By Buba Gagigo
Dou Sannoh, a political adviser to President Adama Barrow, has accused the Brikama Area Council (BAC) of failing to follow due process in what he described as an unjustified increase in property tax. His remarks come in defense of Chief Lamin Mondo Jatta of Brikama North, who recently urged residents to withhold tax payments to the council, calling the levy fraudulent.
In an audio message circulated on WhatsApp, Chief Jatta alleged that neither the council nor the central government had consulted him about the tax adjustment. In response, BAC issued a statement condemning the chief’s remarks, describing them as “irresponsible and dangerous.”
Sannoh, however, sided with Jatta, asserting that the council had overstepped its authority. “Alhagie Mondo Jatta did the right thing,” Sannoh said. “As a chief, he should be given respect. The council cannot simply raise property taxes from 450 dalasis to 4,000 dalasis without proper consultation. They are under the Ministry of Local Government and must coordinate with the ministry before making such decisions.”
He further argued that the correct procedure should have involved informing chiefs, who would then relay the information to village Alikalos, who will in turn inform compound owners. “But the Brikama Area Council failed to do this,” he added.
The presidential adviser also suggested that the tax hike was politically motivated and placed undue financial strain on renters, ultimately blaming the opposition for contributing to rising housing costs. “All the difficulties faced by people who are renting are caused by the opposition because they are putting pressure on the people,” Sannoh claimed. “Now rent is very expensive, and they will turn around and blame the president while they are the cause.”
BAC has not yet responded to Sannoh’s comments. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over local governance and fiscal policy, with residents caught in the crossfire between political and administrative authorities.