The Minister of Lands, Local Government and Religious Affairs, Hamat N.K. Bah, has defended government's land allocation process while calling for the restoration of the Land Allocation Board to strengthen transparency and oversight.
Speaking at a press briefing, Bah said the absence of the Board has left too much authority in the hands of the Lands Minister, describing it as undesirable and potentially dangerous given the value of state land as a national asset.
Under previous arrangements, he said, proposals were reviewed by the Board, which could approve or reject recommendations before finalization. He said the oversight mechanism should be restored through legislative amendments currently under consideration.
"One person should not have the power to determine the allocation of one of the country's most valuable assets without adequate oversight," Bah said.
The minister addressed public concerns over recent disclosures of land records, stating that the law requires all state allocations to be published in the Government Gazette.
He revealed that a review found many allocations dating back to 2017 had not been gazetted as required. Officials have been tasked to compile and publish all allocations since then.
He said publication of incomplete or unofficial records had led to misinformation, with some individuals incorrectly reported as having received land when they had only been proposed.
"We are in the process of gazetting all allocations, and the public will have access to that information as required by law," he said.
Responding to criticism that some companies received more than one parcel, Bah argued that businesses expanding into different sectors may legitimately require additional land.
He said companies that create jobs, pay taxes and contribute to growth should be allowed to apply if they meet legal requirements.
"If a company is growing and creating more jobs, and meets all the necessary criteria, there is nothing wrong with allocating land for expansion," he said.
Bah dismissed allegations that President Adama Barrow's son was allocated two plots.
According to him, one earlier allocation linked to Adam Barrow was cancelled, leaving only a single valid allocation. He added that the President had previously declined a proposal that could have benefited his son and that companies linked to the first family are subject to same rules.
"Adam Barrow has only one allocation from the state. Claims that he was allocated two pieces of land are false," Bah said.
The minister disclosed that investigations into several disputed layouts, including wetlands, have been completed or are nearing completion. Findings will be forwarded to the Land Commission for action.
He confirmed a comprehensive audit of the land allocation system is underway and will be made public.
Bah also criticized some media for publishing inaccurate reports, urging verification and objective reporting.
He rejected claims that the Local Government Commission of Inquiry was politically motivated, saying all adversely mentioned persons were notified as required by law and have the right to challenge findings in court.
On allegations that the commission report or White Paper was AI-generated, he described the claim as "absurd" and "desperate," insisting the documents were based on evidence and handled under strict confidentiality.
He reiterated government's commitment to transparency, saying all legally approved allocations will be gazetted.
