The Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs in Gambia has taken significant steps to improve land governance by inaugurating two committees. These committees will drive the implementation of the National Land Policy and coordinate the revival of the traditional Mansa Mbengo gathering in 2026. Lands Minister Ahmat N.K. Bah emphasized the importance of the National Land Policy Implementation Steering Committee, describing it as critical to enhancing land governance in the country.
The National Land Policy 2026–2035 provides a framework for reforms aimed at strengthening land administration, digitizing land records, and improving dispute resolution. According to Nyillan Fye Frezer, General Manager of Global Properties, the private sector faces challenges such as delays, disputes, and uncertainty in land administration. She welcomed plans for digitalization, institutional coordination, and equitable access to land, highlighting the potential for increased investment and development.
The implementation of the National Land Policy began in January 2026, following its launch by the President in December. Dr Samba Sowe, Director of Planning, outlined ongoing reforms, including the development of a national land information system expected to be completed and effectively used in 2027. Additionally, land records will be digitized, and several land-related laws are undergoing review to support the policy's objectives.
The ministry's strategic plan includes customary land registration, regional offices, institutional restructuring, capacity building, and process reforms. These initiatives aim to make land registration simpler, faster, and more cost-effective. Alongside the land policy committee, the ministry inaugurated a committee to organize the 2026 Mansa Mbengo gathering, a traditional meeting of Mansas or chiefs that dates back to the colonial era.
The Mansa Mbengo gathering became dormant but is being revived by Minister Bah as part of a critical national assignment to showcase Gambia's cultural heritage, traditional governance, and national unity. Chief Mustapha Dibba, representing the Paramount Chief of The Gambia, noted the historical significance of the gathering, which continued during the First Republic but later became inactive.
Minister Bah urged government institutions, traditional leaders, and security agencies to collaborate for a successful Mansa Mbengo 2026. He emphasized that the revival of this traditional gathering is an opportunity to promote national unity and cultural heritage. The committees established by the ministry will play a crucial role in driving these initiatives forward.
The land reforms and revival of the Mansa Mbengo gathering are expected to have a positive impact on land governance and national development in Gambia. With the implementation of the National Land Policy and the organization of the traditional gathering, the country aims to improve land administration, promote investment, and celebrate its cultural heritage.
Key points
- The Gambia's Lands Ministry has launched a National Land Policy to improve land governance and drive reforms in land administration.
- The ministry has also revived the traditional Mansa Mbengo gathering to showcase the country's cultural heritage and promote national unity.
- The implementation of the National Land Policy and the organization of the Mansa Mbengo gathering are critical to Gambia's national development and growth.
