By: Cecilia E.L. Mendy
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Fisheries, Buba Sanyang, on Monday testified before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh in a case involving forfeited lands linked to former President Yahya Jammeh.
State counsel S.L. Jobarteh appeared for the prosecution, while Counsel Lamin J. Darboe represented the second to seventh accused persons.
Taking the witness stand, Sanyang told the court that he was currently serving as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Fisheries. He further informed the court that prior to his current role, he served as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Lands from 2017 to 2023, where he supervised the ministry’s operations and acted as a technical adviser on land matters.
He said he recalled issues relating to the accused persons dating back to 2022, noting that several properties were subjected to the Janneh Commission process and subsequently forfeited to the state.
According to Sanyang, these properties were later reviewed by both ministerial and technical committees.
He explained that while some lands were returned to their original owners, others were retained by the state for planning and development purposes.
The witness told the court that a significant number of communities were affected, mentioning Kasa Kunda, Brufut, Sifoe and Jambur (Judge Town), among others, and estimating that about 100 communities were involved.
Sanyang stated that records indicated some communities voluntarily donated land to the former president, while others entered into sale transactions.
He acknowledged hearing allegations that certain lands were taken without consent but maintained that available records showed instances of voluntary transfers through either donation or sale.
He further testified that land in Brufut, known as CSC, was among properties returned to community members following a formal request. He said the request was reviewed, and after it was confirmed that the state had no further interest in the property, it was handed back to the community.
Sanyang added that in both Sifoe and Brufut, approximately 40 percent of the forfeited lands were returned after administrative and technical reviews.
He also told the court that the Ministry of Lands received a request from the Kasa Kunda community for the return of their land, which was subsequently granted.
At that stage, the case was adjourned to 27th April 2026 for continuation of hearing.