Dou Sannoh Accuses Brikama Area Council of Bypassing Due Process in Property Tax Increase

By Buba Gagigo

Council Faces Backlash Over Property Tax Hike

Dou Sannoh, political adviser to President Adama Barrow, has launched scathing criticism against the Brikama Area Council (BAC), accusing them of implementing an unjustified property tax increase without following due process. The presidential adviser’s remarks come in support of Chief Lamin Mondo Jatta of Brikama North, who recently urged residents to withhold tax payments, labeling the new levy as fraudulent.

Chief’s Allegations Spark Controversy

The dispute escalated when Chief Jatta circulated an audio message on WhatsApp claiming neither the council nor central government consulted him about the tax adjustment. In response, BAC issued a strongly worded statement condemning the chief’s remarks as “irresponsible and dangerous.”

Sannoh firmly backed the chief’s position, stating: “Alhagie Mondo Jatta did the right thing. As a chief, he should be given respect. The council cannot simply raise property taxes from 450 dalasis to 4,000 dalasis without proper consultation.”

Due Process Violations Alleged

The presidential adviser outlined what he considers the proper procedure for tax adjustments: “They are under the Ministry of Local Government and must coordinate with the ministry before making such decisions. The correct process involves informing chiefs, who would then relay the information to village Alikalos, who in turn inform compound owners. The Brikama Area Council failed to do this.”

Political Motivations Suggested

Sannoh went further to suggest political motivations behind the tax hike, claiming it placed undue financial pressure on renters: “All the difficulties faced by people who are renting are caused by the opposition because they are putting pressure on the people. Now rent is very expensive, and they will turn around and blame the president while they are the cause.”

Council Yet to Respond

As of publication, BAC has not responded to Sannoh’s latest comments. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in local governance and fiscal policy, with residents caught between political and administrative authorities.

The dispute raises important questions about:

• Local government transparency
• Proper tax implementation procedures
• The relationship between traditional and administrative authorities
• The impact of political tensions on local governance

For more details on this developing story, read the original report at Kerr Fatou Online Media House.