Bubacar M.A Kinteh, Founder of Nkolan
By Fatou Sillah
Bubacar M.A. Kinteh, the founder and proprietor of Nkolan Company, a construction firm, appeared before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry to explain the payment of 1.6 million dalasis he received from the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC).
During his testimony, Kinteh clarified that he did not personally approach the KMC to request the payment. Instead, he stated that his role was simply to “help” facilitate the transaction. He explained that KMC was hesitant to make a direct cash payment to a mechanic and had sought his assistance as an intermediary.
“I only helped them,” Kinteh stated.
He further explained that by the time the payment was made, he had already fallen ill and was bedridden. Kinteh emphasized that Kanjura Kanyi was responsible for handling the trips to KMC and relaying information about the transactions to him.
The lead counsel then asked, “Does your business offer vehicle maintenance?”
The witness replied, “Yes.”
Kinteh went on to explain that KMC deposited the funds into his account. However, due to his illness and subsequent surgery, he was unable to participate in the Dakar trip. He handed over some cheques to Mustapha Kanyi before being taken to Senegal for medical treatment, where he remained for four months.
“When I came back, I did not know anything about the machines,” he said.The witness testified that it was Kanyi who approached him, informed him about the matter, and took his invoice and receipts. He clarified that he had not signed any contract to repair heavy equipment; he was simply there to assist.
He explained that Kanyi came to him with the information, and he agreed to facilitate the process since he knew the mechanics in Senegal.
When the lead counsel questioned the authenticity of the invoice, the witness responded that he was only helping because KMC required payment to be made to a registered company rather than over the counter. He confirmed that he allowed his invoice and account to be used for the transaction.
The lead counsel then informed the witness that his actions were inappropriate, stating, “Your actions were not proper. You were sick, and you gave money to Mr Kanyi, You should have returned it to the KMC.” The witness responded, affirming, “That is true.” He added that his intentions were genuine, aimed at helping the council.
He mentions that by the time he received the money from the council, he was already ill.