Sheikh Tijan Sosseh, former Project Coordinator of the Gambia Emergency Agricultural Production Project (GEAPP), yesterday maintained a plea of not guilty to the two counts of Economic Crimes and Neglect of Official duties contrary to the laws of The Gambia. Prior to his not guilty plea, State counsel Tony informed the court that they were filing a new charge sheet and the earlier charge preferred against the accused be struck out. The statement of offence on count one states "Omitting or failure to fully apply the Euro 5.3 million agricultural grant from the World Bank - an omission which is detrimental to the Gambia economy and the welfare of the people of the Gambia contrary to Section 5 (f) of the Economic Crimes ( specified offences) Act, laws of the Gambia".

According to the particulars of offence on count one, "Sheikh Tijan Sosseh, while employed as the Project Coordinator of the Gambia Emergency Agricultural Production Project (GEAPP), failed and or omitted to fully apply the Euro 5.3 million agricultural grant from European Union through the World Bank and thereby cause the return to the World Bank of the sum of $76,489.20 which omission; is detrimental to the Gambian economy and the welfare of the People of the Gambia".

Count two statements of offence indicates that "Neglect of official duties contrary to Section 113 of the Criminal Code, laws of the Gambia". Count two particulars of offence alleged that Mr. Sosseh "while employed in the public service of the Gambia as the Project Coordinator of the Gambia Emergency Agricultural Production Project (GEAPP) neglected to effectively supervise the construction and rehabilitation of the Seed Multiplication Center at Chamen in the Gambia". Count three statement of offence states "Intentionally or recklessly causing losses to a Public body contrary to section 5 (b) of the Economic Crimes (specified offences) Act cap 13:07 vol.3 laws of the Gambia".

Count three particulars of offence indicates that Mr. Sosseh "while employed as the Project Coordinator of GEAPP, recklessly paid D15,895,152.25 ( Fifteen Million Eight Hundred and Ninety Five thousand one hundred and fifty two dalasis, twenty five bututs) to General Procurement Services inspite of shoddy construction and rehabilitation works at the Chamen Seed Multiplication Center and thereby caused economic loses to public bodies in the Gambia to wit; the Ministry of Agriculture and the Gambia Emergency Agricultural Production Project (GEAPP)".

He denied any wrong doing. The case was adjourned to 7 October,2013 for hearing.