Environmental activists in The Gambia have criticised the government for granting Gach Global temporary access to 2.5 hectares of the Salaji Forest Park for basalt storage.

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources defended the decision in a press release, stating it was an urgent measure to address the country’s infrastructure development needs.

However, the Gambia Environment Alliance (GEA), an umbrella body of environmental advocates, has condemned the move, describing it as a violation of the Forest Act 2018. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the GEA accused the government of disregarding legal requirements, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and consultations with local communities.

“GEA strongly opposes the illegal allocation of Salaji Forest to Gach Group. No EIA, no community consultations—this violates the Forest Act 2018. Salaji is not for sale! We demand transparency and an immediate halt to activities,” the statement said.

By Adama Makasuba