The Gambia Bar Association (GBA) has strongly condemned the recent forceful removal of Auditor General Momodou Ceesay from his office, labeling the action as unconstitutional and a threat to the independence of the National Audit Office (NAO).
On September 10, 2025, a government press release announced Ceesay’s appointment as Minister of Trade, Industry, and Employment. However, Ceesay declined the position, as confirmed in a subsequent statement on September 11. Despite this, the government swiftly announced Amadou Cherno Sowe as the new Auditor General. On September 15, police forcibly removed Ceesay from the NAO premises, an action the GBA deems unlawful and deeply troubling.
The GBA argues that the Auditor General position could not be considered vacant without a resignation letter from Ceesay or a lawful termination. The association asserts that the government’s actions violate Section 158 of the 1997 Constitution and the National Audit Office Act of 2015, which outline strict procedures for removing the Auditor General. “The purported appointment of another person to this office is ill-advised,” the GBA stated, emphasizing that the forceful extraction of Ceesay undermines the rule of law.
The Office of the Auditor General, established under Section 158 of the Constitution, is tasked with ensuring transparency, accountability, and probity in the management of public finances. Section 160(7) protects the Auditor General from external direction or control, safeguarding the office’s independence. The GBA highlighted that the President’s authority to appoint the Auditor General is balanced by stringent legal limits on removal, as outlined in Section 158(5) of the Constitution and Sections 16(4)-(7) of the National Audit Office Act. Any deviation from these provisions constitutes a violation of the Constitution.
The GBA expressed alarm at the Executive’s actions, warning that such interference erodes public confidence in the NAO’s ability to fulfill its mandate. “The manner of Mr. Ceesay’s removal and the insistence on replacing him is the form of interference that the Constitution and statute seek to prevent,” the association noted. It stressed that the independence of the NAO is critical to combating corruption and promoting good governance, and any undermining of this institution risks damaging The Gambia’s reputation.
The GBA has called on the Executive to immediately comply with the law and allow Ceesay to resume his duties without obstruction. “This matter must be resolved with extreme urgency due to its seriousness and the unintended consequences on the State’s reputation,” the GBA urged, emphasizing the need to restore trust in the NAO.
The forceful removal of Ceesay has sparked widespread concern, with the GBA’s statement reflecting growing unease about the government’s commitment to constitutional principles. As the situation unfolds, the public and international community are closely watching how the Executive responds to these allegations of overreach and the broader implications for governance in The Gambia.
