Editorial: The Extravagant Travels of Former Auditor General Momodou Ceesay

JarraNewsTV Editorial: When the Auditor Becomes the Question — The Extravagant Travels of Former Auditor General Momodou Ceesay

In a country where every dalasi matters, the office entrusted with protecting the nation’s finances must be beyond reproach. That is why the newly surfaced travel chart linked to Momodou Ceesay, the former Auditor General of The Gambia, has sparked deep public concern and a wave of whistleblower-level scrutiny.

The data shows a startling pattern: near-continuous foreign trips, long hotel stays, high per diems, and an eagerness to attend every conference, workshop, or international gathering available. For a civil servant, the lifestyle appears more like that of a diplomat or a jet-setting executive than the head of a national oversight institution.

But the real issue is bigger than travel.

It is about trust.

The Office of the Auditor General holds the highest responsibility in uncovering financial mismanagement across government institutions. It is the watchdog—the one body expected to remain disciplined, frugal, and focused on the public interest.

Yet, the irony here is impossible to ignore:

No one audits the Office of the Auditor General.

The institution responsible for scrutinizing others has no internal or external mechanism that routinely scrutinizes its own spending. So when the Auditor General himself is seen engaging in frequent, costly international trips, the public’s confidence naturally collapses. If the watchdog is left unchecked, who then ensures accountability within the most critical accountability office in the country?

The emergence of this travel pattern also raises broader questions about Ceesay’s recent refusal of a ministerial appointment. A minister’s life is heavily domestic, tightly monitored, and subject to political and public scrutiny. It does not offer the same level of unrestricted international mobility, allowances, and luxury that these records suggest he grew accustomed to.

Was this globe-trotting lifestyle too comfortable to abandon?

While JarraNewsTV does not claim wrongdoing, the red flags are too obvious to ignore. At a time when The Gambia urgently needs strong financial guardianship, this situation reveals a deeper systemic weakness: a watchdog without a watcher.

If the Office of the Auditor General is allowed to operate without oversight, then national accountability itself stands on fragile ground.

JarraNewsTV will continue to follow this story as more details emerge.

MADI Accuses ECOWAS Commission President of Abuse of Office, Warns of Diplomatic Fallout

A Nigerian civil society organisation has levelled serious allegations against the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, in a development that may add new strain to relations between Nigeria and The Gambia.

In a statement released in Abuja, the Make A Difference Initiative (MADI) accused Dr. Touray of overstepping his authority by withdrawing powers earlier delegated to the Nigerian ECOWAS Commissioner for Internal Services, Professor Nazifi Abdullahi Darma. The group says the decision was made on the grounds of alleged insubordination but without regard for the disciplinary procedures laid out in the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol.

According to Articles 18 and 19 of the protocol, only the ECOWAS Council of Ministers—not the Commission President—has the power to discipline Commissioners. Professor Darma has since taken the matter before the ECOWAS Court of Justice, where the legality of the President’s action will be contested.

Concerns Over Representation and Balance of Power

MADI further claimed that Dr. Touray attempted to allocate Commissioner-level duties to a Gambian national appointed from his office. Such a move, the group argues, would effectively give The Gambia two Commissioner positions, contradicting the ECOWAS principle of fair geopolitical representation.

The organisation expressed fears that this could fuel perceptions of preferential treatment towards The Gambia and erode the goodwill between Abuja and Banjul. Nigeria currently contributes close to 90 percent of ECOWAS’s financial and logistical resources, making it a major stakeholder in the bloc’s governance.

Beyond the immediate dispute, MADI warned of what it called a “growing concentration of power” at the Commission’s top level. Both the Commission President and the Director of Cabinet—considered one of the most strategically important offices—are Gambian nationals. The group said this pattern, coupled with heightened political tensions across West Africa and the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the bloc, could weaken the institution’s stability and international credibility.

Call for Gambian Government Action

In a direct message to Banjul, the organisation urged the Gambian government to step in and ensure that the matter does not escalate further.

“It may be necessary to rein in or, if required, recall Dr. Touray to protect its reputation, preserve bilateral goodwill and uphold the integrity of ECOWAS,” MADI stated.

The civil society body outlined six key demands, including the withdrawal of the memo issued against Commissioner Darma, restoration of his delegated powers, a halt to what it described as interference in the judicial process, and a broader review of governance practices within the Commission.

“ECOWAS cannot demand constitutional order from member states while violating constitutional order within its own leadership structure,” the group cautioned.

