Businessman Pays Over D1.3 Million for BCC Land, Still Denied Access Seven Years On

By JarraNews Staff Reporter Gambian Businessman Pays Over D1.3 Million for BCC Land, Still Denied Access Seven Years On Banjul — A Gambian businessman who says he paid over D1.3 million to the Banjul City Council (BCC) for a plot of land has told the Local Government Commission of Inquiry that, despite making substantial payments, he has yet to take possession of the land—more than seven years after it was first allocated to him. Momodou Korka Jallow testified before the Commission on Tuesday, revealing that he applied for a plot after learning that land allocations were being made to others. His application, he said, was approved, and he was allocated a parcel measuring 175 by 125 meters. He was asked to pay D2 million for the property. “I was only given a letter indicating that I should pay D2 million,” Jallow told the Commission, stating that no negotiations took place over the amount. Under questioning from Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez, Jallow confirmed that he accepted the price as quoted. Jallow said he began payments toward the D2 million fee, ultimately paying around D1.3 million before halting in 2022. He explained that he was advised not to proceed further after learning that an embargo had been placed on land transactions under review. He supported his testimony with a lease agreement dated 2017 and ten payment receipts issued by the BCC, all of which were submitted into evidence. Despite these payments, he said, the land remains out of his reach. The allocation, Jallow noted, was made during the tenure of the late Mayor Abdoulie Bah, whom he described as “a friend.” He stopped short of alleging misconduct but emphasized that the process has been stalled ever since. “Since then, I have been struggling to possess the land,” Jallow said. “I was told the issue would be resolved, and I am still waiting.” The Commission asked Jallow to provide further documentation, including his application letter, the approval, and all related correspondence with the BCC. His testimony comes amid a sweeping probe by the Local Government Commission of Inquiry into land allocations, procurement, and financial practices across local councils between May 2018 and January 2023. The inquiry is part of a broader effort to promote transparency and accountability in local governance. The hearings continue.

Land Sale Sparks Scrutiny of Banjul City Council Dealings

By JarraNews Staff Reporter Banjul, The Gambia — A Lebanese-Gambian businessman at the center of a controversial land transaction in the capital has admitted profiting over D13 million from the sale of a public property, despite having no formal lease or signed agreement with the Banjul City Council (BCC). Testifying before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, Sharbel Elhajj revealed he purchased a plot of council land for D2 million in 2018 and later sold it to EMK Stores, owned by businessman Nandu, for D15 million. Elhajj’s testimony unfolded over two days and exposed a murky chain of verbal proposals, informal payments, and administrative ambiguity—raising fresh questions about the city council’s land management practices under the previous administration. A Deal Without Documentation Elhajj told the commission that he initially approached the BCC with a proposal to develop a warehouse and packaging facility along Bond Road. However, the project—allegedly pitched by a Nigerian company called Fuwani—never materialized. “There was no feasibility study,” Elhajj admitted. “I could not have waited for it. Time is of essence.” Instead of the requested Bond Road site, BCC allocated him a plot behind the National Assembly. Elhajj said he paid D2 million to the council’s account before inspecting the land—a decision that raised eyebrows during cross-examination by Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez. “Who pays for land before seeing it?” Gomez asked. “Will you do that under normal business conditions?” “No,” Elhajj replied, “but maybe that was BCC’s procedure.” Fuwani later rejected the site, and Elhajj turned to EMK Stores, arranging to have the land transferred despite lacking legal ownership. Profiting from Public Property On April 16, 2019, Elhajj wrote to the BCC’s Chief Executive Officer requesting that the land be transferred to EMK Stores. Though he had no formal lease, the transaction proceeded—culminating in a D15 million deal with EMK. “You don’t have a land. You don’t have anything to sell,” Gomez said during questioning. “Yet you made D13 million.” Elhajj responded: “If you do A minus B, that is correct... But there were risks involved.” BCC’s former CEO Mustapha Batchilly confirmed that Elhajj had paid D2 million to the council and that his application was approved by the Council, following a referral from the Mayor. However, Batchilly admitted no lease was ever issued. “We just used the letter [from Elhajj] to transfer the land to EMK Stores,” Batchilly testified. “That letter was not a power of attorney,” Gomez retorted. “Council did not authorize the transfer.” Questions Over Origin of Funds Further scrutiny revealed that the D2 million Elhajj used to pay BCC may have originated from Nandu himself, casting doubt on Elhajj’s claim that Fuwani was the original partner. “There was no Nigerian company,” Gomez concluded. “Nandu was in the picture all along.” Elhajj admitted he sought out Nandu only after the Fuwani deal collapsed. “That deal failed,” he said. Yet Gomez remained unconvinced, arguing that the entire Fuwani narrative may have been a fabrication to secure the land. A breakdown of payments submitted to the Commission showed Elhajj received D10.8 million from EMK Stores, with two cheques dated August 2020 tendered as evidence. The agreement between Elhajj’s firm, C-Consulting, and EMK Stores stipulated that D5 million would be paid to the council—though BCC records show only the initial D2 million was received. When asked about the size of the abandoned project, Elhajj claimed it was valued at $20 million. “Where can we find documentation for that?” Gomez asked. “Nowhere,” Elhajj admitted. Mayor in the Dark? Batchilly, who described himself as “shocked” upon learning of the D15 million deal, testified that he had contacted the Mayor via WhatsApp to ask whether she was aware of the transaction. “She said she wasn’t,” Batchilly said. He also cast doubt on EMK’s later claim to have invested D35 million in the site, particularly in backfilling. “I don’t know about that money,” he said. “D33 million for backfilling does not make sense.” Gomez agreed: “That reasoning is simply implausible.” Commission Demands Clarity As the hearing concluded, the Commission requested a full list of all land allocations made by the BCC during the relevant period. Batchilly promised to provide the list on June 3. The inquiry has spotlighted what appears to be a pattern of informal arrangements and private profiteering from public land—without the necessary documentation, oversight, or due diligence. “You don’t have land. You don’t have anything to sell,” Gomez said in closing. “Yet you walked away with millions.” Elhajj’s response was stark: “It is business.”

