Defence Counsel Kebba Sanyang, yesterday 12th April, 2012 ended his cross-examination of one Abdoulie Komma, the first prosecution witness in the ongoing Economic Crime case involving one Jahou Jammeh, traffic cashier at the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), before the Special Criminal Court in Banjul, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Nkea.

The defendant, Jahou Jammeh is charged with economic crime contrary to Section 5 (a) of the Economic Crimes and Specified Offences Act, Cap 13, Vol III, Laws of The Gambia, 2009. The particulars of the offence stated that Jahou Jammeh between the month of January and August 2011 in Banjul, whilst in the employment of the Gambia Ports Authority, willfully caused the loss of D6,773,607.64 (Six million, seven hundred and seventy three thousand, six hundred and seven dalasis, sixty four bututs) being the property of the Gambia Ports Authority.

Responding to questions poised to him by defence counsel Kebba Sanyang during cross examination yesterday, Abdoulie Komma, the first prosecution witness in the said trial told the court that the log book at the store also formed part of his report. He noted that some of the delivery orders and shipping notes delivered to the accused were not stated in the log book.

The witness admitted telling the court that prior to his appointment at the ports, the office of the accused was audited. He maintained that he never saw the said audited report, but was informed that the office of the accused was audited prior to his appointment. Asked whether he had any cause to take into consideration the previous auditor’s report whilst he was conducting his report.

The witness replied in the negative.Abdoulie Komma disclosed that the accused Jahou Jammeh was a subordinate to the rating manager, Mama Patience Loum, who supervises the work of the accused. The witness revealed that it was during the course of investigation that he informed the Rating Manager, Mama Patience Loum of cash shortage. Asked what the Rating Manager’s response upon the receipt of the information. The witness adduced that she told him that it was not her responsibility.

Hearing continues on the 26th April, 2012 at 2.30pm.