The High Court has set the commencement of a high-profile civil suit against the National Road Authority (NRA). Ebrima Manneh, a farmer from Basse Giroba Kunda, has filed a million dalasi lawsuit against the National Road Authority (NRA) following the tragic drowning and death of his three-year-old daughter, Adama Manneh, on 31st May, 2025.
The Chief Justice has assigned the case to Justice Coker of the Bakau court for hearing and determination.
The lawsuit, filed by Ebrima Manneh through his lawyer Counsel Darboe Esq. of Semega Chambers is seeking legal remedies from the court of D40,000,000 in damages, alleging that the NRA’s “negligent act and or omission” led to the drowning of young Adama Manneh in May 2025.
According to the Statement of Claim, the tragedy was caused by a ditch dug by the NRA in 2023. The ditch (trench) was intended as a temporary measure to divert rainwater flooding the newly constructed Basse-Fatoto Road.
The Plaintiff stated that he voiced out his opposition as the ditch was excavated just two meters away from the family home. The statement highlights that the NRA was fully aware that the compound was unfenced, yet failed to provide any protective barriers or fencing to secure the site.
The statement further stated that the family endured three rainy seasons of hell as the ditch caused constant flooding of their compound.
The plaintiff claims he and his brother repeatedly pleaded with NRA officials and even engaged the Governor of the Basse Administrative area to cover the ditch for safety.
Plaintiff stated that even a direct request from the President Adama Barrow and the President instructed NRA officials to mitigate the risks posed by the ditch during a site visit, but the instruction, the Plaintiff says, was never honoured by NRA.
The Plaintiff stated that the nightmare became a reality on 31st May, 2025. While he was away, his wife discovered their daughter was missing. The search ended in heartbreak when the girl’s shoes were found at the edge of the water-filled ditch.
The Plaintiff’s statement indicated that a local herdsman volunteered to enter the “muddy and dirty” water after the Fire and Rescue Services declined to enter. The Plaintiff claims that the Basse Fire and Rescue Service refused to enter the “muddy and dirty” water, prompting a local volunteer to retrieve the toddler’s body.
“Within just two steps, the volunteer located the toddler’s body at the bottom of the trench. She was pronounced dead at the Basse Health Centre due to drowning.”
The Plaintiff case filed before the court is seeking D25,000,000 as compensation for the death of Adama Manneh, D15,000,000 in general damages for emotional agony and loss, an immediate court order requiring the NRA to cover the ditch to prevent further loss of life, D150,000 in legal fees and interest of 20% on the sum from the date of the writ.
The Plaintiff asserts that the NRA owed a duty of care to his family, which they breached by failing to secure a known hazard located in a residential area.
While the NRA’s Deputy Managing Director reportedly visited the family to offer condolences and ask for forgiveness, the family is now seeking justice through the courts.
The National Road Authority has not yet filed a response to the writ of summons.
By Kexx Sanneh.
