President Adama Barrow has appointed Mr. Alieu Njie, the Secretary to Cabinet as the new Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service. He replaces Mrs Salimata E. Touray who has retired since October 2024.
In a similar development, President Barrow has appointed Mod K. Ceesay, Chief of Staff as Minister at the Presidency. The Gambian leader President Barrow also appointed Dr. Habibatou Drammeh as the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education and Mr. Lamin Jabbi as the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy.
Below is the press release:
President Barrow Appoints New Cabinet Members
State House, Banjul, 18th November 2024: The general public is hereby informed that His Excellency the President, acting under Section 71(1) of the Constitution, has created a new Ministerial portfolio within the office of the President. Alongside this role, the new Minister will also serve as the Chief of Staff to the President, a position now removed from the public service framework.
As Chief of Staff and Minister at the Presidency, the office holder will serve as a key adviser and administrator to the President, ensuring efficient coordination of presidential priorities, engagements, and functions. The Chief of Staff will ensure the President’s decisions are effectively implemented across all relevant ministries and departments. Additionally, the Minister will oversee the daily operations of the Office of the President and coordinate the work of presidential advisors, ensuring their recommendations align with the President’s agenda.
Accordingly, and acting under section 71(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency the President is pleased to appoint Mod K. Ceesay as Chief of Staff and Minister at the Presidency, effective from 18th of November 2024.
Additionally, in accordance with Section 71(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency the President has appointed Dr. Habibatou Drammeh as the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education and Mr. Lamin Jabbi as the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy.
Merging the Roles of Secretary to Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service
In a similar vein, His Excellency the President, acting under Section 80 of the Constitution, has decided to merge the roles of Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service with the Secretary to Cabinet.
This merger aims to enhance efficiency in fulfilling these traditionally separate roles. The Secretary to Cabinet guides policy development in Cabinet meetings, while the Head of the Civil Service ensures these policies are implemented across ministries and departments. Consolidating these roles with a single individual helps bridge gaps in understanding and ensures a smooth transition from policy to action. Furthermore, the decision is supported by the belief that having one person oversee both policy formulation at the Cabinet level and its execution in the civil service reduces bureaucracy and reinforces a stronger chain of accountability for delivering results.
Accordingly, and acting under Section 168(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency the President is pleased to appoint Alieu Njie as Secretary to Cabinet and Head of Civil Service, effective from 15th of November 2024.
