By Buba Gagigo
President Adama Barrow has confirmed that the role of Chief of Staff has been removed from the Civil Service framework. The announcement was made during the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed ministers at the State House on Friday.
The Ministry of Information previously issued a press release stating that the President had relied on Section 71(1) of the Constitution to appoint Mr. Mod K. Ceesay as Chief of Staff and Minister at the Presidency.
This decision sparked discussions, with Foroyaa newspaper publishing an editorial questioning the dual role. The editorial noted that the Constitution explicitly states that a Minister cannot simultaneously serve as a civil servant in the public service.
Explaining the change, President Barrow said, “On behalf of Cabinet, I welcome all of them, beginning with Mr. Mod K. Ceesay, who now takes on the dual role of Chief of Staff and Minister at the Presidency. This newly created position, which removes the Chief of Staff from the civil service framework, is designed to ensure that the Office of the President operates with precision and efficiency,”
He described the Chief of Staff as his Chief Adviser and Coordinator of Presidential priorities, adding, “The arrangement is to guarantee that decisions taken at the level of the Executive are effectively implemented across all Ministries and Departments. Separating these functions from the civil service will reinforce the neutrality and professionalism of the public service, while creating a focused and functional, politically aligned advisory entity within the Presidency. Honourable Ceesay, congratulations on your new appointment,” he said.
The ceremony also included the swearing-in of Dr. Habibatou Drammeh as Minister of Basic and Secondary Education and Mr. Lamin Jabbi as Minister of Communication and Digital Economy. President Barrow praised their appointments, stating that their expertise and experience reflect his government’s commitment to education and digital transformation.
“Both of them bring along valuable expertise and experience to their roles. Their appointments reflect my government’s recognition of the critical importance of education and digital transformation in shaping the future of our nation,” the president said.
Additionally, President Barrow announced the merging of the roles of Secretary to Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service. He explained, “Consolidating the two functions under a single officeholder, aligns with current good practice within Commonwealth countries. The strategy is to eliminate duplication of responsibilities or conflicting lines of authority. Streamlining the functions of Secretary to Cabinet and Head of Civil Service will enable smoother transition from policy development at Cabinet level to policy implementation across the Ministries.”
He announced that Mr. Alieu Njie was appointed to oversee the combined role, stating, “I am confident in his ability to lead this critical office with the professionalism, dedication, and integrity required and, therefore, congratulate him warmly.”