National Democratic Party (NDP) leader has accused the government of President Adama Barrow of pursuing a land acquisition policy that threatens the livelihoods of farming communities, warning residents of Basse in the Upper River Region (URR) against losing their ancestral farmlands.
Speaking at a political gathering in Basse, Bojang alleged that the administration was extending to the Upper River Region an approach to land acquisition that had already affected communities in the Kombo area.
He claimed that privately owned lands were being acquired from their owners for relatively small amounts, reportedly under the guise of social security payments and public development projects. However, he questioned who ultimately benefits from the lands once they have been taken from local communities.
“But these reserved lands would eventually benefit a single individual after being taken from the owners,” Bojang said.
The NDP leader warned that the alleged practice could have serious consequences for farming families, particularly those whose livelihoods depend on access to agricultural land. He argued that losing ancestral farmlands would not only affect current landowners but could also deprive future generations of their means of survival.
Bojang further claimed that the process had already started in Basse, cautioning residents that more agricultural land could be lost if the current administration remained in power.
Drawing comparisons with developments in Kombo, he alleged that several disputes involving government land acquisitions had ended up before the courts. He expressed concern that the same situation could now be replicated in Basse, potentially exposing more communities to land disputes and uncertainty over ownership.
With the December 5 presidential election approaching, Bojang urged residents to regard the ballot box as an important means of protecting their land rights and holding the government accountable.
He argued that although ordinary citizens might not have the financial or political strength to challenge the government directly, they possessed the constitutional right to determine who governs the country through their votes.
The NDP leader expressed confidence that Basse residents were becoming increasingly concerned about the alleged threat to their farmlands and would use the forthcoming election to demand a change in leadership.
His remarks add to the growing debate over land ownership, government acquisition and the protection of ancestral lands in The Gambia, particularly in communities where farming remains a major source of livelihood.
However, the allegations surrounding the government’s purported land acquisition plans in Basse, the compensation arrangements and the court cases cited by Bojang have not been independently verified. The government’s response to the claims was not included in the information provided.
