By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
In a powerful display of communal spirit, senior executives of the Sanyang Development Fund (SDF) and concerned natives gathered in the coastal village of Sanyang on Saturday, December 13, 2025, for the association’s inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM). Under the theme of fostering sustainable progress, leaders renewed urgent calls for unity, mutual understanding, and unwavering commitment from Sanyang natives at home and in the diaspora to drive meaningful community development.
The AGM highlighted SDF’s impressive financial achievements, revealing that the fund had mobilized nearly D2 million since its inception. More than half of this amount—precisely D1,419,734.34—has been reinvested into various community projects, leaving a healthy closing balance of D515,132.36 as of November 30, 2025.
SDF President Yankuba Ceesay opened the meeting with an impassioned address, urging all Sanyang natives to fully embrace the association, which he described as solely dedicated to advancing the community’s development aspirations. “Through prudent management and responsible leadership, we have maintained disciplined expenditure while achieving tremendous success made possible by the selfless sacrifices of contributors,” Ceesay said. He praised the favorable financial position as a strong foundation for future large-scale initiatives.
Ceesay expressed deep gratitude to donors, volunteers, partners, and community members for their trust, which enables SDF to uphold standards of transparency and accountability. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening governance, deepening engagement, and pursuing programs aligned with the people’s aspirations. “With the spirit of togetherness, SDF will continue building momentum to advance Sanyang’s progress,” he declared.
Treasurer Seedia Bojang echoed these sentiments, noting that the robust contributions reflect the community’s strong unity and shared dedication. Funds came from diaspora members, residents in The Gambia, GoFundMe campaigns, and other initiatives. Expenditures covered critical needs, including support for the Bunkiling Mortuary, meetings, smartphone assistance, condolences, Ramadan sugar distributions for 2025, medical interventions, registration fees, deep sea port-related costs, and legal fees—all guided by principles of accountability and transparency.
“As of November 30, 2025, our closing balance of D515,132.36 is fully verified across bank accounts, cash, and project funds,” Bojang reported. “This surplus demonstrates sound financial stewardship, positioning us well for ongoing and future projects.” He pledged continued dedication to transparent communication and prudent management for the greater good of Sanyang.
Abdoulie Sallah Fatty, SDF’s Diaspora Ambassador and Public Relations Officer, emphasized unity as key to achieving the fund’s objectives. He highlighted SDF’s successes in education, health, agriculture, and social support, while urging youth to actively participate by fulfilling monthly and annual contributions.
Other speakers, including Ward Councillor Botto Bojang, Dr. Seedy Sanyang, Sarjo Fofana (Diaspora PRO), Auditor Lamin Jarjue, Aji Jobe (Manniken PIS Lodge Manager), Adviser Pa Ceesay, Diaspora Chapter Chairman Saikou Camara, and others, reaffirmed their commitment to Sanyang’s advancement. They vowed to combat injustice, corruption, and nepotism, ensuring transparency in all endeavors.
The AGM comes amid ongoing national discussions about a proposed deep-sea port project in the area, which has previously raised concerns among residents. SDF leaders have positioned the fund as a unifying force to address such challenges while prioritizing local needs.
As Sanyang, a vibrant fishing and farming village known for its stunning beaches, looks to the future, the AGM underscored a collective resolve: through unified effort and transparent leadership, the community can achieve lasting development.
