold in previous years through standard procedures. He highlighted that certain assets remain abroad, including one aircraft stationed in Germany, for which the Ministry is still awaiting formal confirmation from civil aviation authorities on its status.
Addressing concerns over financial management, the Minister explained that any government funds placed in private accounts require explicit approval under the Public Finance Act and associated financial regulations. “Government funds should ideally be deposited in the Central Bank, and any deviation must receive approval from the Minister of Finance,” he said.
Keita also stressed that the Ministry had coordinated with the Ministry of Justice to ensure all correspondence related to the sales was properly documented. While some anomalies were identified, he reassured the committee that all sale proceeds had been accounted for and that further verification would be undertaken where necessary.
The Minister outlined that the aircraft sold to private entities or regular holdings were transacted at the approved prices, under proper supervision, and with registration compliance. He noted that the disposal process had been carefully documented and adhered to cabinet guidance.
The session, held amid intense public interest over the transparency of asset disposal, concluded with Keita reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to proper oversight and accountability. “All transactions were conducted under cabinet directives and financial regulations. Any remaining gaps will be addressed through formal verification,” he assured the committee.
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