Apparently, the 30 million dollar petroleum product saga that is now a subject of parliamentary inquiry is still a subject of public interest. About half a dozen witnesses representing various public establishments have appeared. They include, the Gambia Revenue Authority, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Petroleum, Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and Registrar of Companies.
The line of inquiry appears to be leaning towards establishing the legality or illegality of the transactions done. At the end of the hearing, the National Assembly should be able to establish the origin of the petroleum product, the companies and persons involved in purchasing or selling it, the ships involved in its transportation, the consignors and consignees when the product reached The Gambia, the payment of duty involved when the cargo arrived in The Gambia, the storage facilities, the quantity already sold, the amount received, the quantity left and all the beneficiaries. A sum of 2.1 billion dalasi (taking the central bank rate) is involved.
It is important for the country to avoid being confronted by such abnormal development. GIEPA is the established institution to guide investors. The country should present itself as a safe destination to do legal business that serves the national interest. Going through the front door is more profitable and sustainable than going through the back door. The investigation continues.
