Africa-Press – Gambia. The Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Lands, Local Government and Religious Affairs, has issued an official directive to all Alkalolu and Chiefs (Sefolu) in all parts of the country, requesting them to immediately stop the collection of fees on land transactions.
Traditionally, it is customary to offer gifts to the Alkalolu and the chiefs as a token of appreciation for services rendered.
However, the Ministry of Land Resources has become aware that some Alkalolu and chiefs are charging fees for land transactions. This practice has no legal basis. It is therefore illegal for Alkalolu and chiefs to charge fees for land transactions.
The Minister stresses that while gifts given as a token of gratitude are culturally permissible, charging fees for land transactions is not only illegal, but also completely contrary to the principles of fairness and transparency in land transactions.
In this regard, the Minister urges all Alkalolu and Chiefs to abide by the laws governing land transactions and refrain from imposing any form of fees or taxes on such transactions. Such unauthorized fees are considered a violation of the law and will not be tolerated.
The Ministry of Land Resources, Local Government and Religious Affairs remains committed to upholding the rule of law, ensuring equitable access to land resources and promoting good governance in land administration.
Sign:
Ebrima G. Sankareh
Spokesperson for the Government of The Gambia and Presidential Advisor on the Diaspora
point of gambia
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