Issue Expected at December ECOWAS Meetings

According to reports by The Authority newspaper, the dispute is expected to feature prominently during the upcoming ECOWAS ministerial meetings scheduled for December in Abuja.

As of the time of publication, Dr. Touray has not issued a response to the allegations.

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GRTS Welcomes AUB Delegation as Plans for 2026 Continental Gathering Intensify

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter, Banjul

A high-level delegation from the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), led by its Director General, Mr. Gregoire Ndjaka, is currently in The Gambia as guests of the Gambia Radio and Television Service (GRTS).

Mr. Ndjaka is accompanied by Ms. Rokehya Ndiaye, the AUB’s Head of Member Relations. The visiting team is in the country to engage government officials and the GRTS leadership on preparations for the 2026 AUB General Assembly, scheduled to take place in Banjul.

During their mission, the delegation held a series of consultative meetings with the Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services. They also met with GRTS Director General, Mr. Abdoulie Sey, and senior management of the national broadcaster to review initial planning requirements for the continental gathering.

As part of their assessment, the team conducted site visits to key hospitality and conference facilities, including the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo. They later held discussions with members of the GRTS Board of Directors, represented by Vice Chair Mr. Kemo Conteh.

The 2026 General Assembly will mark the first time The Gambia hosts an AUB event—an important milestone that underscores GRTS’s efforts to strengthen its visibility within Africa’s broadcasting landscape.

Background on the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB)

Established in the early 1960s under its former name URTNA, the African Union of Broadcasting is the continent’s principal professional body for national radio and television organisations. It was restructured and renamed AUB in 2006 to adapt to modern broadcasting needs and expand cooperation across African media houses.

AUB works to promote collaboration among broadcasters, facilitate content exchange, negotiate affordable satellite transmission rates, and support training and professional development across the sector. It also represents African broadcasters in international forums and plays a key role in advocating for media rights, technological advancement, and fair access to global broadcast opportunities.Today, the organisation brings together public and private broadcasters from across Africa, united by the mission of strengthening the continent’s media landscape and projecting a more authentic African narrative to global audiences.

Disability Act Now Fully Enforced: Public Warned of Fines and Jail Terms

By Madi S. Njie — Jarra News TV Staff Reporter

Government officials and disability advocates have launched regional sensitisation sessions to push for full enforcement of The Gambia’s Persons with Disabilities Act, 2021.

Key Points:

Sensitisation began on 13–14 November at the GOVI Resource Centre in Kanifing and in Brikama; other regions follow on 17 November.

Advisory Council Chair and visually impaired magistrate, His Worship Muhammed Krubally, calls for strict compliance.

Principal Social Welfare Officer Modou Suwareh says full enforcement began after the Act’s transition period ended in 2023/24.

Penalties include D50,000 fines or six months’ imprisonment for individuals, and D100,000 for institutions.

Only 3% of persons with disabilities complete basic or secondary education; a national disability survey is scheduled for 2026.

Notable achievements include a D4 million annual disability fund, grants to OPDs, refurbishment of the Advisory Council Secretariat, and free rehabilitation services and assistive devices.

A new rehabilitation facility is set to open in Bwiam by January.

Officials reaffirm that the Act aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and urge citizens to report violations.

STATE MOVES TO STRIKE OUT EX-AUDITOR GENERAL’S REPLY IN SUPREME COURT SHOWDOWN

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter, Banjul

The State, represented by the Solicitor General and Legal Secretary, has filed a strong objection before the Supreme Court seeking to strike out the reply submitted by former Auditor General Modou Ceesay in his ongoing constitutional suit.

Mr. Ceesay is challenging what he describes as his forceful removal from office, naming the Attorney General, the Inspector General of Police, and Cherno Alieu Sowe as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd defendants, respectively.

In a “Brief of Argument on Notice of Objection” dated 12 November 2025, counsel for the 1st and 2nd defendants asked the Supreme Court to strike out parts—or the entirety—of Mr. Ceesay’s “Reply to Defendants’ Statement of Case,” arguing it is procedurally defective and substantively improper.

Four Grounds of Objection

The State’s objection rests on four principal arguments:

1. No Provision Exists for Filing a Reply

The Solicitor General argued that the Supreme Court Rules do not provide for a plaintiff to file a reply to a defendant’s statement of case. He noted that such a document is unnecessary and improperly introduces matters not relevant to the constitutional issues before the court.

2. Lack of Mandatory Verification

The Solicitor General submitted that Mr. Ceesay’s reply is incompetent because it was not verified by an affidavit, contrary to Rules 46(2)(a) and 46(2)(b) of the Supreme Court Rules. He stressed that any statement of case lacking verification cannot serve as evidence or be relied upon during trial.

