Gambiaj.com (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Environment Minister Rohey John Manjang has initiated a high-stakes defamation lawsuit against journalist Kebba Ansu Manneh of The Alkamba Times, seeking damages of fifty million dalasis (D50 million). The case, set for a hearing at the High Court in Banjul on November 12, 2024, revolves around allegations published by The Alkamba Times linking Minister Manjang to “an illegal transaction of seized logs.”

The article, published on June 19, 2024, claimed that Minister Manjang and a former governor of the Lower River Region (LRR) were involved in unauthorized dealings with confiscated logs, raising serious questions about government accountability and resource management. Both The Alkamba Times and journalist Manneh have upheld the publication’s accuracy, despite demands to retract the story and issue an apology. According to reports, the lawsuit follows several prior threats of legal action if Manneh did not comply.

The complaint, filed by Modou Drammeh and Associates on behalf of Minister Manjang, calls for multiple court orders in addition to the D50 million in damages. The minister seeks a public apology from Manneh, published on The Alkamba Times website, other platforms where the alleged defamatory content appeared, and a widely circulated print publication. Additionally, the lawsuit demands that the journalist remove all statements concerning the minister from his social media platforms.

Minister Manjang is also requesting a perpetual injunction preventing Manneh or any associates from making further statements about her in any medium. If granted, this injunction would bar any future content deemed defamatory toward the minister. Beyond damages, Minister Manjang is seeking D500,000 in administrative costs, with an additional 15% interest applied annually until the court issues a judgment.

Responding to the lawsuit, The Alkamba Times founder and editor, Sainey Marenah, confirmed that the Gambia Press Union has been informed of the matter. “As a news organization committed to journalistic integrity, we take such matters seriously and are currently reviewing the details of the lawsuit,” Marenah stated. He emphasized the publication’s dedication to accurate and fair reporting, asserting, “Alkamba Times stands by the right to report on matters of public interest. We will continue to support our reporters in their professional duties.”

The impending court case is expected to spark further debate about freedom of the press and the balance between public accountability and privacy for public officials in The Gambia.