By: Fatou Krubally
The Local Government Commission of Inquiry recently uncovered a scandal involving Alieu Danso, the proprietor of Almot Real Estate, who stands accused of fraudulent activities in a land deal with the Kanifing Municipal Council Staff Welfare Association. The deal, which centered around the purchase of land from the Touray family in Kachumeh, Kombo South District, has ignited a firestorm of controversy and raised serious allegations of dishonesty and fraud.
During the inquiry, former treasurer Baboucar Sanyang made startling revelations, asserting, “Mr. Danso was not telling us the truth.”
Sanyang disclosed that while the original agreement involved 190 plots of land, only 160 were demarcated, casting doubt on Danso’s integrity.
Additionally, he disclosed that the landowners opted to sell the land to another real estate company, Smiling Coast Real Estate after Danso failed to fulfill his financial obligations.
The scandal took a darker turn when allegations of attempted bribery came to light, with reports surfacing that Alieu Danso had offered money to Sainibou Martin-Sonko, an official at KMC. Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez highlighted these accusations, stating, “You offered Sainabou Martin-Sonko D1,000,000 just to get financial benefits from the KMC.” Danso’s claims that the money was a loan to assist Martin-Sonko’s trip to Senegal, the scandal shed light on murky practices within the real estate industry.
The Commission also unearthed a letter from the landowners terminating the agreement with Danso due to non-payment and deceptive conduct. The family demanded the return of the land, citing dishonesty and financial irregularities. Lead Counsel Gomez emphasized the paramount need for transparency and accountability in real estate transactions, advocating for stricter regulations to safeguard against exploitation and fraud.
In the wake of the scandal, public outcry has surged, prompting calls for enhanced oversight within the real estate sector to protect consumers and uphold ethical standards. As the investigation unfolds, the case underscores the perils of unchecked practices in the industry and underscores the imperative for justice and accountability in the aftermath of these revelations. The quest for truth and rectitude remains imperative for all parties embroiled in this embittered saga.
