Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, the Gambia)- Ambassador Ebrima Ceesay, former Secretary to Cabinet, appeared before the commission of inquiry to explain his involvement in government communications with the commission. This was his second time appearing before the commission, where he previously testified about his role in the dismissal of Mr. Alhaji Mamadi Kurang. During this appearance, Ceesay revealed that he was sent by the Secretary-General to KOTU Workshop to deliver a directive suspending the auction of former President Yahya Jammeh’s tractors. This raises questions about the involvement of the government in the auction and the possible reasons for the suspension.
According to Ceesay, Mr. Kurang’s refusal to follow the verbal instruction marked a moment of defiance. “He would not take verbal instructions,” the Ambassador confirmed. “That refusal prompted the Secretary-General to decide his dismissal immediately. It was a top-level directive.”
Documents presented in the inquiry, including a letter dated 3rd July 2018 signed by then Deputy Permanent Secretary, clearly warned Kurang to retract what were deemed “unwarranted insinuations” linking the Secretary-General to interference in the commission’s work. The letter left him with an ultimatum: comply or face termination.
Ambassador Ceesay’s testimony revealed the tension between the executive and the quasi-independent commission. “The commission had begun the auction despite Cabinet’s orders,” he said. “Kurang’s defiance challenged the executive, and that is why dismissal followed.”
Counsel Lamin Dibba probed whether civil servants must obey every directive. Ceesay explained that while public service regulations require obedience, actions must follow proper administrative chains. Kuran’s stand, though principled, collided with the authority of the Secretary-General acting on behalf of the president.
The testimony has intensified scrutiny over the balance between executive power and the independence of commissions, raising questions about administrative overreach and the consequences of defying presidential authority in Gambia.
The hearing continues, with the commission seeking further clarifications on procedural breaches and the circumstances surrounding Mr. Kurang’s dismissal.
