By:Nyima Sillah
The Vice Chair of the National Assembly’s special committee to investigate former President Jammeh’s assets, Madi Ceesay, has revealed that the probe will be both transparent and accessible to the public.
In an interview with this medium on Sunday, Hon. Ceesay discloses that the committee’s goal is to respond to long-standing questions from Gambians about Jammeh’s properties both in The Gambia and abroad.
“The committee came into being to provide answers to key questions Gambians have been asking for years: What is the full scope of the former president’s properties? How were these properties disposed of? What do they include? Who bought them? What are the values of these assets?” he remarked. “These are the core issues the committee seeks to investigate, with the findings expected to be shared publicly in the interest of transparency and accountability,” Hon. Ceesay explained.
He emphasizes that the probe will not be limited to domestic assets only asserting that they are not restricted as it is a general inquiry into all possible properties of the former president, whether within or outside The Gambia. “This is an open inquiry aimed at finding the answers that the Gambian people want to have. The committee will do its utmost to provide those answers,” he reiterated.
NAM Ceesay says that transparency is central to the committee’s work, asserting that the entire process will be conducted publicly and live-streamed to allow citizens to follow proceedings in real time. “Nothing will be done behind closed doors. This is not a secret investigation. It is a public hearing, open to anyone who wishes to attend or watch. Just like our parliament sessions are conducted in the public view, this committee’s proceedings will follow the same open nature,” he added.
He points out that the committee has significant legal powers, adding that they can summon witnesses, request documents, and they expect full cooperation from institutions or individuals. “The committee’s powers are equivalent to a high court. So, failure to cooperate may lead to legal consequences,” he warned.
Hon. Ceesay cites that all seven members of the committee bring diverse professional backgrounds ranging from finance and economics to social expertise. “Each member brings a unique skill set, but more importantly, we all represent our constituencies. Some have served for eight years, others for three, but we are all independently elected and capable. The competence is there.”
At the time of the interview, the committee had not yet held its first meeting. However, NAM Ceesay confirmed that the inaugural meeting was due to take place within the required seven days following member confirmation on May 15. “We expect to meet anytime between now and the 22nd to begin work and agree on procedures,” he said.
On the expected timeline, he said they were mandated to report to plenary in 120 days from their first meeting. “This period should be sufficient, but if needed, the committee can request for an extension,” said Ceesay.
