By: Binta Jaiteh
Tensions flared on Monday at the National Audit Office (NAO) after dozens of officers from the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) stormed the premises in what appeared to be an attempt to forcibly remove Auditor General, Momodou Ceesay, from office.
The incident follows Ceesay’s rejection of his appointment as Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, a position he says he never accepted.
Speaking to journalists before the PIU entered the building, Auditor General Ceesay expressed deep concern about the government’s actions, noting that he had been informed of a heavy police presence around the office.
“I came to do my work as assigned. We are law-abiding citizens, and we will continue to operate within the bounds of our mandate and the law,” he said.
Ceesay clarified that, contrary to claims made by the Minister of Information, he had neither verbally nor in writing accepted any ministerial appointment.
“We respect the authorities. I do not recall having any confrontation with the President. I thank him for the appointment, but respectfully decline. My services are better utilized in my current role,” he affirmed.
The Auditor General further stressed that no formal removal procedure had been initiated against him and reminded the public that the Constitution of The Gambia clearly outlines the conditions under which the Auditor General can be removed from office.
“The independence of audit institutions is a cornerstone of accountability and good governance. It is enshrined and safeguarded in the Constitution as a key element of democratic institutions. Attempts to undermine that independence are deeply concerning,” he added.
Meanwhile, prominent environmental activist Kemo Fatty condemned the government’s actions, warning of serious consequences for constitutional order and national unity.
“Declining a ministerial position should not give the President grounds to forcibly remove the Auditor General. Are Gambians not watching? If the AG does not return to office, then President Barrow must prepare to leave State House,” Fatty declared.
“If blood must be spilled for this country to move forward, then let it be ours. If the government wants blood, let them sharpen their knives,” he added defiantly.
The unfolding situation at the NAO has sparked a wave of public outrage and renewed calls from civil society for the protection of independent constitutional offices from political interference.
