By: Fatou Krubally
The Director General of the Gambia Tourism Board (GT Board), Abubacarr S. Camara, yesterday appeared before the National Assembly’s Special Select Committee tasked with investigating the sale and disposal of assets linked to the Janneh Commission.
During a tense session, Mr. Camara was given 48 hours to provide specific documentation relating to land allocations, including files connected to the controversial Rasko property. The committee sought clarity on the history of allocations, cancellations, and relocations, following allegations of administrative lapses and procedural irregularities in the handling of public land.
In his testimony, Mr. Camara explained that the land in question had initially been allocated to Moab Investment (later identified as Moab Capital Company Limited) in December 2019. He confirmed that the company had complied with the 5% payment requirement and emphasized that no formal lease had been issued before the cancellation of the allocation. The DG said the decision to cancel and reallocate the land was made following instructions received via phone calls from ministers and permanent secretaries, a process he defended as standard practice given the agreement of the affected investor.
“I confirmed with the technical department before taking any action,” Mr. Camara told the committee, noting that while no written directives were issued, the communications were validated with key officials, including the Minister of Tourism and the Minister of Information. He added that the land remains state property, with no new lease issued to any party following the reallocation.
The committee pressed the DG on why such critical decisions were taken without formal documentation. Mr. Camara acknowledged the lapse, stating it was primarily due to the complexity of the allocation process and the urgency of addressing petitions from investors. He assured lawmakers that the requested files would be submitted within the 48-hour deadline.
The hearing also touched on the broader context of land allocations under the GT Board, including disputes over other properties like Bansaiya and areas within Katelai Point. Mr. Camara highlighted that allocations are subject to conditions such as Environmental Impact Assessments and development milestones, with stock leases issued only upon compliance.
Committee members emphasized the importance of formal records and transparency, particularly in cases linked to properties previously held under leases associated with former state officials. The session underscored ongoing concerns about governance and accountability in state land management, with the 48-hour directive serving as a critical test of compliance.
The committee will reconvene once the requested documentation is submitted, and further questioning is expected to clarify the chain of approvals and decisions regarding these high-profile allocations.
