By: Sainabou Sambou
The Supreme Court hearing into the controversial dismissal of former Auditor General Modou Ceesay intensified today as the state’s cross-examination of the plaintiff concluded, paving the way for two State House protocol officers to testify that Ceesay initially accepted his appointment as Minister of Trade.
Chief of Protocol Alhagie Ousman Ceesay and Protocol Officer Wuday Ceesay provided accounts that contradicted Modou Ceesay’s insistence that he had rejected the ministerial offer from the outset. The testimonies centered on events of September 10, 2025, when President Adama Barrow made several appointments, including reassigning ministers and naming Cherno Alieu Sowe as the new Auditor General.
Wrapping up her cross-examination, state counsel Ida Drammeh challenged Modou Ceesay on procedural matters, his communications with the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), and alleged presidential interference. Ceesay maintained that President Barrow repeatedly urged delays in sensitive audits—particularly those involving the National Food Security Processing and Marketing Corporation and Ministry of Lands—due to potential electoral impact. He denied seeking presidential support for routine audit issues, insisting that copies to the Office of the President were made only when matters directly affected it.
Drammeh suggested Ceesay accepted the Trade Minister position before later changing his mind. “No, I haven’t accepted the appointment,” Ceesay firmly responded, reiterating that after receiving the letter on September 10, he informed the president he would react and subsequently rejected it in writing.
The state then called its first witness, Alhagie Ousman Ceesay, who has served as Chief of Protocol since 2017. He recounted that he ushered three appointees into the president’s office that day: former Trade Minister Babucarr Joof (reassigned to Defense), Modou Ceesay, and Cherno Sowe.
Alhagie testified that after their meetings, President Barrow personally called him, stating, “Both of them accepted the appointments”—referring to Ceesay and Sowe—and authorized immediate press releases. He explained the standard procedure: appointment letters are only handed over after verbal acceptance during consultations with the president. “I am not aware of any instance where a letter is handed over before the acceptance,” he said, adding he had never witnessed presidential interference in audits.
Under cross-examination by plaintiff’s counsel Lamin J. Darboe, Alhagie conceded the envelope given to Ceesay was unsealed, but maintained that protocol dictates that prior discussion reveals content. He admitted learning of Ceesay’s rejection only via social media, despite Exhibit P2 (Ceesay’s rejection letter) being addressed through the Chief of Staff.
The second witness, Protocol Officer Wuday Ceesay, described a familial-like rapport with Modou Ceesay, whom she calls “brother.” She testified that after his presidential meeting, Ceesay emerged “happy” and smiling, telling her: “Sister, I’m appointed as Minister of Trade.” She responded with congratulations.
Darboe pressed on the “happy” description, asking if Ceesay was singing or dancing — drawing a firm “No” — and whether a photo captured the smile. “I’m not a photographer,” Wuday replied. Darboe accused her of imagining the conversation; she insisted it occurred. Questioned about personal land allocations, she denied receiving multiple state plots.
With no further questions, the witness was discharged. The five-member panel, led by Chief Justice Hassan Jallow, adjourned the hearing to the next court term, setting deadlines for written submissions and replies on legal points.
The case hinges on whether Ceesay’s removal was lawful, with implications for executive influence over independent institutions and audit transparency in The Gambia.
