Registrar of companies testifies in Gam-Petroleum case

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By LAMIN SANYANG

The Registrar of Companies, Mr. Alieu Jallow has testified in the criminal trial involving former Managing Director of Gam-Petroleum Saihou Drammeh and former Operations Manager, Lamin Gassama before Justice Haddy C Roche of the Banjul High Court.

The two former senior staff of Gam-Petroleum are standing trial on eight counts of economic crimes including corruption, malpractices, fraud and stealing amongst other charges.

They are accused of stealing $20 Million (Dollars) at Gam-Petroleum facility in Lamen Mandinaring.

When the case was called on Thursday afternoon, the state counsel, Lamin Jarju announced his appearance for the state, while lawyers Christopher E Mene and Badou Conteh appeared for the two accused persons.

Thereafter, the state called on the registrar of companies to give evidence on the registration of businesses and certificate of incorporation at the Attorney General’s Chambers.

The prosecution witness who testified under oath, told the court that his office is responsible for the registration of all types of businesses in The Gambia which includes companies, individual businesses, partnerships, charitable organisations and foundations amongst others.

The business registration and incorporation certificate of Gam-Petroleum was admitted without objection from the defense team.

“An applicant is required to obtain identification certificate from the Gambia Revenue Authority GRA and thereafter present it with passport photos […] if the registrar is satisfy with those items, he will proceed as requested,” said Alieu Jallow, Registrar of Companies at AG Chambers.

The witness said the registrar has the mandate to ensure that companies are registered and operate in accordance with the terms and conditions which they are registered for.

“The law requires that companies file annual return every year at the expiry of their date of registration,” he told the court.

He confirmed the filing of annual return of Gam-Petroleum Company which was admitted by the court without objection and was marked as an exhibit.

Under cross-examination, the witness revealed the difference between the private, public and statutory corporations, while admitting that Gam-Petroleum is a private company.

He was also shown the company’s certificate of incorporation issued on the April 17, 2014, but he could not recall whether the company existed before the date.

The registrar later admitted that most companies incorporated in 1955 were required to migrate from the analogue file keeping style to a digital platform.

Meanwhile, the names of two business tycoons Muhammed Bassi and Amadou Samba resurfaced as the original owners of the company.

Hearing continues.