The newly appointed members of the Lands Commission were warmly welcomed by the Honorable Minister, Hamat N.K. Bah, underscored the critical role the commission plays in the nation’s land governance. Hon Bah emphasized that the establishment of a dedicated Lands Commission is a fundamental step toward restoring public confidence in how land resources is managed, allocated, and regulated.
Hon. Bah stressed that the commission’s core mandate extends far beyond administrative functions. He stated that the commission must serve as an instrument of justice, ensuring that accountability, transparency, and fairness become the defining principles of all land related decisions. He urged the team to approach their work with unwavering integrity, reminding them that land disputes and mismanagement have long been sources of social tension.
Hon Bah further called on the commission to prioritize community participation as a non-negotiable element of their operations. He noted that meaningful engagement with local communities, traditional leaders, and relevant stakeholders at every stage of the decision-making process is essential for sustainable land governance.
The Lands Commission led by Chairman Justice Raymond C. Sock, demonstrated readiness to deliver on the mandate entrusted to it. The team affirmed its commitment to inclusive and participatory approaches, actively involve local communities, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders in all phases of their work from policy formulation to implementation and monitoring. The commission expressed confidence that such collaborative engagement would ensure improvements in land governance, reduce disputes, and promote equitable access to land across the country.
The composition of the commission reflects a wealth of experience and expertise. It is chaired by Justice Raymond C. Sock, and other members include Kebba N. Njie, Abdoulie Manneh, Juldeh Ceesay, Babucarr Mass Mbye, and Secretary Dawda Fatty.
The Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs affirm its commitment to upholding the highest standards of accountability in land administration. The Ministry pledged to continue strengthening transparency across all land processes, from application and allocation to registration and dispute resolution.
Furthermore, it emphasized the need for enhanced management and evaluation of land resources, recognizing that robust data, regular assessments, and evidence-based planning are essential to safeguarding the nation’s land assets for current and future generations.
As The Gambia moves forward with this renewed focus on land governance, the collaboration between the Ministry and the Lands Commission marks a significance milestone.