Africa-Press – Gambia. Ebrima Tabora Manneh, leader of People’s Alliance Party (PAP) has strongly condemned the removal of Auditor General Modou Ceesay.
Mr. Manneh the Secretary General of the party calls the removal a deliberate attempt to suppress financial misconduct reports revealed by the National Audit Office (NAO).
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Monday, Manneh described Ceesay as a “highly credible character” who has consistently resisted efforts to conceal corruption in government institutions. He expressed deep concern over the government’s actions, which he said directly undermine transparency and accountability.
“The Auditor General is not someone who would allow himself to be dragged into covering up corruption,” Manneh stated. “His removal is not just concerning, it is unlawful.”
Mr. Manneh pointed to the National Audit Act of 2015, which clearly stipulates that the Auditor General is to serve a fixed nine-year term and may only be removed for specific reasons, such as misbehaviour, incompetence, or inability to perform duties due to physical or mental infirmity.
“The law is very clear. His term is protected to ensure independence. The government has no legal ground for his removal unless those clear conditions are met, and from all indications, they are not,” he emphasized.
He further described Mr. Ceesay as a “national treasure,” a qualified, principled professional whose commitment to credible and reliable audits has become a cornerstone of financial accountability in the country.
The PAP leader believes Mr. Ceesay’s removal is part of a larger scheme to block the release of critical audit findings.
“We know that if Mr. Ceesay were allowed to publish the findings his office has uncovered, the public would become aware of serious mismanagement of public funds across several government entities,” he warned. “His removal appears to be an attempt to bury those revelations.”
Mr. Manneh urged Gambians to rally behind the ousted Auditor General and to resist what he termed an “illegal and politically motivated” dismissal. He reiterated his confidence in Mr. Ceesay’s integrity, stating that he has consistently stood firm in the face of political pressure.
“Modou Ceesay has always released his reports based on verified facts. I believe no one can influence him to hide the truth,” Manneh asserted.
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