By: Fatou Krubally
The Gambia Police Force has returned the missing Kamalo land files to the Ministry of Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs after concluding investigations into their disappearance, Lands Minister Hamat N.K. Bah said on Wednesday.
However, the minister confirmed that the so-called “master file” remains unaccounted for.
Speaking at a press briefing on the implementation of the National Lands Policy, Bah said the documents had earlier been seized by the police as part of investigations, adding that they have now been returned to the ministry.
“With the investigation concluded, the files have been returned to their rightful custody,” the minister said, noting that recommendations arising from the probe are yet to be made public.
Bah stressed that there would be no impunity for anyone found culpable, reiterating that the missing master file has not yet been recovered.
Although he did not disclose details of the contents of the files, the Kamalo case has previously raised public concern over record-keeping, accountability and transparency within the land administration system.
The minister said the issue underscores the need for reforms under the National Lands Policy, which aims to strengthen institutions, improve oversight and reduce discretionary powers in land allocation.
“Land allocation should not be the sole responsibility of the minister,” Bah said, calling for stronger checks and balances to prevent abuse and safeguard public interest.
He said the return of the files marks progress in restoring order to official land records, while efforts continue to trace the missing master file. Safeguarding land documents and strengthening procedures, he added, remain critical to rebuilding public confidence in the system.
