Gambiaj.com – (BRIKAMA, The Gambia) – The Tanji Village Development Committee (VDC) has been officially dissolved by the Brikama Area Council following a resolution passed at the monthly general sitting of the Council on January 28. The decision, made under Section 96(1) of the Local Government Act 2002, was unanimously agreed upon by council members, according to the BAC.

The Council cited several grounds for the dissolution, including the VDC’s failure to convene an Annual General Meeting (AGM) throughout its five-year tenure. This lapse, officials stated, “significantly undermined accountability and transparency in the committee’s operations“.

Another key factor was the financial report presented at a congress held on December 15, 2024. The report, which revealed gross fiscal mismanagement, was rejected by delegates, raising concerns about the VDC’s handling of public funds.

Additionally, the Council found that “both the Alkalo (village head) and Imam of Tanji were directly interfering in the selection process of new VDC members“, violating the principles of impartial governance.

The committee was also accused of “repeatedly refusing to honor invitations from the Council’s WDC/VDC Conflict Resolution Committee“, further escalating tensions.

The dissolved VDC comprised Ebrima S. Jallow – Chairman, Kaddy Sambou – Vice Chairlady, Bakary Kujabie – Secretary, Fabakary Marong – Treasurer, Lamin Kanteh – Treasurer, Momodou Jallow Gibba – Public Relations Officer, Lamin JY Jammeh – Member, Abdoulie Barry – Auditor, Ebrima Bah – Organiser, and Sainabou Sonko – Member.

With the dissolution now in effect, the Council is expected to oversee the process of establishing a new VDC in accordance with governance regulations.