The Alkalos of Jeshwang and Manduar have been suspended for their alleged abuse and misuse of Government and community designated reserved lands.
Here is the full press release dated 23rd April 2024: “The Gambia Government announces that acting on the powers vested in him by the Constitution, ‘The Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Hon Hamat N. K. Bah, has effective immediately, suspended the Manduar and Old Jeshwang Alkalolu
‘Their suspension follows damning revelations of abuse and misuse of Government and ‘Community designated lands covering the proposed bypass that stretches from Sting Corner to Abuko in Kombo St. Mary. Similar reports alleged, that the Alkalo of Jeswang was also, involved in illegal land transactions within the Tambi Wetland.
Equally, the Ministry of Lands is gravely concerned about recent developments regarding alleged illegal land sales and transactions within the Koto Balli Community Forest in Manduar, Brikama South, West Coast Region. In light of these troubling revelations, the Lands Minister will immediately constitute a Taskforce to thoroughly investigate these worrisome allegations of abuse of Government and Community lands.
Accordingly, pending the outcome of the investigations, Acting Alkalolu will be appointed for both Jeshwang and Manduar communities. The Government therefore, urges the public, particularly the residents of Manduar and Old Jeshwang, to refrain from engaging in any land transactions with the suspended Alkalolu.
Equally worrisome, is new information brought to the Ministry’s attention, that the Alkalolu of Batokunku and Tanji are allegedly involved in illegal land sales within the Tanji Layout. The Gambia Government makes it categorically clear, that selling land in any Government- designated layouts is strictly prohibited. Therefore, these Alkalolu are sternly warned to cease such activities immediately.
Additionally, any staff of the Ministry of Lands or any other ministry, found to be directly or indirectly involved in or facilitating illegal land sales within designated layouts, shall face disciplinary action in accordance with the law.
Finally, Government urges the concerned communities to maintain decorum and civility, ensuring that they always conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the law.”
