The session began with a formal motion invoking Section 109.2 of the 1993 Constitution and Article 95.5 of the Standing Orders, calling for the extension of the mandate of the Committee. Established on May 14, 2025, the Special Select Committee was tasked to investigate the disposal of properties and businesses seized by the Janneh Commission and forfeited to the State. Originally given 120 days, its mandate was set to expire on September 17, 2025.
But according to the Committee, its workload has ballooned beyond expectations. Members cited the complexity of financial transactions under review, fresh witness testimony, and newly unearthed documents as reasons for needing more time. The motion, therefore, sought an extension of 90 days, authorising the Committee to continue summoning witnesses, requesting documents, and wielding all powers of inquiry until December 16, 2025.
Supporters of the motion praised the Committee’s diligence. “They are doing a very great job. Everybody, even outside this country, can see the brilliance of their work,” member for Kiang West, Hon. Lamin Ceesay, chipped in while seconding the extension. But his endorsement came with a stinging caveat on the issue of remuneration.
The lawmaker argued that it was unreasonable for Parliament to expect such heavy investigative work without financial recognition. He recalled how members of a past commission were each paid D300,000 during a three-month extension, contrasting it with the silence around compensating the current Committee.
“We are investigating an amount which could nearly reach two billion dollars. These are people handling hundreds of millions, yet we don’t talk about their protection, independence, or even their pay. That is not correct,” he told the Assembly.
One member reminded the house that even as Parliament moves to tighten accountability on Jammeh-era assets, it must first answer calls for accountability within its own house.
