In a fiery rebuttal, the Village Development Committee (VDC) Chairpersons of Kombo South coastal villages have categorically rejected allegations by the Gambia Environmental Alliance (GEA) claiming they received salaries, gifts, and favors from Gambia Angola China Holdings (GACH), a mining company operating in the region. The chairpersons labeled the accusations as baseless, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to tarnish their reputation as dedicated community leaders.
In a press statement issued today, signed by Abdoulie Botto Gaye on behalf of the Kombo South Coastal Villages Development Association, the chairpersons expressed outrage over remarks made by GEA officials during an interview on QTV’s This Morning Show. The GEA had alleged that VDC chairpersons were receiving financial benefits, gifts, and job opportunities for family members from GACH, claims the VDCs dismissed as “immature and baseless.”
“It is unfortunate that such false allegations are emanating from an organization that environmentalists perceive as genuine, sincere, and truthful,” the release stated. “To suggest that Kombo South Coastal Villages VDC Chairpersons are receiving salaries, gifts, favors, or job opportunities for their family members is totally false and outrageous. We advise GEA to conduct thorough and truthful verification of facts before making statements that can damage the integrity of decent and hardworking Gambians.”
The VDCs emphasized their role as community watchdogs, tasked with ensuring that GACH operates responsibly and fulfills its social and corporate obligations in the coastal villages of Batokunku, Tujereng, and Sanyang. The release clarified that GACH does not pay salaries, bonuses, or provide any personal benefits to VDC chairpersons or their employees. Instead, the VDCs monitor GACH’s activities to hold the company accountable for ethical and professional conduct in its mining operations.
“On record, GACH is performing its duties to the communities of Batokunku, Tujereng, and Sanyang,” the statement noted, highlighting the company’s contributions to local development. The chairpersons underscored their commitment to ensuring that any entity operating in their communities adheres to its responsibilities, stating, “It is our duty to hold GACH or any other company accountable. Failure to do so will result in consequences.”
The VDCs also issued a stern warning to organizations spreading unverified claims, threatening legal action against those making “wild allegations” to defame them. They called on media houses, environmental groups, and newspapers to collaborate directly with VDCs for accurate information about community matters. “We urge all stakeholders to verify facts with us to avoid misinformation that undermines the trust and integrity of our communities,” the release added.
The controversy has sparked debate in Kombo South, where GACH’s mining activities have long been a subject of scrutiny. The company’s operations, which involve sand and gravel extraction, have raised environmental concerns among some activists, with GEA frequently criticizing their impact on coastal ecosystems. However, the VDCs maintain that their oversight ensures GACH operates within acceptable standards, benefiting local communities through infrastructure and economic contributions.
The public spat between the VDCs and GEA highlights growing tensions over mining activities in The Gambia’s coastal regions. As environmental concerns mount, the VDCs’ forceful defense of their integrity signals a broader call for accountability and transparency in how organizations address community issues.
The VDCs have invited stakeholders to engage directly with them, ensuring accurate reporting and fostering cooperation in addressing the region’s environmental and developmental challenges.
