Economist and author Musa Bassadi Jawara has addressed an open letter to President Adama Barrow, urging him to rescind his decision to re-deploy auditor general Modou Ceesay.
Below is the full text of the letter:
Musa Bassadi Jawara
Bintou’s Point Lamin Kerewan
September 13, 2025
The President of The Gambia
State House
Banjul, The Gambia
Dear President Barrow,
I hope this letter finds you well. As someone who has written extensively on issues of national interest, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the redeployment of the Auditor General, Mr. Modou Ceesay, to the position of Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment.
As the Commander-in-Chief of the Gambian Armed Forces, custodian of the Constitution, and the leader tasked with overseeing the general well-being of the Gambian people, your office holds immense responsibility. I renew my allegiance and total support to you in this noble endeavor and pray for your good health and mental acuity in discharging your presidential functions.
Recently, I published my memoir, “From Village Life in the Gambia to Global Views in Washington, DC, and Beyond,” which documents issues of governance in quite some detail. Given this context, I would like to bring to your attention my concerns regarding Mr. Ceesay’s redeployment.
As you may recall, your national address regarding the assets of former President Yahya Jammeh was a significant development, following the protests by Gambian youths under the banner of GALA – Gambians Against Looted Assets. In your address, you directed the National Assembly’s committee and the National Audit Office to conduct their findings and assured the public that anyone found culpable would face the law. This move was widely welcomed by the Gambian people.
While the elevation of an individual can represent growth and advancement, I am perplexed by Mr. Ceesay’s reported refusal to accept the ministerial position. Mr. Ceesay’s decision to decline the ministerial position is a rare display of integrity and commitment to public service, demonstrating his dedication to his role as Auditor General. As he has publicly stated, he intends to continue serving in his current capacity.
Redeploying the head of the Audit Office, Mr. Ceesay, at this critical juncture may interfere with the process and potentially dilute the efficacy, veracity, and integrity of the report. A new Auditor General may not be familiar with the intricacies of the investigation, which could lead to delays and undermine the progress made so far.
I urge you to consider the potential implications of this redeployment on the investigation’s progress and outcome. Given the significance of this matter, I respectfully request that you rescind your decision and allow Mr. Ceesay to complete his functions as Auditor General, ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of the investigation.
As Mr. Ceesay has emphasized, he will continue to discharge his duties as Auditor General, upholding the principles of transparency and accountability. I humbly request that his position and human rights be respected and protected, and that he not be subjected to any undue pressure or coercion.
As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “The time is always right to do what is right.” I urge you to use your good offices to do the right thing in this matter and prioritize the integrity of the process.
Sincerely,
Musa Jawara
