President Adama Barrow has announced pivotal changes to his Cabinet, including the creation of a new ministerial portfolio and a strategic merger of key civil service roles on Monday, 18 November 2024.
President Barrow has established a new ministerial position within the Office of the President. The new role merges the duties of Chief of Staff and Minister at the Presidency, emphasizing enhanced coordination of presidential engagements and decision-making.
The President appointed Mod K. Ceesay to this dual role, effective November 18, 2024. As Chief of Staff and Minister at the Presidency, Mr. Ceesay will oversee daily operations, synchronize the work of presidential advisors, and ensure that the President’s agenda is effectively implemented across all government ministries and departments.
In addition to the new portfolio, two other significant appointments were made.
Dr. Habibatou Drammeh has been appointed as the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, tasked with steering the nation’s educational reforms. Dr. Habibatou Drammeh is an accomplished academic, administrator, researcher, and consultant with extensive experience in higher education and management. She currently serves as the Director of Student Affairs and Alumni at the University of The Gambia and oversees the Directorate of Planning and Quality Assurance.
She has held leadership roles, including Head of the Management Sciences Department and Administrative Coordinator for the MBA program. Dr. Drammeh is also a seasoned lecturer in Business, Management, and Finance, a trainer, project manager, and a fellow of the UNCTAD Virtual Institute.
Her academic qualifications include a PhD in Public Administration from the University of The Gambia and an International MBA from National Chengchi University, Taiwan.
Mr. Lamin Jabbi now assumes the role of Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, positioning The Gambia to leverage technological advancements for economic growth.
Both appointments, also effective from November 18, 2024, aim to drive transformative change in their respective sectors.
President Barrow has merged the roles of Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service with the Secretary to Cabinet. This restructuring under Section 80 and Section 168(1) of the Constitution consolidates leadership responsibilities, bridging the gap between policy formulation and implementation.
Alieu Njie has been appointed as the Secretary to Cabinet and Head of Civil Service, effective November 15, 2024. This move is expected to reduce bureaucracy and enhance the effectiveness of government operations.
These appointments come four months after significant changes in the Cabinet. On July 12, 2024, Haddy Jatou Sey, then Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, resigned citing personal reasons. On the same day, Ousman Bah, the first-ever Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, was relieved of his duties.
