Africa-Press – Gambia. The government has rejected a recommendation from the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Public Accounts (FPAC) and Public Enterprises (PEC) to place Gam Petroleum’s Managing Director, Yerro Jallow, on administrative leave over allegations of perjury.
The committee’s recommendation was among the resolutions adopted following its inquiry into the management of 36,953.614 metric tons of petroleum products.
Presenting the government’s position before lawmakers on Monday, Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Seedy Keita said the matter falls under the authority of Mr. Jallow’s employer and that administrative leave is not warranted at this stage.
“The Ministry of Justice notes this recommendation. Decisions regarding the administrative leave of Mr. Yerro Jallow fall within the purview of his employing authority. Accordingly, upon completion of our review and the filing of any necessary processes, we will advise his employers as appropriate. Sending Mr. Jallow on administrative leave pending the review outcome for alleged perjury would not be necessary at this stage,” Keita told the Assembly.
However, the government confirmed that police will investigate allegations of conflict of interest and breaches of duty involving Gam Petroleum’s general manager.
“The relationship between traders, OMCs, and GAM Petroleum is defined in their ullage and storage agreements. GAM Petroleum holds the petroleum stock on behalf of the traders. The police will initiate investigations as recommended into any conflict of interest and breach of the agreements and fiduciary duties against the general manager,” Keita added.
The joint committee recommended that the National Audit Office conduct an audit into the fairness of ullage allocations by Gam Petroleum between January and December 2023, with a report due to the Assembly within 60 days.
In addition, lawmakers directed Gam Petroleum to avoid entering into any agreements with Apogee Gambia Ltd. and to terminate any existing contracts with the company. They further instructed that Gam Petroleum submit its accounts for audit by the Auditor General for subsequent reporting to the Assembly.
Responding to these resolutions, the government said the recommendations would be referred to the National Audit Office and Gam Petroleum’s Board for appropriate action.
Lawmakers also called on the Ministry of Finance, SSHFC, GPA, and GNPC to press for governance reforms at Gam Petroleum to safeguard the public interest. The government confirmed this recommendation would also be referred to the company’s board.
“The recommendation has been noted and will be referred to the GP board for action,” Keita assured the lawmakers.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
