Hamat NK Bah, Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs
By Ramatoulie Jawo
The Ministry of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs has announced the forfeiture of multiple land allocations in Kamalo Proper following the adoption of recommendations by a task force established to investigate the allocation process.
At a press conference held on Monday, Hamat NK Bah, Minister of Lands, revealed that allottees with multiple allocations in Kamalo Proper and its extension must forfeit one of their plots to the state.
“Kamalo proper was 40 plots in total,12 has been forfeited, Kamalo extension 28, all canceled. On the multiple allocations in Kamalo proper, names of allottees GFR trading were given plots 12 and 13, plot 13 has been revoked, GOPI Furniture Limited was given plots 20 and 27, plot 27 is revoked, Hydara Foam Manufacturing was given plot 14 and 15, plot 15 is revoked, Qtranding company limited C/O Muhammed Jah was given plot 23 and 24, plot 24 is revoked, Sen JEJA and Sons was giving plot 4 and 5, plot 5 revoked, intestate company investment was giving plot 22 and 25, plot 25 forfeited,” he revealed.
The minister also disclosed that allocations to ineligible applicants, including Wuday Trading (Plot 3) and Gambisara White House (Plot 30), have been revoked. Allocations for Gamplast Enterprise Limited (Plot 16) and MAURO Farms (Plot 26) were similarly forfeited.
“On unrepresented application files, Gambisara White House plot 30 is forfeited, Gamplast Enterprise limited plot 16 forfeited. On ineligible applicants, name of allottees MAURO farms 26 forfeited,” he said.
He highlighted that the Ministry’s allocation of seven compensation plots to the Ceesay Kunda family lacked evidence to validate the integrity of the process, raising concerns about uncertainty and potential abuse.
The minister further noted the task force’s findings regarding ministry staff implicated in irregularities and confirmed that the recommendations against those individuals have been adopted.
He also affirmed the adoption of the task force’s recommendation to conduct a comprehensive environmental impact assessment ”both general and specific” at Kamalo Proper before any further development can proceed.
Additionally, Hon. Bah revealed that the allocation of a plot to Modou Mbye without ministerial approval has been revoked in line with the task force’s recommendations.
“On the recommendation to revoke those allocations to Allotees who submitted their personal bank statement instead of the company’s bank statement within Kamalo proper is hereby adopted and also on the recommendation to hold those officials accountable for the missing Kamalo file is hereby adopted,” minister told the press.
The minister noted that the Kamalo task force had already been established when he assumed office. During his first media engagement, he assured the public that once the task force completed its work, the findings would be made public.
He explained that the task force was created through an executive order issued to the Ministry of Lands in response to widespread public complaints. Its mandate was to review the land allocation processes in the Kamalo layout and assess the extent of any irregularities.
Hon. Bah further disclosed that the task force completed its work and submitted a 34-page report containing 14 recommendations to his office. Following this, the Ministry forwarded the report to the Attorney General’s s Chambers to seek legal advice on the matter.