Speaking on GRTS Radio, Mr Bah disclosed that land‑related cases make up about 62 percent of the judiciary’s workload, straining resources and slowing the resolution of other matters. In response, the government is preparing to establish a special division at the High Court dedicated exclusively to land disputes.
“This should start soon; the retired chief justice already set up the committee for the court,” Mr Bah said.
The minister noted that pressure on land is particularly acute in The Gambia, one of mainland Africa’s smallest countries, where population growth and rising demand for property have intensified disputes.
Housing Deficit and Ambitious Plan
At the same time, the government is rolling out an ambitious housing programme aimed at easing the shortage of affordable homes. Mr Bah said officials plan to facilitate the construction of 200,000 housing units over the next decade, far exceeding the estimated deficit of 135,000 homes identified by UN‑Habitat.
“Our deficit with UN‑Habitat is about 135,000 — that’s what we need immediately,” Mr Bah explained. “The problem in Gambia is the institutions are not in place as you may have in other countries. We don’t have a mortgage bank here.”
According to the minister, land has already been secured for the development, and potential partners identified. The proposal is currently before Cabinet, with a committee chaired by the vice president reviewing financing models and affordability standards.
Officials are weighing how prospective homeowners will finance their purchases, as well as the cost of individual units, in an effort to balance construction quality with accessibility.
Mr Bah emphasised that both judicial reforms and the housing programme are critical to ensuring stability and meeting the needs of Gambians in the years ahead.
