By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
The Sanyang Village Development Committee (VDC), led by Chairman Abdoulie Botto Gaye, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday, presenting its activity and financial reports amid mounting calls for its immediate dissolution. The meeting, attended by community members, highlighted the VDC’s achievements but was overshadowed by accusations of corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement from the Sanyang Development Fund (SDF) and Sanyang UK Association (SUKA), who have petitioned the Brikama Area Council (BAC) for intervention.
Chairman Gaye outlined the VDC’s accomplishments over the past year, with a particular emphasis on infrastructure improvements. He reported the rehabilitation of the Sanyang library’s perimeter fence, the construction of a modern waiting shed at the Health Center, and the maintenance of the community ambulance, including the installation of a new battery, as well as the mosque at the facility.
The VDC also cleared waste at the Health Center and installed twelve solar panels to enhance its operations. Gaye credited partners like Reliance Financial Company, Go For Africa, Mama Limbo, GACH Mining Company’s CEO Abubakarr Jawara, and businessman Sillaba Samateh for their contributions to education, health, women’s gardening, and a budding mortuary project.
Treasurer Fakebba Jabang presented the financial statement, detailing revenue of D5,452,097.38 generated within the past year. This included D1,613,325 from GACH Mining Company for mining activities, D3,000,000 from renting a community property, and D405,374 from other property rentals. The VDC inherited D433,398.38 from its predecessor, deposited at Reliance Bank and AGIB Bank. Expenditures totaled D2,797,468, funding projects such as the library and Health Center rehabilitation, educational support, women’s and youth empowerment, and contributions to the Sanyang Police, Immigration, Bulunda Elders, and the foundation for the Sanyang Deep Sea Port.
However, the AGM faced sharp criticism. Ebrima Njie Bojang, a vocal critic, accused the VDC of stifling community voices, particularly those of youths like Basirou Jabang and Lamin Sonko, who were allegedly prevented from speaking to avoid exposing the VDC’s wrongdoings.
Bojang challenged Chairman Gaye to account for D30,000 from Lamin Sonko and an additional D65,000, questioning the transparency of financial dealings. He also condemned the 25-year lease of community land to Negmar Group for D3 million, calling it an “insult” to the community.
The Alkalo of Sanyang, Lamin Bojang, contradicted Gaye’s claim that he was aware of the D3 million payment, stating he did not know of it. This discrepancy fueled further distrust. Bojang also criticized the VDC for failing to address revenues from juvenile fishing agreements with Nessim, alleging funds were deposited into the treasurer’s account, and for not clarifying income from alleged illegal sand mining activities.
Ebrima Njie Bojang further accused the VDC of mismanaging the AGM, describing it as a “stage-managed” event that abruptly ended without community consensus. He defended the Sanyang Diaspora, which the VDC allegedly branded negatively, noting their contributions, including an ongoing solar project. Bojang urged the community to “go back to the drawing board” to resolve these issues in a transparent manner.
The Alkalo provided historical context, noting that the VDC was established in the early 1980s to drive community development. However, the current controversies have deepened divisions, with calls for accountability growing louder. Critics argue the VDC’s failure to address these allegations and engage the community entirely undermines its legitimacy.
As Sanyang grapples with these tensions, the petition to the BAC looms large, potentially shaping the VDC’s future. The community awaits clarity on the disputed financial transactions and the leadership’s next steps to restore trust.
