Former Barrow Chief of Staff, Mr. Mod K. Ceesay has rejected a series of allegations relating to appointments, financial impropriety, and workplace conduct during his time in office, describing the claims as either false or opinionated.
In a written response to JollofNews, Mr. Ceesay addressed accusations that he blocked the appointment of one Mr. Jagne in order to secure the position for a relative. He claims he had no authority over the process. “The CPCU Coordinator position is a Public Service Commission appointment handled by the Head of Service through the Office of the President and the PSC”, he said. “I cannot block or appoint anybody to the position,” he added.
Mr. Ceesay also, denied allegations he may have accepted money from investors to the Office of the First Lady. “I’ve no knowledge of such allegations. They are “absolutely false.”
Responding to reports that he benefitted from a foreign investor in the form of boreholes Mr. Ceesay again, rejected the claim. He denied that an investor drilled any boreholes on his behalf. “I personally drilled, and paid for a single borehole”, he asserts.
He also, denied allegations of nepotism. Mod Ceesay denied that Pa Matarr Ceesay, current Permanent Secretary at the Interior Ministry who was earlier promoted to Permanent Secretary at Works & Infrastructure, is his cousin or relative, and he promoted Ceesay over more qualified, more competent and experienced candidates.
He said Pa Matarr Ceesay previously served as Director of Technical Services under him in 2020, and described him as a highly competent engineer. Mr. Ceesay added that he played no role in Pa Matarr’s promotion or that of one Madam (name withheld) to Deputy Permanent Secretary, noting that senior Civil Service promotions are managed by the Head of Service, the PSC, and the Office of the President. Despite his high profile position, and multiple allegations of weaponizing his lost glory, Mod K. Ceesay claims he had no influence whatsoever.
Reacting to allegations that he created a hostile work environment, engaged in dubious behaviour, and created factions at the Presidency, Ceesay said the claims reflected personal opinions. “That is an opinion that I disagree with,” he said.
Ever since his demotion as President Adama Barrow’s once powerful Chief of Staff, damning allegations have been trending across media networks accusing Ceesay of various things related to his conduct and relations with colleagues including, weaponing his position and leaving behind a divided and hostile work environment at The Office of The President.
This prompted JollofNews acting in line with journalistic standards of fairness to seek his response reproduced herein for readers to assess his position on the claims made about his tenure.
