By: Nicholas Bass
The Gambia Bar Association (GBA) has expressed deep concern over the recent forceful removal of Auditor General Momodou Ceesay from office, describing the move as unconstitutional and unlawful.
In a strongly worded press statement issued on 16th September 2025, the GBA condemned the actions taken by the Executive, particularly the use of security forces to physically extract Mr. Ceesay from the National Audit Office (NAO) on Monday, 15th September.
According to the GBA, the government initially announced Mr. Ceesay’s appointment as Minister of Trade, Industry and Employment on 10th September, an offer he publicly declined the following day. Despite this, the government proceeded to appoint Mr. Amadou Cherno Sowe as the new Auditor General.
The GBA insists that without a letter of resignation or lawful termination, Mr. Ceesay’s position could not be considered vacant. The association cited Section 158 of the 1997 Constitution and the National Audit Office Act, 2015, which outline strict legal procedures for removal.
The Bar warned that interference in the work of the Auditor General undermines transparency and accountability, and risks damaging public trust in critical oversight institutions.
The GBA has called on the Executive to immediately reinstate Mr. Ceesay, and to resolve the matter urgently in accordance with the law.