By Fatou Krubally
The Local Government Commission of Inquiry on Thursday heard testimonies from two key businessmen involved in controversial land transactions with Banjul City Council (BCC), both admitting a lack of formal ownership despite significant payments.
Chabell Elhajj, a witness in the inquiry, conceded he never received a lease agreement or official deed for a disputed plot allegedly transferred to EMK Stores. Elhajj revealed he paid BCC two million dalasis based on a verbal agreement linked to assembling household goods but had no legal proof of ownership.
Under questioning by Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez, Elhajj acknowledged the payments to BCC came from EMK Stores, not his personal funds. Documents presented showed Elhajj received over ten million dalasis from EMK Stores between 2019 and 2021, but claimed he only covered administrative expenses himself.
The Commission was told that a council letter gave Elhajj the impression of land allocation, but the Lead Counsel clarified this letter only granted access for inspection pending a formal lease, which was never signed. Without a signed lease, Elhajj admitted he could not claim ownership and promised to submit further bank statements and receipts.
Separately, businessman Momodou Korka Jallow testified that he paid over 1.3 million dalasis to BCC for a 175m by 125m plot at Bond Road since 2017 but has never taken physical possession. He disclosed an outstanding balance of around 700,000 dalasis, withholding final payment due to an embargo on the land.
Jallow presented official receipts and lease documents but explained he has yet to develop or formally request a refund, hoping for an eventual resolution.
Both testimonies highlight challenges in BCC’s land administration and the commission’s ongoing effort to clarify ownership, payments, and council procedures.
The Commission has admitted all statements and evidence into record and may recall the witnesses for further questioning as investigations continue.
