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Momodou
Denmark
11785 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Sep 2025 : 12:03:41
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Media Release
President Barrow Effects Changes in Cabinet
State House, Banjul, 10th September 2025: His Excellency, Mr. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, acting in accordance with sections 71 (1) and 71(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia has, with immediate effect, reassigned Honourable Baboucar Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment to the Ministry of Defence.
In the same vein, President Barrow has appointed Mr. Modou Ceesay, Auditor General as Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment.
In a related development, Mr. Cherno Amadou Sowe, Director of Internal Audit is appointed as Auditor General and Mr. Masireh K. Drammeh Acting Director of Internal Audit.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11785 Posts |
Posted - 11 Sep 2025 : 16:09:34
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Auditor General Modou Ceesay Declines Cabinet Appointment, Reaffirms Commitment to Oversight Role
Gambiaj.com - (Banjul, The Gambia) – Auditor General Modou Ceesay has turned down his appointment as Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, reaffirming his commitment to continue leading the National Audit Office (NAO).
In a statement issued Thursday, Ceesay confirmed that he had “officially responded and respectfully declined” the offer from the Office of the President. The announcement came just hours after President Adama Barrow’s minor cabinet reshuffle, which sought to bring new leadership into key ministries and oversight institutions.
Ceesay said his decision was guided by his dedication to serving as Auditor General, a constitutional role that places him at the center of public sector auditing and financial accountability.
He stressed his commitment to “diligently executing the functions conferred on him by the Constitution of The Gambia, to improve the lives of citizens through public sector auditing.”
He further appealed for support from stakeholders in strengthening the country’s public financial management system, describing collective efforts as crucial to achieving better transparency and accountability... Full Story Here:
https://gambiaj.com/auditor-general-modou-ceesay-declines-cabinet-appointment-reaffirms-commitment-to-oversight-role/ |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11785 Posts |
Posted - 12 Sep 2025 : 05:05:27
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Abuse of Office: Unconstitutional Removal of the Auditor General!
By Ndey Jobarteh
President Barrow’s attempt at removing the Auditor General from office under the blatant disguise of a move to a Ministerial portfolio is ILLEGAL and UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
The 1997 Constitution is very clear:
Section 159: The Auditor General
159(1): There shall be an Auditor General of the public accounts of The Gambia who shall be appointed by the President after consultation with the Public Service Commission.
159(2): The Auditor General shall not be removed from office except for inability to perform the functions of his or her office (whether from infirmity of body or mind or any other cause) or for misbehavior, and shall not be removed save in accordance with the provisions of this section.
159(3): The Auditor General may be removed from office by the President only after the question of his or her removal has been referred to a tribunal appointed by the President and the tribunal has recommended his or her removal.
In addition to the above there is The National Audit Office Act, 2015 – Section 5(1): “The Auditor General shall hold office for a term not exceeding nine years and shall not be eligible for re-appointment.”
National Audit Office Act, 2015 – Section 5(6): “The Auditor General shall not be removed from office except for inability to perform the functions of his or her office, misbehaviour, or incompetence — and removal shall follow the procedures laid out under this Act.”
The Auditor General can only be removed for incapacity, incompetence or misbehavior.
Even then, as per the Act the President must set up an independent tribunal to investigate and recommend removal.
The President for what ever reason cannot remove the Auditor General at whim.
In bypassing due process, President Barrow has:
Violated the Constitution!!
Undermined the independence of the National Audit Office.
Attacked accountability and strengthened corruption.
This is not just bad Governance, this is abuse of power laced with total disregard for the Constitution and an Act of Parliament. We must collectively reject this blatant abuse of power and demand the reinstatement of the Auditor General in line with the Constitution.
Mr President, you cannot violate the Constitution and not risk impeachment.
Mr President these reckless actions are a recipe for impeachment. Actions have consequencies.
The Gambia National Assembly
Attorney General's Chambers & Ministry of Justice ,the Gambia
National Human Rights Commission, The Gambia
Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11785 Posts |
Posted - 15 Sep 2025 : 18:30:47
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Importance and Protection of Independent Bodies in Democracy: Risks and Challenges for The Gambia
By Madi Jobarteh
Independent bodies such as the Judiciary, electoral commissions, anti-corruption agencies, human rights commissions, procurement oversight bodies, and ombuds offices are critical pillars of democratic governance. They serve to uphold checks and balances, prevent abuse of power, safeguard citizens’ rights, ensure government accountability, and sustain public trust. In The Gambia, the removal of dictatorship and the ushering in of democratic dispensation in 2017 brought hope for strengthened institutions. However, that hope is fragile unless we protect these institutions from erosion, political interference, or capture.
