Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – Auditor General Modou Ceesay has turned down his appointment as Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, reaffirming his commitment to continue leading the National Audit Office (NAO).
In a statement issued Thursday, Ceesay confirmed that he had “officially responded and respectfully declined” the offer from the Office of the President. The announcement came just hours after President Adama Barrow’s minor cabinet reshuffle, which sought to bring new leadership into key ministries and oversight institutions.
Ceesay said his decision was guided by his dedication to serving as Auditor General, a constitutional role that places him at the center of public sector auditing and financial accountability.
He stressed his commitment to “diligently executing the functions conferred on him by the Constitution of The Gambia, to improve the lives of citizens through public sector auditing.”
He further appealed for support from stakeholders in strengthening the country’s public financial management system, describing collective efforts as crucial to achieving better transparency and accountability.
Ceesay’s stance stands out in Gambian politics, where offers of cabinet positions are rarely declined. His decision preserves the autonomy of the NAO and may bolster public confidence in the office’s role as a watchdog over state finances.
His refusal to move into the political sphere underscores the delicate balance between independent oversight and executive power in The Gambia. While his expertise in public finance would have been an asset in cabinet, his decision to remain at the NAO preserves the independence of the institution tasked with holding government spending to account.
The refusal adds a new twist to Barrow’s reshuffle, reframing it not only as a shake-up of personnel but also as a test of the resilience of The Gambia’s democratic institutions.
The development has further heightened public attention due to its significant implications on governance and institutional independence.
