The embattled former first Vice President of The Gambia National Transport, Agricultural and Industrial Workers Union, Abdoulie B. Sosseh, who is standing trial for alleged forgery, has denied the charges.

Appearing before Magistrate Njie at the Brikama Magistrates’ court, Mr Sosseh told the court that his involvement in the union began in 2002 when one Alieu Ngum approached him to join them in order to solve the problems within the union. He said with the assistance of Mr Ngum, he (Mr Soseh) collected information to comprehend the issues involved in the union in order to be an objective and valuable advisor. Mr Sosseh told the court that in 2006, he was again approached by Mr Ngum to solve the same problem and  was invited to the union to meet the executive members including the president.

He added, “At the end of the meeting I was convinced of the need to help solve the problem and started meeting the executive members frequently.  Later Daddy Sowe recommended that I should be offered an appointment in the executive of the transport union”. 

The appointment letter was then tendered and marked as  a defence exhibit without any objection from the prosecutor, ASP Camara.

Mr Sosseh continued that in July 2006, several meetings were called, during which he  was asked about the financial status and liabilities of the union  and was informed that the account was zero, that the union had no telephone facility and that it  owed rental areas of D20,000. 

“I then suggested that the union must have a communication facility, an office to function fully. With the July 22nd celebrations approaching, I advised the executive members to participate so that each could be recognised by the government”, he continued. 

At that juncture, Magistrate Njie deferred Sosseh’s testimony to Thursday, September 27 for continuation.

Police prosecutor ASP Camara represented the IGP.