His recent ascension to the position of Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment has been accused by Auditor General Modou Ceesay of being a government attempt to get him out of office.
After speaking with his attorney, Ceesay told the media that he was disappointed by the government’s choice, characterizing it as a calculated attempt to marginalize him rather than a true promotion.
“We are quite disappointed. I think it has shown the intentions that were harbored that were not coming out clearly in the assertion that was being made that they wanted me to be promoted and take a higher position,” he said. “I think we have seen that they are not really interested in a promotion; rather, it was more of how do you get Modou Ceesay out of the office of the auditor general.”
Ceesay warned that the development threatens the independence of his office and called it “unfortunate” for democracy, accountability, and the rule of law.
Concerns about government meddling in monitoring organizations and the weakening of institutional checks and balances have grown since his dismissal.
