Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has defended President Adama Barrow’s record on transparency and accountability, arguing that no previous government in The Gambia has implemented comparable reforms or demonstrated similar openness.
Dr. Ceesay said the Barrow administration has taken what he described as unprecedented steps to strengthen public accountability, combat corruption, and subject government institutions to public scrutiny.
“What President Barrow’s government has done in terms of transparency and accountability, no government has ever done,” he said.
Dr. Ceesay cited nationwide civil service audits carried out across ministries and public institutions, which resulted in the identification and suspension of unverified personnel from the government payroll. He said the exercise was intended to eliminate irregularities and ensure responsible use of public funds.
He also pointed to reforms aimed at strengthening oversight bodies, particularly the National Audit Office, which he said now operates with greater independence and regularly publishes reports on government expenditure.
The minister further highlighted legislative reforms introduced since 2017, including changes to procurement and public finance laws, which he said were designed to improve transparency and reduce corruption in public contracting.
On access to information, Dr. Ceesay referenced the establishment of the Access to Information Commission, describing it as a major milestone in safeguarding citizens’ right to obtain information from public institutions.
Addressing criticism of the government, he maintained that the Barrow administration has demonstrated greater tolerance for dissent and public scrutiny than previous governments.
“This government allows criticism. People speak freely, journalists operate, and the government responds,” he said.
While acknowledging that challenges remain, Dr. Ceesay insisted that the systems and institutions introduced under President Barrow represent a fundamental shift in governance and accountability in The Gambia.
His remarks come amid ongoing public debate over corruption, governance reforms, and the performance of state institutions, with civil society organizations and opposition figures continuing to press for stronger enforcement of accountability measures.
