Ministry of Lands, Regional Government & Religious Affairs

17/07/2026

The Gambia Reaffirms Its Commitment to Sustainable Urban Development at the UN-Habitat High-Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of the New Urban Agenda

The Honorable Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Hon. Hamat N. K. Bah, is leading The Gambia's delegation to the United Nations-Habitat High-Level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the Midterm Review of the New Urban Agenda (NUA), taking place from 16–17 July 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA.

The Honorable Minister is accompanied by Permanent Secretary Ndey Marie Njie, Governor Ousman Bojang of the West Coast Region, Governor Lamin Saidykhan of the North Bank Region, and Mr. Bernard Mendy, Director of the American Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.

The Gambian delegation is being supported by the Permanent Mission of The Gambia to the United Nations, under the leadership of Ambassador Lamin Dibba, with the assistance of Deputy Head of Mission Fatou Njie Hydara, Counsellor Binta Jeng, Defense Attaché Colonel Alagie Sanneh, and the dedicated staff of the Mission.

The High-Level Meeting provides an important platform for Member States and key stakeholders to assess progress made in implementing the New Urban Agenda since its adoption, consider the findings of the midterm review, renew global political commitments, and agree on concrete priorities and actions to accelerate implementation over the coming decade.

Hosted by the United Nations, the meeting has convened 148 participants representing UN Member States, international organizations, development partners, and civil society organizations to exchange experiences, strengthen partnerships, and advance sustainable urban development worldwide.

The Gambia's participation underscores the Government's unwavering commitment to promoting inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable human settlements. It also reflects the country's continued efforts to advance the objectives of the New Urban Agenda and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, while fostering stronger international cooperation to improve the lives and well-being of all Gambians.

Together, we are building sustainable cities and communities for present and future generations.

19/05/2026

Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah Attends WUF13 in Baku, Azerbaijan

Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah, Minister of Local Government and Lands, accompanied by senior government officials from the Ministry, is attending the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17–22 May 2026.

The Minister’s participation highlights the Government of The Gambia’s commitment to sustainable urban development, effective land governance, and strengthening local government systems. WUF13 brings together global leaders, policymakers, urban experts, and development partners to discuss innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive urban development.

The Ministry remains committed to fostering partnerships and advancing policies that support improved land management, local governance, and sustainable development for the benefit of all Gambians.

29/04/2026

Stakeholders Validate National Land Policy Communication Strategy and Real Estate Agents Bill

The Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, with support from the WACA Project, on Wednesday convened a national stakeholder validation workshop at the NaNA Conference Hall on two landmark policy documents: the National Land Policy Communication Strategy and the Real Estate Agents Bill.

The workshop brought together representatives from government ministries, departments and agencies, regional and district authorities, traditional and opinion leaders, the Real Estate Association, civil society organizations, and development partners. The engagement forms part of the Government’s ongoing land sector reforms aimed at strengthening land governance, modernizing land administration systems, and improving coordination within the broader local governance and development framework to promote economic growth and reduce poverty.
In his opening remarks, Permanent Secretary (Technical), Ebrima Sissawo, emphasized that land is far more than a resource. He noted that it is intrinsically linked to identity, livelihoods, culture, and national development. He highlighted the critical role of the Communication Strategy in ensuring the successful implementation of the National Land Policy, particularly as Government works to modernize land governance, align legal frameworks with the Local Government Act, and enhance transparency through the review of existing land laws.

“Land is one of the most sensitive issues in our country. Effective communication will not eliminate disputes completely, but it will significantly reduce them,” he stated, noting that approximately 75 percent of court cases in The Gambia are land-related.
The Communication Strategy Consultant, Ms. Fatim Badjie, underscored the importance of effective public engagement, describing communication as the bridge between policy and citizens. She called for a communication approach that is clear, inclusive, and consistent to ensure broad public understanding and acceptance.

Secretary General of the Real Estate Association, Hatab Darboe, also stressed the need for accessible and inclusive communication, noting that land issues affect people across all age groups and sectors. He emphasized that messaging must be simple, clear, and easily understood to ensure no one is left behind.
Representing traditional authorities, Chief Falalou M. Touray of Kombo South welcomed the strategy as both timely and essential for enhancing public understanding of land tenure systems and acquisition processes. He further called for the active involvement of traditional leaders as key partners in implementation.
Providing an overview of the Real Estate Agents Bill, Kissima Bittaye, Principal Legislative Draftsperson at the Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Justice, highlighted the Bill’s significance in promoting stronger regulation, transparency, and accountability within The Gambia’s rapidly growing real estate sector.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to advancing land reforms that foster peace, reduce disputes, strengthen governance, and support sustainable national development.

08/04/2026

Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah, Minister of Local Government and Lands, is attending the Second Africa Urban Forum 2026 (AUF2), taking place from 8–10 April 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.

The Forum is convened under the theme: “Adequate Housing for All: Advancing Socio-Economic and Environmental Transformation towards the Realization of Agenda 2063.” It brings together African leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders to engage in discussions on sustainable urban development, climate resilience, and innovative financing approaches for housing and urban growth across the continent.

Hon. Bah is accompanied by Mr. Pa Momodou Taal, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the Ministry of Local Government and Lands.

