10/12/2025
MADI JOBARTEH CLAIMS APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF OF STAFF IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL
By Jankey Ceesay
Women’s rights activist Madi Jobarteh has questioned the legality of recent appointments made by President Adama Barrow, particularly the naming of Hon. Momodou K. Ceesay as Chief of Staff and Presidential Adviser.
In a Facebook post, Jobarteh argued that the positions of Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Presidential Adviser are not provided for in The Gambia’s Constitution and therefore cannot be created without the approval of the National Assembly.
He referenced Section 80 of the Constitution, which gives the President authority to establish public offices, but only through constitutional provisions or an act enacted by the National Assembly.
Jobarteh stressed that “the President cannot unilaterally create an office in the public service,” insisting that without parliamentary sanction, such positions and those holding them remain illegal.
He further urged the Minister of Justice to give proper legal guidance to the President on matters relating to the Constitution, concluding with his familiar phrase, “For The Gambia, Our Homeland.”