3. Introduction of New and Irrelevant Issues

The State further contended that the reply improperly introduces new issues and attaches annexures—such as an audit report—that are unnecessary for resolving the constitutional questions raised in the suit. This, according to the Solicitor General, risks complicating matters before the court.

4. Paragraph 19 Described as Unclear and Irrelevant

Particular concern was raised regarding Paragraph 19 of the reply, which spans nearly two pages. The Solicitor General described the paragraph as unclear, irrelevant, and difficult to respond to, urging the court to strike it out.

State’s Prayer Before the Court

The Solicitor General urged the Supreme Court to strike out the entire reply for failing to comply with procedural requirements.

Alternatively, should the court choose to strike out only Paragraph 19 and order an amendment, the State requested leave to file a rejoinder responding to any amended portions of the document.

The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the objection in due course as the high-stakes constitutional battle continues.

Editor’s Note:
The Gambia operates a procedural legal system in which strict adherence to court rules is essential. All filings—including statements of case, replies, and supporting evidence—must comply with established procedures to ensure fairness, clarity, and efficient determination of matters before the courts. Documents that are not properly verified or filed in accordance with the rules may be struck out, and in some instances, entire cases can be dismissed for procedural irregularities. Proper procedure remains a cornerstone of the justice system and a safeguard for the integrity of judicial proceedings.

Disability Stakeholders Review Enforcement of 2021 Act

By Madi S. Njie, Banjul

A nationwide push to strengthen the enforcement of The Gambia’s Persons with Disabilities Act, 2021 continued on Thursday as representatives of disability organisations and government institutions convened at the GOVI Resource Centre in Kanifing.

The forum, organised by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare in partnership with the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities (NACPWD), served as a platform to brief stakeholders on progress made since the law came into effect and to address persistent gaps in service delivery and inclusion.

Government Reports Gains on Implementation

Delivering remarks on behalf of the Ministry, Principal Social Welfare Officer Modou Suwareh said enforcement efforts have gathered momentum in recent years. Key milestones, he noted, include the formal gazetting of the Act in 2023, the establishment of NACPWD chaired by His Worship Muhammed Krubally, and the refurbishment of a permanent Secretariat in Banjul, which is set for inauguration on Saturday.

Mr. Suwareh further disclosed that D4 million was disbursed last year to ten organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), the Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD), and the Advisory Council through the newly created Disability Fund. A similar amount has already been approved for 2025.

“We want to support every organisation, but with limited resources, priority will be given to groups that did not benefit last year,” he explained.

The Ministry is also working with Stand (formerly Start4Africa) to rehabilitate the National Rehabilitation Centre and plans to open a new rehabilitation unit at Bansang Hospital in January 2026.

Legal Reforms Strengthening Inclusion

Representing the Ministry of Justice, Senior State Counsel Fatoumatta Drammeh applauded the progress made so far, recalling that the Disability Act followed The Gambia’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2016.

“This legislation was overdue,” she said. “It ensures equal opportunity and full participation of persons with disabilities in the national development process.”

Counsel Drammeh highlighted that the Act guarantees access to employment, infrastructure, and public services, while also outlining penalties for rights violations. She encouraged disability organisations to maintain constructive engagement with state institutions to ensure that the law delivers on its promise.

Call for Stronger Collaboration

Chairman of NACPWD, His Worship Muhammed Krubally, underscored the importance of government–civil society partnership in realising an inclusive society.

Mr. Krubally—also The Gambia’s only visually impaired magistrate—urged continued advocacy for adequate resources, technical support, and coordinated policy execution.

Education, Data and Rehabilitation Highlighted

Moderating the session, GFD Acting Executive Director Sainey Camara said that education and economic empowerment remain major setbacks, with only about three percent of persons with disabilities completing basic education.

He announced that The Gambia will conduct its first national disability survey since 1998 in 2026, supported by the World Bank. The new data is expected to guide planning and tailored interventions across all sectors.

Mr. Camara also outlined the four pillars of rehabilitation—economic empowerment, personal independence, assistive devices, and social inclusion—stressing that accessibility to infrastructure and communication remains a decisive factor in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Regional Outreach Continues

Organisers confirmed that similar forums will be hosted in Brikama, before moving on to other regions across the country as part of a nationwide sensitisation drive on the Act.

Photo Credits

Photos by Mutarr Jarju (OSDIV) and Muhammed Jallow (NUDY).