President Barrow Appoints New IEC Chairman and Vice Chairman

Banjul – In a significant development at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), His Excellency President Adama Barrow has, in accordance with constitutional powers vested in him, appointed Joseph Colley as the new Chairman of the Commission. Mr. Colley, who previously served as Vice Chairman, succeeds outgoing Chairman Alieu Momarr Njai. In the same announcement, President Barrow named Cherno Jallow as the new Vice Chairman of the IEC. These appointments mark a key transition in the leadership of the country’s electoral body as it continues its mandate to uphold democratic processes in The Gambia.

Commendation to His Excellency President Adama Barrow

On the Appointment of Hon. Sering Modou Njie as Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad Your Excellency President Adama Barrow, With profound respect and admiration, I extend my heartfelt commendation to you for your bold and visionary decision to appoint Hon. Sering Modou Njie as The Gambia’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad. This appointment is not only a step in the right direction—it is a masterstroke of statesmanship. At a time when our nation’s foreign policy must rise to meet the complexities of a changing global landscape, your selection of a leader with both deep-rooted national experience and global perspective is timely, strategic, and exemplary. Hon. Njie brings to this critical office a rare and formidable blend of military discipline, diplomatic tact, and academic excellence. A former senior military officer, his service to our nation has been characterized by integrity, loyalty, and professionalism. From his beginnings as Public Relations Officer of the Gambia Armed Forces in 1998 to his most recent post as Defence Minister, he has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to national service.

What makes this appointment even more compelling is Hon. Njie’s robust background in political science and international relations. With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s in International Relations, he enters this role not only as a patriot, but also as a scholar-practitioner deeply grounded in the principles of diplomacy and international engagement. His exposure to foreign service and global cooperation is precisely the kind of experience required to elevate The Gambia’s diplomatic standing and to deepen our ties with regional and global partners. Your Excellency, this decision sends a powerful message to Gambians and to the international community: that The Gambia is serious about its foreign policy, intentional in its leadership choices, and committed to excellence in public service. With Hon. Njie at the helm of our foreign affairs, we can be confident that the voice of The Gambia will be heard, respected, and well-represented on the global stage. May this appointment mark the beginning of a new chapter of dynamic diplomacy and strategic international cooperation for our beloved country. With deepest respect and patriotic fervor, Yaya Dampha Coordinator NPP Diaspora Sweden

A Groundbreaking Sanyang Deep Port Foundation Laid

President Barrow and NPP Usher in New Era with Groundbreaking of Sanyang Deep Sea Port The Smiling Coast Charts Bold Course Toward Prosperity Under Visionary Leadership The Gambia, affectionately known as the Smiling Coast of Africa, has taken a giant leap toward economic transformation and maritime dominance under the steadfast leadership of His Excellency President Adama Barrow and the progressive National People's Party (NPP). In a move hailed as historic and visionary, President Barrow today laid the foundation stone for the monumental Sanyang Deep Sea Port—a landmark project that cements The Gambia’s place on the global trade map. Thousands of jubilant citizens from all corners of the country gathered in the vibrant coastal town of Sanyang to witness what many are calling the dawn of a new era. Government dignitaries, foreign diplomats, traditional leaders, youth groups, and development partners stood united in praise of a government that delivers on its promises.

The atmosphere was electric, charged with national pride and cultural brilliance. Colorful displays of traditional drumming, spirited dance performances, griots singing praises, and masquerade displays lit up the occasion—symbolizing national unity and the unmatched diversity that defines our beloved homeland. Addressing the nation in his keynote speech, President Barrow declared the project a cornerstone of The Gambia’s economic renaissance. He affirmed that the Sanyang Deep Port will serve as a powerful engine for national development—unlocking massive trade potential, creating thousands of jobs for Gambian youth, boosting government revenue, and easing congestion at the Banjul Port. “This is not just a port; it is a gateway to opportunity and prosperity. It is a symbol of hope for every Gambian, from Kartong to Koina,” the President proclaimed, to thunderous applause.

The NPP government continues to blaze a trail of development across all sectors—education, health, roads, and now maritime infrastructure. The Sanyang Deep Sea Port, a critical component of the Barrow administration’s Vision 2025–2026 development blueprint, reflects the President’s unshakable commitment to modernizing The Gambia and lifting her people to new heights. With this bold step, President Barrow once again proves that under his guidance and the NPP’s visionary governance, The Gambia is not just moving forward—it is rising. The groundbreaking ceremony concluded with the symbolic laying of the foundation stone by the President himself, to chants of gratitude and hope from a grateful nation. The future is bright, and it is President Barrow and the NPP who are lighting the way.

Dr. Mamadou Tangara Resigns as Foreign Minister to Take Up AU Role

State House, Banjul – 3rd July 2025: The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, has officially tendered his resignation to President Adama Barrow, following his appointment to a senior diplomatic role within the African Union.

President Barrow has accepted Dr. Tangara’s resignation and extended his gratitude for the minister’s years of dedicated service to the nation. He also wished him success in his new responsibilities on the continental stage. Dr. Tangara, who served as Foreign Minister from 2018 to 2025 under the Barrow administration, is set to assume the position of Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Mali and the Sahel. He will also serve as Head of the AU’s MISAHEL Office based in Bamako, Mali. Dr. Tangara’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in The Gambia’s foreign affairs leadership, as he transitions to a crucial role addressing peace, stability, and cooperation within the West African sub-region.