Africa-Press – Gambia. In a bid to address the persistent inefficiencies plaguing land dispute adjudication in The Gambia, the country’s judiciary has launched an Interdepartmental Committee tasked with reviewing and overhauling the current system.
The committee, chaired by Justice B.V.P. Mahoney of the Superior Courts, convened for its inaugural meeting last week at the chambers of Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow. The meeting brought together key officials, including Minister of Regional Government, Lands, and Religious Affairs Hamat N.K. Bah, senior members of the judiciary, and representatives from the Ministry of Justice.
“The judiciary of The Gambia held an inaugural meeting of the Interdepartmental Committee tasked with reviewing the land dispute adjudication system. This important meeting took place in the chambers of His Lordship the Hon. Chief Justice, marking a significant step in addressing ongoing challenges in land dispute resolution. The primary aim of this initiative is to enhance efficiency and expedite the adjudication process in land disputes,” the judiciary said in a statement following the session.
The committee, composed of high-ranking legal and government officials, will review existing mechanisms and is expected to deliver a comprehensive set of recommendations—including potential draft legislation—to the Chief Justice by December 15, 2025.
Members of the committee include two judges from the Superior Courts, the Solicitor General and Legal Secretary, the Judicial Secretary, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Lands, the President of the Gambia Bar Association, and the Executive Secretary of the Gambia Law Reform Commission.
“The Committee is composed of a diverse group of legal and governmental experts, including two judges of the Superior Courts, the Solicitor General and legal secretary, the Judicial Secretary, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, the President of the Gambia Bar Association, and the Executive Secretary of the Gambia Law Reform Commission. Hon. Justice BVP Mahoney, a judge of the Superior Courts, will serve as the Chairman of the committee,” the judiciary release said.
To support the committee’s work, the judiciary has announced plans to hire a legal consultant with expertise in land adjudication.
The establishment of the committee reflects growing concern over the slow and often contentious process of resolving land disputes across the country. Officials hope that the collaborative nature of the committee—spanning the judiciary, executive, and legal professions—will yield durable reforms.
“This inaugural meeting underscores the commitment of all members to collaboratively improve the land dispute resolution system for the benefit of all citizens of The Gambia,” the statement concluded.
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