Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Auditor General Modou Ceesay has formally denied the government’s claims surrounding his removal, asserting in a detailed reply before the Supreme Court that the decision to oust him was unlawful and executed without adherence to proper constitutional procedures. The case lists the Attorney general, the Inspector general of police, and the state as defendants.
Ceesay’s response, filed by his legal team at Dabanani Chambers, systematically rejects the assertions made in the government’s statement of case.
He denies any allegations that he acted improperly or was instructed to delay audits of key public institutions, including the National Food Security, Processing and Marketing Corporation (NFSPMC), the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Ministry of Lands.
He maintains that all audits continued independently and in accordance with the National Audit Office Act 2015 and the 1997 Constitution.
Central to the filing is Ceesay’s claim that his removal was carried out under direct instruction from the Executive. He states that police officers forcibly escorted him from his office on 18 September without providing any lawful justification.
He insists he neither consented to the removal nor voluntarily resigned from his constitutionally protected position.
Ceesay also refutes the government’s claim that he accepted an appointment as Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment. According to his filing, he was invited to State House on 10 September and handed a sealed appointment letter, which he declined both verbally and in writing the following day.
He emphasizes that his rejection was communicated through formal correspondence addressed to the Chief of Staff and the Minister for Presidential Affairs, followed by an official press release to inform the public and staff.
The reply notes that following his refusal, he was approached by senior government officials, including the President’s Chief of Staff, National Assembly member Alhagi Babou Ceesay, and Minister of Finance Seedy Keita, who attempted to persuade him to reconsider.
During these discussions, Minister Keita reportedly argued that similar redeployments had occurred in the past, citing the Central Bank Governor as an example, and encouraged Ceesay to reflect with patience.
Ceesay maintains that he gave no indication of accepting the role and repeatedly affirmed his intention to remain in office as Auditor General.
The filing further disputes claims that government officials had raised legitimate complaints about the audits conducted under his leadership. Ceesay states that, at all times, he reminded the President that the National Audit Office must operate “without fear or favor,” in accordance with constitutional and professional standards.
Ceesay’s legal team describes the government’s counterarguments as “frivolous” and emphasizes that the forced removal undermined the independence of the Auditor General’s office, a key constitutional safeguard.
The reply highlights procedural irregularities, repeated attempts to pressure him into accepting a ministerial role, and the unlawful eviction from his office, underscoring the importance of judicial oversight in upholding constitutional governance in The Gambia and protections for holders of independent offices.
The Supreme Court is expected to continue hearings in the matter, a case that could set a significant precedent regarding executive authority and the autonomy of oversight institutions in The Gambia.
