Residents of Manjai Kunda convened a joint meeting on Sunday, 18 October 2026, to address the ongoing dispute concerning Manjai Park. The assembly took place in Manjai to discuss the status of the land and seek a resolution to the conflict. Stakeholders gathered at the site to deliberate on the matter, which remains a point of contention within the Kanifing Municipality. Local participants examined the history of the park and reviewed the current claims surrounding its usage. Attendees emphasized the need for official intervention to settle the disagreement regarding the property. The meeting served as a forum for community members to voice their concerns about the future of the park and coordinate their efforts to engage relevant authorities.
Community Concerns and Allegations
Mustapha Manneh, a youth representative, stated, "The issue started when a ward councillor told me that there were plans to sell or lease the park to one Hamza Barry for 10 years." Manneh expressed that the community did not provide consent for the alleged transaction involving the private individual. "The park is owned and developed by us, the people of Manjai," he added. "We are urging the President to help us reclaim our park, as it benefits us a lot."
Ismaila Camara, the Alkalo of Manjai Kunda, echoed the community's distress regarding the property. "We have another problem, and that is where we are ‘Park Gi Manjai’," Camara said during the assembly. "They have cried about this park, and we want you [Mr President] to help us solve the issue."
Legal proceedings are currently underway to resolve the status of Manjai Park. The dispute is being handled in court, where the conflicting claims regarding the land's usage and ownership are being deliberated.
Hamat N.K. Bah, the Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, addressed the concerns raised by the residents. "But we will go back to the matter," the Minister stated. "It was stated that you had already agreed to sign an MoU, but we will look into the matter again and discuss with the youth what they want to be addressed lawfully." The Ministry plans to review the documentation and consult with the youth of Manjai Kunda to reach a conclusion regarding the park.
