REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
THE GAMBIA GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON& PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER ON DIASPORA AFFAIRS
BANJUL
Press Release Dated: 29th March, 2024.
The Gambia Government Announces Verdict on West African Aquaculture Limited vs. The Gambia
The Gambia Government announces the verdict delivered by the Paris-based International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) on the legal case between the West African Aquaculture Limited (WAA) and The Gambia. The legal matter involves the expropriation of Mr. and Ms. Hansson, WAA Shrimp Farming business in the West Coast villages of Pirang and Sanyang by former President, Yahya Jammeh on 3rd June, 2015.
However, in the wake of the change of Government in 2017 followed by unsuccessful negotiations, the WAA’s proprietors referred the matter to the ICSID for arbitration. After almost six (6) years of deliberations, the tribunal ruled that former President Jammeh’s actions were unlawful and ordered The Gambia Government to compensate WAA, the sum of Eight Million, Seven Hundred Thousand, Two Hundred and Thirty-Three British Pound Sterling (£8, 700, 233.00) for damages. In addition, an 8% interest on the said sum compounded annually from 3 June, 2015 to the date of payment plus cost and legal fees. The total award stands at more than Twenty Million British Pounds Sterling (£20 million).
Crucially, this case exposes the consequences of former President Jammeh’s reckless disregard for the Rule of Law and his temperamental and arbitrary decisions that continue to negatively haunt the current administration. In light of this development, The Gambia Government is considering various options including, but not limited to appealing the tribunal’s decision.
Significantly, the Barrow Government is still paying damages for similar cases awarded by international tribunals against the Government among them, ALIMANTA S.A., former operators of The Gambia Groundnut Cooperation whose foreign management were arbitrarily arrested and expelled by Mr. Yahya Jammch in 1998.
As the Govermment acknowledges these colossal financial losses, President Adama Barrow, determined to guard against executive overreach particularly as they relate to operations of international businesses in The Gambia, reminds Government officials and Agencies to be always guarded by good faith, restraint and respect for the due process in the execution of their official duties.
Signed
Ebrima G. Sankarch
The Gambia Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser
