YCell: Is Yonna Group Preparing to Unveil its Takeover of Gamcel with a Rebrand?
Former Yonna Group Building at Kololi Tavern © Askanwi
By Yusef Taylor, @FlexDan_YT
The Government’s efforts to privatize Gamtel and outrightly sell Gamcel has been shrouded in mystery for years now.
Our reporter took this picture today, 30th September 2025 of a building previously occupied by Yonna Group at Kololi Tavern. The sign is clearly showing Y Cell with a long sign board still covered.
For years, Parliamentarians have been asking questions around the privatization of Gamtel and the sale of Gamcel.
In January 2024, former Information Minister Lamin Queen Jammeh announced that Cabinet had approved to sell majority stake of Gamcel.
In June 2025, the Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Hon Lamin Jabbie faced Parliament and revealed that 8 companies submitted an interest after the government went public.
According to the Minister the list was brought down to two companies but he failed to reveal their names.
Our sources familiar with the arrangements indicate that Yonna Group and DK Telecoms are the two shortlisted companies. Askanwi has been informed that Yonna Group has won the race to takeover Gamcel which is expected to commence at the end of October 2025.
Gamtel/Gamcel is highly indebted and owes millions to various partners. In July 2025 a Parliamentary inquiry unearthed that Gamcel owes over D11 Million to the Gateway Fund.
Officially, the names of the companies and how much the State Owned Enterprises have been sold for has still not been revealed by the government.
Watch out for our feature publication.
