Africa-Press – Gambia. A growing number of concerned residents from the coastal settlement of Sanyang have accused the Sanyang Village Development Committee (SVDC) of withholding critical financial information related to community development funds and agreements involving external companies.
The allegations surfaced following the SVDC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Sunday, 27 July 2025. The Sanyang Development Fund (SDF) and the Sanyang UK Association (SUKA) formally petitioned the Brikama Area Council (BAC) for the dissolution of the current VDC leadership.
Basirou Jabang, a prominent native of Sanyang, has accused the SVDC of a lack of transparency regarding community finances. He claimed that over D700,000 was paid in two instalments by Abubacarr Jawara, CEO of GACH Mining, for the construction of a waiting shed at the Sanyang Health Centre. However, Jabang alleged that only D262,000 was spent, with the remaining funds unaccounted for to date.
He further accused the VDC of engaging in unauthorized sand mining operations, with proceeds allegedly omitted from the financial statement presented at the AGM. Jabang cited a leaked audio recording in which the SVDC Chairman, Abdoulie Botto Gaye, reportedly admitted to receiving D65,000 from such activities. These funds were allegedly deposited into the personal account of the VDC treasurer.
“Investigations carried out shortly after the current VDC assumed office uncovered mismanagement of over D500,000 in community funds,” Jabang said.
“Additionally, another D500,000 donated by Abubacarr Jawara for the hospital project is missing from the financial report presented at the AGM.”
Jabang, has joined voices to also criticize the VDC for unilaterally leasing a large piece of community land to Negmar Group for a 25-year period at a reported cost of D3 million. He described the deal as the “Worst the community has ever witnessed,” citing a lack of community consultation and transparency.
He further accused the VDC of receiving undisclosed payments from GPA/Alport without informing the public. Jabang also alleged that critical voices, including his own, were deliberately denied the opportunity to speak during the AGM.
Seedia Bojang, questioned the organization and the timing of the AGM, alleging that the VDC failed to adequately inform the community of the meeting’s schedule. “The financial and activity reports were shared only 20 minutes before the start of the AGM,” he said, describing the process as a deliberate attempt to suppress scrutiny.
Bojang also criticized the lack of an audited financial statement, calling it a failure to uphold transparency and accountability. He added that the meeting was abruptly ended under the directive of a community leader, preventing many knowledgeable participants from voicing their concerns.
In response, SVDC Chairman Abdoulie Botto Gaye dismissed the allegations as unfounded, claiming they stem from a minority group within the community that has opposed his administration since its inception.
He refuted claims regarding the land lease deal, clarifying that the land was leased and not sold to any one for commercial purposes, and described the reported D3 million figures as misleading.
Chairman Gaye also addressed criticisms from the diaspora, asserting that overseas residents “will not remote control” the affairs of the committee. “We are ready to confront them at any level,” he said.
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