By: Alieu Ceesay
Newly elected Gambia Football Federation President Kemo Ceesay assumed administrative authority on Thursday morning after a handover ceremony at Football House, bringing Lamin Kaba Bajo’s 12-year presidency to a formal close.
Ceesay won the August 29 elective congress with 41 of 77 votes, ahead of Colonel Musa Jammeh and Sadibou Kamaso. He now begins a four-year term as the federation’s president.
The transfer of authority completed the transition from Bajo’s long tenure to Ceesay’s new administration. The incoming leadership takes office facing priorities that include infrastructure, grassroots development, women’s football and national team performance.
Outgoing President Bajo assured Ceesay’s team of his full support for the betterment of Gambian football. He wished the new executive good luck and encouraged them to pursue further development.
“We will not hesitate to render our support in any way that is required, even when we are not called upon. When we feel like sending a word or two in terms of advice or guidance, we have tuned into the category of senior citizens,” Bajo told the newly elected executives.
He also thanked the electoral committee for what he described as a job well done. “The success of Mr Kemo and his team is a success of Gambian football and stakeholders, and I am very interested to see their success,” he added.
Ceesay then made a declaration of acceptance, taking full responsibility for the federation’s affairs.
“I want to make this declaration that I, Kemo Ceesay, President-Elect of the Gambia Football Federation from 2026, hereby take over responsibility from outgoing President Mr Kaba Bajo as dictated by the GFF constitution. I promised stakeholders that from today I am in charge and responsible for all activities. In case anything goes wrong, I will take full charge and responsibility from today,” he said.
During the ceremony, Ceesay presented a certificate of appreciation to Bajo for his 12 years of service and for a democratic transfer of office.
The change of executives was described as a democratic handover. None of Ceesay’s election rivals were seen at the ceremony.
Ceesay, a former GFF finance director and club administrator, inherits a federation that has drawn both praise for growth in women’s football and infrastructure and scrutiny over outstanding challenges. Stakeholders will now watch whether the new president can convert his mandate into results on the pitch and at the grassroots.