The independent institutions of the country are the Judiciary, NAO, PURA, FSQA, GCCPC, IEC, Ombudsman, NCCE, FIU, GRA, GPPA, NHRC and the Information Commission, among others.
Independent bodies matter. They matter because they limit excessive concentration of power. They act as counterweights to the Executive and Legislature, ensuring that actions by those in power are subject to oversight. When independent bodies function properly, government actors can be held accountable for misconduct, corruption, neglect, or abuse of power. This helps deter wrongdoing and promotes good governance. Independent bodies are the guardians of civil and political rights such as freedom of expression, assembly, due process, fair trial, free and fair elections, non#8208;discrimination. Without independent bodies, rights are exposed to violation.
Citizens are more likely to respect laws, pay taxes, and participate in elections, if they believe institutions serve the public interest rather than private or political interests. Transitions to democracy are often fragile but independent institutions help ensure that democratic gains are not reversed or hollowed out over time.
Based on recent developments, there are several threats and obstacles to the independence of key democratic institutions of the country which must concern all citizens. For example, we have seen how through amendments, exemptions, or legal loopholes, the Executive and the Legislature reduce the oversight powers of institutions. We saw this happen last year when the National Assembly approved procurement exemptions granted to nine institutions, including the IEC.
While the Gambia has several independent bodies, it is sad to note that all of them are severely constrained by law in performing their functions more effectively. This is because the laws establishing these bodies usually deny them prosecutorial or enforcement powers or place them under the control and direction of ministers, among other barriers. Even when they are protected by law, the Executive willfully violates, interferes, or undermines them, including disregarding the recommendations of these independent bodies with impunity.
The current case of the National Audit Office is the new low. We know that the Executive does not only ignore and suppress audit reports but has now gone further to use force and violence to unconstitutionally remove the Auditor General. The health and security of public funds lie with the Auditor General. Hence anyone who interferes with, controls, directs or removes the Auditor General illegally, then such a person or authority is practically removing all the fences and breaking all the locks to public funds.
Independent bodies are not luxuries; they are foundational to democracy. Without their protection and strengthening, democratic gains can be reversed, and citizens’ rights compromised. Therefore, I call on all citizens, civil society organizations, and political parties as well as the media to be vigilant and stand up to demand the reinstatement of the Auditor General with immediate effect, and perpetrators punished severely.
Defend the Auditor General Modou Ceesay. This is a Coup. Stand against Executive Overreach!
For The Gambia Our Homeland |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11785 Posts |
Posted - 16 Sep 2025 : 14:34:10
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Auditor General Modou Ceesay has alleged that his recent promotion to Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment was a government tactic aimed at removing him from office.
Speaking to the media after consulting with his lawyer, Ceesay expressed disappointment over the government’s decision, which he described as a deliberate move to sideline him rather than a genuine elevation.
“We are quite disappointed. I think it has shown the intentions that were harbored that were not coming out clearly in the assertion that was being made that they wanted me to be promoted and take a higher position,” he said. “I think we have seen that they are not really interested in a promotion; rather, it was more of how do you get Modou Ceesay out of the office of the auditor general.”
Ceesay described the development as “unfortunate” for democracy, accountability, and the rule of law, warning that it undermines the independence of his office.
His removal has sparked growing concerns among observers about government interference in oversight institutions and the erosion of institutional checks and balances.
Source: Kerr Fatou |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11785 Posts |
Posted - 16 Sep 2025 : 15:02:29
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Halifa Sallah’s open letter to President Barrow on the issue of the Auditor General.
“Mr President, I have decided to write this open letter to you so that the whole nation will bear witness that those who should speak have spoken at the right time to prevent the integrity of our national institutions from being imperilled.
You would agree with me, without any fear of being accused of subduing to any predilection, that the president of a country whose government speaks the language of integrity must never conduct himself or herself in a manner which brings or is likely to bring his or her office into contempt or disrepute. This is a fundamental principle of good governance that entertains no prevarication.
Duty has now called for all Gambians to defend what is reasonable and justifiable in a democratic society and you should not be found wanting in providing the appropriate remedy in respect for the letter and spirit of the Constitution.
Mr President the Office of Auditor General provides the guards and fences to ensure that funds from the consolidated fund are withdrawn and spent in a lawful manner and that all public assets are properly managed and secured.
This is why Section 160 Subsection (7) of the Constitution asserts:
“In the exercise of his or her functions under this Constitution or any other law, the Auditor General shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority.”
The Office of Auditor General should be protected from the encroachment that happened on 15th September, 2025. What happened is unreasonable and unjustifiable in any democratic society.