The Minister’s participation underscores The Gambia’s commitment to promoting inclusive urban development, strengthening housing systems, and supporting sustainable solutions that align with Africa’s long-term development agenda, including Agenda 2063.

03/04/2026

Internal Validation of Draft Real Estate Agency Bill

On 2nd April 2026, the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs successfully conducted an internal validation session for the Draft Real Estate Agency Bill.

The validation brought together key stakeholders within the Ministry to review, refine, and strengthen the proposed bill, ensuring it aligns with national priorities and international best practices. This important step marks significant progress toward establishing a robust legal framework to regulate real estate practices, promote transparency, and protect the interests of all stakeholders in the sector.

The Ministry remains committed to advancing policies that support sustainable development and improved governance within the real estate industry.

31/03/2026

26/03/2026

The Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs this morning officially inaugurated the newly established NGO Affairs Board at a ceremony held at its conference hall in Banjul.
Presiding over the event, Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah described the inauguration as a major step forward in strengthening the NGO sector, ensuring it remains vibrant, well-coordinated, and responsive to the needs of the people.

Welcoming the newly appointed members, the Minister emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between government and non-governmental organizations in driving national development. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to develop an NGO Bill aimed at improving regulation and boosting the effectiveness of NGOs across the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Board, Chairperson Alieu Badara Demba reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, accountability, and professionalism. He noted that the Board will prioritize strengthening regulatory frameworks, fostering collaboration, and supporting capacity development within the NGO sector.
The nine board members comprises of Mr. Alieu Badara Demba as chaired, Mr. Louis Moses Mendy, Momodou Taal, Andrew Silva, Fatou Jagne, Isatou Camara, Bubacarry Senghore, Lamin Jarjusey, Ebrima Jarbo.

20/03/2026

Ministry of Lands, Regional Government & Religious Affairs
its satellite Department, under the leadership of
Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah
Wishing you and your family a joyful and blessed Eid ul-Fitr 2026.
May Allah fill your homes with happiness and your hearts with peace,and accept all our fasting and our prayers.
May peace continue in our beloved land, The Gambia.

04/03/2026

The Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs has officially inaugurated the National Physical Planning Board at a ceremony held at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, New Quadrangle Building in Banjul.

The event was presided over by the Honorable Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Hamat N.K. Bah, who described the occasion as a major milestone toward strengthening national spatial planning and ensuring orderly and sustainable development across The Gambia.

In his remarks, the Minister welcomed the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and newly appointed Board Members. He emphasized that the establishment of the Board is in fulfillment of the Physical Planning and Development Control Act of 1991, which mandates the creation of planning authorities to regulate land use and physical development nationwide.

Minister Bah noted that the Board is responsible for authorizing and directing the preparation of the National Plan, as well as local and development plans that guide land use across the country. The Board also advises the Minister on general physical development policy and oversees the proper administration of the Act.

He acknowledged that the Board previously faced operational and logistical challenges but assured members that these issues have now been resolved.

“Today, I am pleased to inform you that outstanding matters have been resolved. This is an important step toward strengthening our systems and ensuring more effective service delivery,” he stated.

The Minister stressed that proper planning remains central to national development. Cities, towns, forest parks, and transportation systems must be guided by clear planning frameworks to prevent disorder and unsustainable growth. He further reaffirmed Government’s commitment to implementing the National Land Policy and advancing digitalization to enhance transparency and efficiency in land administration.

Although the Board Chairman, Mr. Momodou S. Jobe, is currently out of the country, the Minister reassured members that the work of the Board will continue without interruption.

Speaking on behalf of the Chairman, Board Member and former Permanent Secretary, Saikou K. Sanyang, described the Board’s responsibility as significant and far-reaching:

“The physical development of our country is not accidental. It is shaped by the decisions we take, the standards we enforce and the vision we uphold.”

He outlined key priorities including strengthening development control, ensuring fair and consistent application of planning laws, guiding national spatial development while protecting river systems and coastal zones, and promoting transparency and professionalism in land use and infrastructure development.

The ten-member Board comprises Foday A. Jallow, Saikou K. Sanyang, Fansu Sanneh, Ada Gaye, and Mr. Momodou S. Jobe as Chairperson, alongside five ex-officio members representing the Ministry of Lands (two members), and the Ministries responsible for Justice, Environment, and Agriculture, each with one representative.

The inauguration of the National Physical Planning Board signals a renewed commitment to structured growth, environmental protection, and inclusive national development for The Gambia.

16/02/2026

Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah, Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs of the Republic of The Gambia, on 16–17 February 2026 attended the Africa Business Forum 2026 held in Addis Ababa, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

The Minister was accompanied by Mr. Ousman Bojang, Governor of the West Coast Region, and Mr. Pa Momodou Taal, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance).

The high-level Forum, held under the theme “Financing the Future of Africa – Jobs and Innovation for Sustainable Transformation,” brought together African leaders, policymakers, investors, and development partners to discuss innovative financing mechanisms, private sector engagement, and strategies for sustainable economic growth across the continent.

Hon. Bah reaffirmed The Gambia Government’s commitment to strengthening local governance systems, promoting investment in land administration, and supporting policies that create jobs and foster innovation for national development.

The participation of the Gambian delegation underscores the country’s dedication to regional collaboration and partnerships aimed at accelerating sustainable transformation and inclusive growth in Africa.