The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has warned the public, prospective investors and developers against purchasing land within the Tourism Development Area (TDA) through unauthorised individuals and groups, including Alkalos and Village Development Committees (VDCs).
In a press release, the Board said the TDA comprises government land entrusted to GTBoard for management and administration, stretching along the coastal belt from Kotu to Kartong and extending half a mile inland from the high-water mark.
GTBoard said it is responsible for administering, managing and allocating land within the designated area for approved tourism and tourism-related purposes under the Gambia Tourism Board Act, 2011.
The Board urged members of the public to refrain from buying, selling or acquiring land within the TDA through unauthorised arrangements, warning that documents, receipts or agreements issued by individuals without the legal authority to sell such land do not, in themselves, confer a valid legal interest.
It further cautioned that anyone purchasing or developing land within the TDA without first verifying its status and obtaining the necessary authorisation does so at their own risk.
According to GTBoard, such transactions could expose buyers and developers to significant financial losses, land disputes and difficulties in securing legal title to the land.
The Board therefore advised prospective investors and developers to verify the status of any land directly with GTBoard and comply with the prescribed statutory procedures before making payments or commencing construction.
It also called on Alkalos, VDCs, community leaders, real estate agents and other stakeholders to refrain from facilitating unauthorised land transactions and instead direct interested investors to the Board for proper guidance.
GTBoard said it remains committed to protecting the integrity of the Tourism Development Area and ensuring that land within its boundaries is allocated lawfully for approved tourism development.