By: Binta Jaiteh
Ousman Drammeh, a businessman Monday appeared before the National Assembly’s Joint Committee to shed light on the controversial importation of 36,953.614 metric tons of petroleum products valued at over $30 million.
He appeared before the Joint Committee on Finance and Public Accounts (FPAC) as well as the Public Enterprises Committee to testify on the deal that was worth millions of dollars done by Creed Energy Ltd Gambia.
Drammeh was summoned to explain his role in the company’s operations. He told the committee that Creed Energy was registered in his name in 2021 along with two Ghanaians, Clement and Binnah.
When asked by FPAC Vice Chairperson Alagie Mbowe why the company was registered, Drammeh responded that it was set up to trade petroleum products, including importation and re-export distribution. “Since my existence as a shareholder, we haven’t sold anything. We just registered the business and tried to put things in order. I had a 10% share while Clement and Binnah held 45% each,” he disclosed.
Pressed to reveal how much each contributed towards the share capital, Drammeh claimed the funds were handled by lawyer Sheriff K. Jobe. However, he said he could not recall how much he personally contributed.
NAM Mbowe insisted that Drammeh must provide details of the financial contributions and payment method, but the witness remained vague and uncooperative.
At that point, FPAC Chairperson Alagie S. Darboe reminded the witness of the seriousness of the matter and urged him to respond respectfully and directly. “A parliamentary committee sitting is just like a court. Answer the questions asked, not what you want,” Darboe warned.
Drammeh also revealed that he had transferred his 10% share to one Binta Sanyang due to a disagreement with Clement. When asked to explain the reason behind the transfer, he refused to elaborate.
After hours of questioning, Drammeh failed to provide tangible answers, prompting frustration from committee members.
“You know everything going on,” said NAM Kebba Lang Fofana. “How can you say you don’t when you brought these investors? If you fail to give us the information, I will move a motion for the IGP to investigate.”
Before concluding, the committee instructed Drammeh to submit the company’s registration documents and his passport. The session was suspended to Tuesday for further deliberations.