Both the state and Mr Ceesay’s legal counsel have informed the public that he has been occupying the office of Auditor General based on integrity and competence. The state further asserts that he was appointed as minister because of his competence. The evidence that no one is disputing is that he has humbly declined the offer of appointment as minister.
Allow me to put the irrefutable facts in evidence.
Mr President, Section 158 of the Constitution states in subsection (3):
“Before assuming the functions of his or her office, the Auditor-General shall take and subscribe the prescribed oaths.”
According to your own terms and condition, Mr Ceesay has been appointed Auditor General. He has subscribed to the prescribed oath. He therefore remains in the office of Auditor General until he vacates the office as dictated by the Constitution.
The question now arises:
When does the Auditor General vacate his or her Office?
According to subsection (4),“Subject to the other provisions of this section, a person holding the office of Auditor-General shall vacate his or her office when he or she attains the compulsory retirement age or upon the termination of his or her appointment by the President.”
Furthermore, subsection (5) stipulates:
“A person holding the office of Auditor-General may be removed from office only for inability to perform the functions of his or her office (whether from infirmity of mind or body or from any other cause) or for misbehaviour or incompetence.
”Mr Ceesay has not reached retirement age.
His services has not been terminated by the President. He is not removed for misbehaviour or incompetence. In fact, because of his competence, he is appointed to the rank of Minister.
If he declines the offer before a swearing ceremony conducted to ensure assumption of office, the substantive holder who has not vacated his office to leave it vacant should remain in his post without any wrangling, unless there is another motive that is yet to be revealed”
Source: Foroyaa |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11785 Posts |
Posted - 16 Sep 2025 : 20:15:58
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The Gambia Bar Association (GBA) expresses deep concern regarding recent developments surrounding the forceful removal from office of the Auditor General, Mr. Momodou Ceesay.
On the 10th September 2025, a government press release announced the appointment of Mr. Ceesay as Minister of Trade, Industry, and Employment. A subsequent statement on 11th September 2025 indicated that Mr. Ceesay declined this appointment. In another release, the government announced Mr. Amadou Cherno Sowe’s appointment as Auditor General. On Monday, 15th September 2025, the police forcefully removed Mr. Ceesay from the premises of the National Audit Office (NAO).
In this case, in the absence of a letter of resignation from Mr. Ceesay or his lawful termination, the GBA is of the view that the position of Auditor General could not have been vacant for him to be replaced. So, the steps taken thus far in removing him from office, therefore, are not in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Constitution of The Gambia, 1997, and the National Audit Office Act, 2015. The purported appointment of another person to this officetherefore, is ill-advised, and the actions of security forces who physically extracted Mr. Ceesay from the NAO building, deeply troubling.
The GBA reminds that the Office of the Auditor General is established under section 158 of the 1997 Constitution, the Supreme law of the Land. Given the enormous responsibility of ensuring transparency, probity and accountability in the management of public finances, coupled with the need tosafeguard the absolute independence of the office, section 160(7) of the Constitution expressly provides that “in the exercise of his or her functions under this Constitution or any law, the Auditor General shall not be subject to the direction and control of any other person.”
Furthermore, while the President of the Republic is vested with the authority to appoint the Auditor General, the power to remove him/her is strictly circumscribed by law. Section 158(5) of the Constitution and section 16(4)(5)(6)(7) of the National Audit Office Act, 2015, prescribe the specific grounds and procedures for removal of the Auditor General from office. Any action outside the limits of this framework, therefore, is inconsistent with the Constitution and the National Audit Office Act and a violation of the Constitution. The manner of Mr. Ceesay’s removal from office and the uncompromising insistence on replacing him is viewed as the form of interference that the constitution and statute seek to expressly prevent. The public must have faith and confidence in this important oversight institution to discharge its functions independently and faithfully in accordance with its mandate as prescribed by the Constitution.
Any action by the Executive that interferes with its independence will diminish its ability to discharge its constitutionally mandated role.
Accordingly, the GBA unequivocally calls on the Executive to ensure compliance with the law and allow Mr. Ceesay to resume his work without delay, let or hindrance.
The GBA strongly urges that this matter be resolved with the extreme urgency it deserves, due to its seriousness, as well as the unintended consequences on the overall reputation of the State in combating corruption and promoting good governance.
Signed by the President of the Gambia Bar Association
https://www.kerrfatou.com/gambia-bar-association-expresses-deep-concern-regarding-the-forceful-removal-from-office-of-the-auditor-general-mr-momodou-ceesay/ |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Media Release: cabinet changes
