The Gambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (GICA) has issued a strong statement condemning the forceful removal of Auditor General Modou Ceesay from his office at the National Audit Office (NAO) on September 15, 2025, by personnel of the Gambia Police Force. The incident has sparked widespread concern about the NAO’s independence and critical role in the nation’s governance and accountability framework.
GICA, a statutory body established under the Financial Reporting Act of 2013, is tasked with promoting the accountancy profession, advocating for high ethical standards, and protecting public interest. In its statement, the Institute expressed “utter shock and consternation” at the manner of Ceesay’s removal, describing it as a serious breach of protocol and a threat to the integrity of the NAO.
The controversy began with a press release from the State House on September 10, 2025, announcing that President Adama Barrow had appointed Ceesay as Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment. However, Ceesay promptly declined the appointment in a statement issued on September 11, reaffirming his commitment to his role as Auditor General. GICA emphasized that Ceesay neither resigned from his position nor was his service officially terminated by the President at the time of the incident.
As enshrined in The Gambia’s Constitution and the National Audit Office Act of 2015, the Auditor General’s office is pivotal in ensuring transparency and accountability in public financial management. The NAO’s audit reports are relied upon by the government, donor partners, and stakeholders to make informed decisions for national development. GICA underscored that the NAO’s independence is “sacrosanct” for the effective discharge of its duties and for maintaining public confidence in the integrity of the audit process.
The forceful removal of Ceesay, who remains the substantive Auditor General, has raised alarm about potential reputational damage to the NAO. GICA warned that such actions undermine the institution’s credibility and could erode trust in its ability to deliver impartial and accurate audit reports. The Institute called on the government to resolve the matter “amicably and prudently” to safeguard the NAO’s independence and restore public confidence.
GICA reiterated that, as Ceesay has neither resigned nor been officially removed, he should be allowed to continue executing his constitutional duties. The Institute urged all stakeholders to respect the legal and ethical frameworks governing the NAO, emphasizing that any disruption to its leadership could have far-reaching implications for governance and accountability in The Gambia.
