By: Fatou Krubally
Mr. Alpha Barry, Chairman of Alpha Kapital Advisory on Thursday testified that out of the 19 Jammeh vehicles identified under the receivership, only eight were in working conditions at the time of disposal.
Mr. Barry made the testimony yesterday while reappearing before the National Assembly’s Special Select Committee probing the sale and disposal of assets seized from former President Yayah Jammeh.
Barry, whose firm was tasked with managing the disposal of Jammeh’s forfeited properties, explained that many of the vehicles were “broken down” and could not be used. “Out of the 19, about eight were functioning,” he told lawmakers, noting that several Nissan Pathfinders were completely unserviceable.
He added that the description of “broken down” was deliberately used in reports submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers to distinguish these cars from the fleet Gambians typically associated with Jammeh, such as luxury Pajeros and Hummers. “When people hear Jammeh’s vehicles, the image is different. These were not that kind,” Barry said.
According to his testimony, six vehicles originally owned by BPI Tourism, the former management company of Ocean Bay and Sun Beach hotels, were sold directly to West African Leisure Group for D1 million. Barry said clearance for the sale was obtained from the Attorney General’s Chambers, and that a deed of conveyance and receipts were prepared for the transactions.
He clarified that the assets had reverted to Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation after BPI’s exit, and that the vehicles were negotiated for by the new management to continue hotel operations. He further explained that although periodic reports were expected, the comprehensive report on the sales was submitted in May 2025 to update the Attorney General following growing public concerns about Jammeh’s assets.
The committee also heard that while most of the 19 vehicles have since been disposed of, one remains unsold an old Range Rover that has been sitting in a mechanic’s garage for six years. Barry told lawmakers that the car is in such poor condition that no buyer has come forward.
All proceeds from the sales, Barry confirmed, were deposited into the designated receivership account at Ecobank, with receipts issued accordingly.
The hearing forms part of the committee’s ongoing scrutiny of Jammeh’s seized assets, as questions continue to mount over transparency and accountability in their disposal.
