By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
In a decisive move that has sent shockwaves through local governance circles, the Brikama Area Council (BAC) dissolved the Sanyang Village Development Committee (SVDC) with immediate effect on Thursday, May 14, 2026, citing blatant disregard for the committee’s constitution and serious allegations of financial mismanagement.
The council’s action, taken at its monthly General Council Sitting, follows a formal petition by the Sanyang Development Fund (SDF) accusing the outgoing SVDC executive of embezzling over D90 million in community funds. The dissolution was executed under Section 96, Sub-section (1) of the Local Government Act 2002.
In an official letter addressed to Botto Gaye, Chairman of the Sanyang Village Development Committee, the BAC stated: “Acting under the provisions of Section 96, Sub-section (1) of the Local Government Act 2002, the Council, at its General Sitting held on May 14, 2026, resolved to dissolve your Executive Committee effective immediately.”
The council urged the outgoing executives to cooperate fully and facilitate a smooth transfer of power to a new interim committee, attaching a copy of the General Council’s resolution for their records. “Your cooperation and collaboration in facilitating the establishment of a new executive committee for the Village Development Committee is hereby requested,” the letter added.
The dramatic decision stems from a detailed petition submitted by the Sanyang Development Fund, which listed a catalogue of alleged corrupt practices. Among the claims are: D10–12 million lost through the sale of juvenile fish; D17,040,000 from Community Land Revenues; D2–3 million from Sanyang Eco-Lodge operations; D1 million from taxes and rentals; D45.5 million from GACH Mining Shares; D1.8 million from the Fish Meal Factory; and D360,000 from the sale of a community ambulance; D529,000 from Night Sand Mining Operations and D9.5 million from a recent Beach Land Sale.
The petition triggered investigations by the council’s WDC/VDC Conflict Resolution Ad Hoc Committee. Initial probes faced allegations of conflict of interest involving some members, including Momodou Chatty Cham. The committee was subsequently reconstituted, excluding conflicted members and co-opting neutral officials such as the Clerk and the VDC/WDC Desk Officer. Consultations were held with key stakeholders, including SDF members, SVDC executives, the Sanyang Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), village elders, and the Alkalo before a final decision was reached.
At the May 14 sitting, the Ad hoc Committee tabled a resolution for dissolution. It was moved by the Honorable Councilor for Bijilo Ward and seconded by the Honorable Councilor for Sintet Ward—the motion passed by a majority vote through a show of hands.
The Brikama Area Council emphasized that the dissolution was premised on the SVDC’s “absolute and total disregard” of its governing constitution. In a statement, the council called on all stakeholders to support the smooth implementation of the resolution and the establishment of a credible new executive.
This development highlights growing demands for transparency and accountability in village-level governance across the Brikama Area. Residents of Sanyang have expressed mixed reactions—some welcoming the move as long overdue, while others worry about potential disruptions to ongoing community projects.
The council has assured the public that processes for forming a new VDC executive will commence immediately to restore normal operations and public confidence. As investigations continue, further actions against individuals allegedly involved in the financial irregularities cannot be ruled out.
