After the recent revelations by The Finance Minister about former President Yahya Jammeh making withdrawals from GAMTEL, is the managing director of the company out again trying to bribe and corrupt The Barrow administration through GAMCEL? The Government which came to power in December has told Gambians that they are totally against bribery and corruption, but this latest move by GAMTEL/GAMCEL is a test for the government to prove to Gambians that they mean their words.
Credible sources have informed The Fatu Network that, the managing director of the company, Babucarr Sanyang, has authorized the purchase of sixteen phones for members of Barrow’s cabinet through GAMCEL.
With the recent change in government, many top officials are uncertain if they will retain their jobs. Some are therefore wondering if this is an attempt to bribe the government.
GAMTEL/GAMCEL has in the past been engaged in bribing government officials of the former president Yahya Jammeh by handing out cell phones, laptops and many other accessories in exchange for favors which many say contributed immensely in corrupting the former government. “I will be very disappointed with our new ministers if they accept the gifts. Why can’t they use their own phones? I’m sure they all have phones” a source said. The source added that the government cannot make a revelation about Jammeh’s financial dealings, then turn around and start following his footsteps.
A source close to GAMCEL has disclosed that the sixteen phones will cost the company D441, 000 when their accounts are in red “Why buy such expensive phones, when the company is struggling to pay salaries due to cash flow problems. Enough is enough, state funds should not be used for selfish interest” the source said. Another source said “Tell the ministers to not accept this so called gifts for they will be putting their integrity at stake if they do, we are watching” he concluded.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017, Gambia’s Finance minister, Amadou Sanneh has revealed that the nation owed a domestic debt of D48.3 Billion ($1.5 Billion). The minister revealed that a number of significant withdrawals were made directly from GAMTEL coffers by the former president.
Meanwhile, the phones have been picked from the supplier who is said to be demanding for payment as we speak without success, this according to sources is because GAMCEL does not have the funds to pay for it. What is not clear though is whether the ministers have already received the phones or not.
We will keep you posted as Gambians watch if The Barrow administration will also contribute in milking the nation’s telecommunication giant.
