By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Saikou Camara, Chairman of the Sanyang Development Fund (SDF) Diaspora and Legal and Compliance Officer of the Sanyang UK Association (SUKA), has leveled serious allegations of embezzlement against the Sanyang Village Development Committee (SVDC), claiming over D10 million in revenues from the sale of juvenile fish remains unaccounted for.
In an interview, Camara accused SVDC Chairman Abdoulie Botto Gaye and his committee of diverting funds meant for community development. “We have calculated a minimum of D10 million that is yet to be accounted for,” Camara stated. “All this money has been embezzled by the VDC under the Chairmanship of Abdoulie Botto Gaye.”
Camara asserted that the allegations are substantiated by the SVDC’s own financial records, which are in the possession of the SDF. He claimed the committee collected at least D25,000 daily from juvenile fish sales, but these funds were deposited into personal accounts rather than the official VDC bank account.
He further alleged that audio recordings obtained by the SDF feature Chairman Gaye admitting to receiving proceeds from these sales, confirming corrupt practices.
The accusations highlight a perceived hypocrisy: the SVDC has long criticized the local fishmeal factory—often linked to companies like Nessim—for environmental pollution and pungent odors affecting the community. Yet, Camara charged, the same committee has been selling juvenile fish stocks to such factories, undermining marine sustainability and harming local fishermen and residents who rely on healthy fish populations.
This issue ties into broader concerns in Sanyang, a coastal village known for its fishing and tourism. Fishmeal factories have faced protests over pollution and overexploitation of juvenile fish, which depletes stocks essential for food security and artisanal fisheries. Similar grievances have surfaced in nearby communities, such as Gunjur and Kartong.
Camara expressed frustration with the Brikama Area Council (BAC), which is investigating a petition filed by the SDF and SUKA in September against the SVDC. Despite reminders, the council has provided no updates or conclusions, offering only excuses, he said. The diaspora group has demanded the removal of Councillor Momodou Charreh Gibba from the petition committee, citing a conflict of interest. Camara accused Gibba of colluding with the SVDC to delay proceedings while supporting VDC activities, including training.
These financial allegations build on ongoing tensions. Earlier in 2025, the SDF and SUKA petitioned the BAC to dissolve the SVDC over claims of mismanagement, nepotism, and unauthorized decisions, including land sales. Community meetings have been contentious, with critics accusing the VDC of lacking transparency in financial reporting.
Camara also criticized the handling of the Sanyang Deep Seaport project, a major infrastructure initiative involving the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) and Turkish firm Albayrak. He lamented the sidelining of the Sanyang Deep Seaport Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), led by Dr. Seedy Sanyang, described as comprising respected community members tasked with overseeing port-related discussions.
To date, no compensation has been paid for over 100 hectares of land acquired for the project, despite President Adama Barrow laying the foundation stone recently. Camara called on GPA Managing Director Ousman Jobarteh and Minister of Works Ebrima Sillah to fulfill promises and release all documents, including benefit agreements, compensation details, and environmental impact assessments. He alleged that critical information has been withheld from residents since the VDC, GPA, and the ministry excluded the TAC.
Community concerns over the port include potential displacement of hundreds of properties—estimates vary from 461 (per GPA) to thousands (per local surveys)—and impacts on tourism, fishing, and the environment. Earlier reports indicated that the government had granted concessions on relocation to less populated areas following protests.
Camara warns that the BAC, GPA, and Albayrak may face legal action if they fail to prioritize Sanyang’s interests. He reaffirmed the SDF’s commitment to combating corruption, nepotism, and the misappropriation of funds for the community’s benefit.
Efforts to obtain a response from SVDC Chairman Abdoulie Botto Gaye were unsuccessful. He promised to reply but had not done so by press time.
These allegations underscore deepening divisions in Sanyang over governance, resource management, and development projects. As investigations linger and the port advances, residents await accountability and transparency to safeguard their livelihoods and future.
