Hon. MC Cham Jr., Business Councillor at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), has condemned the removal of the Auditor General of The Gambia, describing the move as unconstitutional and a dangerous attack on the independence of the country’s national institutions.
In a statement shared with JollofNews, Cham cited Section 158(4) of the 1997 Constitution, which provides that: “The Auditor-General may be removed from office by the President only for inability to perform the functions of his or her office… or for misconduct, and shall not be removed except in accordance with the provisions of this section.”
“This means the Auditor General cannot be removed at will,” Cham said. “Any removal must follow due process, including referral to a tribunal, as provided in the Constitution. To force him out of office without this procedure is unconstitutional, unlawful, and unacceptable.”
Cham stressed that the Auditor General plays a vital role in promoting transparency and accountability in public finances. He warned that undermining the office threatens democracy itself.
“The independence of the National Audit Office must be protected at all costs,” he added. “Undermining it is a threat to transparency, accountability, and the principles of good governance.”
Cham called on the Government to reverse what he described as “an unconstitutional act” and to respect the safeguards designed to protect oversight institutions.
“Respect for the Constitution is non-negotiable,” he said. “Protecting the integrity of our national institutions is a duty owed to all Gambians.”
