Minister Rohey John Manjang and Journalist Kebba Ansu Manneh (Photo: Alkamba Times)
By Ramatoulie Jawo
Rohey John Manjang, the Minister of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, informed National Assembly Members (NAMs) on Wednesday that she has filed a lawsuit against Kebba Ansu Manneh. The writ of summons was submitted to the High Court in Banjul on Tuesday, 3rd September 2024.
Minister Manjang made this statement while responding to a question posed by the National Assembly Member for Kiang East regarding the investigation into two mahogany trees that were felled in Kiang East on 24th May 2024, a matter in which she had been mentioned.
“In line with due process and her right under the laws of The Gambia, the legal team of the Hon. Minister of filed a writ of summons at the high court in Banjul on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, Suing Kebba Ansu Manneh for libel and slander in regard to the malicious and unfounded allegations he made against me concerning the two illegally felled mahogany trees at Kiang East,” he informed the NAMs.
According to the Minister, the Director of Forestry’s report, dated August 26, 2024, confirmed that two mahogany trees were illegally cut down on 21st May 2024. The report clarified that the trees were not sold, as falsely claimed by Kebba Ansu Manneh, but were instead left under the custody of the community, as they were located on private property.
“However, on July 19, 2024, the regional Forestry Officer for the Lower River Region informed the Director of Forestry of the removal of the two trees without their notice or authority. The matter was reported to the district chief, a native of the village, and the Alkalo, they helped in gathering information in the village to determine who was responsible for the unauthorized removal of the felled mahogany trees,” she explained.
She further stated that when the team failed to make any progress, the issue was reported to the Mansakonko Police Station, where the Criminal Investigation Division is currently handling the case. The investigation is still ongoing.
She also referred to a defamatory article written by Kebba Ansu Manneh, in which it was alleged that she (the Minister) sold the mahogany trees for two hundred thousand Dalasis and deposited one hundred and fifty thousand Dalasis into one of her personal bank accounts.
Hon. Muhammed Kanteh, Member for Busumbala Constituency, inquired how long the investigation into the mahogany trees would take.
In response, the Minister stressed that the case has been reported to the Mansakonko Police Station for investigation, and once concluded, her ministry will present the findings to the National Assembly.
The Member for Brikama North then asked whether the investigation focused on the illegal felling of the trees or their disappearance. The Minister clarified that both aspects are being investigated.