By: Alieu Ceesay
Gambia Football Federation stakeholders elected Kemo Ceesay president, ending Lamin Kaba Bajo’s 12-year tenure and giving Ceesay a four-year mandate to lead the country’s football administration.
Ceesay won 41 of 77 ballots cast. Conel Musa Drammeh finished second with 24 votes, while Sadibou Kamasa received 12. After the result was announced, Ceesay invited his rivals onto the podium and appealed for collective work to develop Gambian football.
In a sideline interview, the new president said decentralization would be a priority. He criticized the current regional structure and said the federation plans a regional headquarters in Jara Soma to monitor and coordinate programs closer to communities. “At the regional structure, the way they are is not what we want, so decentralization needs to be improved,” Ceesay said. “That’s a key part of our manifesto.”
His campaign emphasized regional development and support for regional representatives. He also pledged stronger backing for women’s football, players with disabilities and grassroots programs.
Ceesay used his acceptance remarks to stress unity and to appeal to CAF and FIFA. He said the GFF currently draws only 8 percent of its funding from the two bodies and needs continued help to raise the domestic league to professional standards. “To CAF and FIFA, the Gambia Football Federation cannot operate without your support,” he said. “We expect continued assistance to help Gambia reach higher.”
CAF Second Vice President Kurt E.S. Okraku, who is also president of the Ghana Football Federation, offered immediate reassurance. “To President Kemo and the rest of the team, CAF is with you,” he said.
Drammeh described the election as “fair and transparent” and said he would remain involved in football administration, adding that leadership in the game is not the only path to contribution.
Outgoing president Bajo called his 12 years “successful,” citing staff capacity-building, gains in women’s football and infrastructure, while acknowledging some initiatives had been controversial. He thanked development partners and investors, saying progress required a favorable environment as well as the federation’s effort.
Several executive posts were uncontested. Muhammed Momodou Jagana becomes first vice president, Bakary Bojang second vice president and Demba Conateh third vice president. Assan Cham returns as referee representative on the executive committee.
Ceesay now faces the task of turning campaign promises on regional structures, inclusion and league professionalization into results while holding together a divided electorate.
