By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
The Brikama Area Council (BAC) has dissolved the Sanyang Village Development Committee (VDC) and appointed a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to manage the community’s affairs for the next six months, following serious allegations of mismanagement and the embezzlement of over 90 million dalasis.
In an official letter dated 18 June 2026, the Council notified the public of the interim body’s formation, which will act as a liaison between the Council, the Alkalo, elders, and other stakeholders until a new VDC is elected. The move comes after an intensive investigation triggered by a 17-point petition filed by the Sanyang Development Fund and concerned stakeholders.
The petition accused former VDC Chairman Abdoulie Botto Gaye and his team of grossly mismanaging community property and funds. Following deliberations at a General Council Meeting on 16 June 2026, the BAC endorsed the findings of its probe, leading to the immediate dissolution of the previous VDC.
The newly appointed Technical Advisory Committee, which includes respected figures such as veteran civil servant Dr. Seedy Sanyang, Kaaba Bojang, Basirou Jabang, and other prominent community servants, has been given clear terms of reference.
According to the Council’s letter, the TAC must Serve for an interim period of six months to facilitate the establishment of a new VDC; Liaise with the Council’s VDC/WDC Committee, the Alkalo, the Council of Elders, the Sanyang Ward Development Committee, the elected Ward Councillor, and all relevant stakeholders; Convene a general village meeting to inform residents of its responsibilities formally; Maintain a complete inventory of all village documents, records, and materials that come into its possession and Hand over all records and assets to the newly elected VDC upon its formation.
The Council has strongly urged the former VDC members to cooperate fully with the handover process. It warned that failure to surrender all documents, records, and materials could result in legal action.
“The Council is currently engaging its legal representatives to take the appropriate legal action in respect of any failure or refusal by the former VDC to hand over the records and materials belonging to the VDC,” the letter stated. It further authorized the TAC to use “authorized force” if necessary to compel compliance from either the Alkalo or former VDC members.
Signed by Lamin Sinphatch, Clerk of the Brikama Area Council, the letter expressed appreciation for the new committee’s “cooperation and commitment to the development and good governance of Sanyang.”
The development has generated significant interest in the village, with many residents welcoming the intervention as a necessary step toward restoring transparency and accountability in community leadership. The Sanyang Development Fund, which initiated the petition, described the Council’s action as a victory for good governance.
Local observers note that the appointment of experienced figures like Dr. Seedy Sanyang is expected to bring stability and credibility to the interim administration. The six-month window is intended to allow sufficient time for community consultations and the conduct of fresh elections for a new VDC.
The Brikama Area Council emphasized that the TAC’s role is strictly interim and transitional, aimed at safeguarding communal assets and ensuring uninterrupted development activities in Sanyang during this sensitive period.
As the Technical Advisory Committee begins its work, attention now turns to the smooth handover of responsibilities and the eventual democratic election of a new village leadership. Community stakeholders have been called upon to support the process to advance Sanyang’s overall progress.
