The Kanneh Family in Bambala, Grand Cape Mount County, has granted local businessman, Idrisa Massalay, full ownership of a portion of land that has been at the center of a long-running dispute between the two parties.
The family said it has voluntarily relinquished the property to allow Massalay to develop the land, in keeping with the promise made to the elders of Porkpa District sometime ago.
The head of the family, Shafa Jama Kanneh, said that it is proved from documents left behind by his late father that the land belongs to the local businessman.
Kanneh pointed out that historical documents in his possession revealed that the property was given to Massalay by the elders of the land, including his father, in appreciation of his contribution to the development of Bambala, the capital of Porkpa District.
Shafa Jama Kanneh made the disclosure during an elder’s council meeting held at the town square on Friday, December 6, 2024, presided over by the town’s speaker, Mohammed Sesay.
The family spokesman maintained that, in view of this, the Kanneh family remain supportive of the elders’ decision, which he considered sacred.
He indicated further that the entire family has since shown support to the decision to turn over the property to Massalay, except their elder brother, whom he claim has been brainwashed by enemies to opposed the plan.
The declaration was welcomed by the elders, who thanked the Kanneh family for endorsing the plan to give the land to the local businessman, and called on the Massalays to commence work on the land with immediate effect.
Several elders in the meeting, including the Dean Elder of Kposo Clan, Saffa Gbana, said the council stands ready to provide the needed manpower to assist Massalay in developing the land.
Responding, Massalay said he is overwhelmed by the surprise announcement of relinquishing the disputed land to him, and assured the elders of his preparedness to develop the property for the benefit of the district.
Massalay said he will consult his daughter, who is also the representative of the district, Bintu Massalay, before deciding what to do on the land.
Over one hundred Porkpa District residents, including chiefs, elders, the youths and varied women groups, attended the meeting.
