Investigation Uncovers Questionable Land Allocations to President Barrow, Family and Business Amid Allegations of Elite Favouritism

Written by: Seringe S.T. Touray

A prime piece of government land in Fajara, valued at D40 million, was allocated to President Adama Barrow’s private property business, Majum, just three months after car dealers were ordered to vacate part of the area during a government road-clearing exercise, according to an investigation published by The Republic.

According to the investigation, government land records showed the allocation was made on 2 April 2024. The publication also reported that a multi-storey commercial building is now under construction on the land, with the President’s son, Baba Barrow, reportedly making frequent visits to the site.

One of the displaced dealers accused the authorities of favouring wealthy individuals, telling The Republic: “It’s clear we were evicted simply because we lacked influence.”

Citing government land allocation records it examined, The Republic further reported that at least three residential plots were allocated to Barrow personally and two more to his business between 2017 and 2025, despite regulations stating that allocations “shall be one plot per person.”

According to The Republic, Lands Minister Hamat Bah told the publication that President Barrow had rejected two plots in Brufut in favour of land in Fajara South Atlantic. However, the publication said government records it examined still listed both Brufut allocations under the President’s name.

The Republic also reported that it sent questions to the Office of the President on 26 October but had received no response by the time its investigation was published.