In a powerful statement issued on Wednesday, the Right Honourable Helen Clark, the Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and ex-UNDP Administrator and FINTOSAI-Donor Cooperation Goodwill Ambassador for Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) Independence, expressed deep concern over recent developments threatening the independence of the Office of the Auditor General in the Gambia. The statement follows a controversial removal of Auditor General Momodou Ceesay from his position, raising alarms about the state of democratic accountability in the country.
Clark highlighted the professionalism of the Gambian Office of the Auditor General under Ceesay’s leadership, commending its commitment to upholding good governance and accountability. She noted that Ceesay recently declined an offer to join the Cabinet, choosing instead to remain in his constitutional role as Auditor General. However, in a shocking turn of events, police forcibly entered the premises of the Audit Institution to remove Ceesay from office, an action Clark described as “unilateral” and seemingly in violation of constitutional and legal protocols.
According to Clark, the Gambian Constitution outlines a straightforward process for the removal of the Auditor General, which includes the establishment of an independent tribunal. The forceful intervention by police appears to bypass these legal safeguards, raising serious concerns about the erosion of institutional independence. “This unilateral removal process is not just shocking; it appears to be in stark contrast with the constitutional and legal provisions,” Clark stated.
The independence of Supreme Audit Institutions, such as the Office of the Auditor General, is a cornerstone of democratic societies. These institutions ensure transparency and accountability by independently auditing public finances and government operations. Clark emphasized that threats to SAI independence must not be ignored, stating, “The Independence of an Auditor General and its office is a critical element of any democratic society as it contributes to upholding the principles of good governance and accountability.”
As the INTOSAI-Donor Cooperation Goodwill Ambassador, Clark reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for the protection of audit institutions worldwide. “Audit offices must be able to perform their mandate without undue interference,” she declared, calling on global stakeholders to remain vigilant in safeguarding SAI independence. Her statement aligns with international standards promoted by the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) and the United Nations, which emphasize the need for independent and robust audit institutions.
The controversy surrounding Ceesay’s removal is now headed to the courts of the Gambia, where Clark expressed hope that the rule of law will prevail. “I sincerely hope that the democratic principles of the rule of law will be upheld and that the independence of the Auditor General will be safeguarded,” she said.
