The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) wishes to warn the general public, prospective investors and developers against the purchase or acquisition of land within the Tourism Development Area (TDA) through unauthorized persons, including Alkalos and Village Development Committees.
The TDA is government land entrusted to the Gambia Tourism Board for management and administration, the TDA extends along the coastal belt from Kotu to Kartong, measuring one-half mile inland from the high-water mark. Under the Gambia Tourism Board Act, 2011, GTBoard is responsible for administering, managing and allocating land within the TDA for approved tourism and tourism-related purposes.
The public is strongly urged to desist from buying, selling or acquiring land within the TDA through unauthorized arrangements. Documents, receipts or agreements issued by persons who lack the legal authority to sell such land do not, in themselves, confer a valid legal interest in it.
GTBoard wishes to make it clear that any person who proceeds to purchase or develop land within the TDA without first verifying its status and obtaining the necessary authorization does so at their own risk and detriment. Such transactions may result in significant financial losses, disputes and the inability to secure legal title of the purported interest in the land.
Prospective investors and developers are therefore advised to verify the status of any land directly with GTBoard and follow the prescribed statutory procedures before making payments or commencing construction.
The Board calls on Alkalos, Village Development Committees, community leaders, Real Estate Agents and all other stakeholders to refrain from facilitating unauthorized land transactions and to direct interested investors to GTBoard for proper guidance.
GTBoard remains committed to protecting the integrity of the TDA and ensuring that land within the area is allocated lawfully for approved tourism development.