Claudina Cole, Queen Jammeh And Siaka Sonko
By Buba Gagigo
In a significant Cabinet shake-up, both Lamin Queen Jammeh, Minister of Information, and Claidiana Cole, Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, failed to retain their positions on Friday.
According to the State House, Honourable Lamin S.I. Jammeh, Minister of Information, has been relieved of his Cabinet appointment. Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, a Political Science Lecturer at The University of The Gambia and founder of the Citizen’s Alliance political party, succeeds him.
“Honourable Lamin S.I. Jammeh, Minister of Information, is relieved of his Cabinet Appointment. Dr. Ismaila Ceesay is appointed as the new Minister of Information. A graduate of The University of Edinburgh, Scotland, until his appointment, Dr Ceesay was a Political Science Lecturer at The University of The Gambia. He is the founder and leader of the Citizen’s Alliance political party.”
Meanwhile, Honourable Seyaka Sonko, Minister of Interior, has been redeployed to The Gambia Foreign Service, with Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang, Inspector General of Police, taking over as Minister of Interior.
Mr. Sanyang, a graduate of The University of The Gambia and The Gambia Law School, brings a wealth of experience as a career police officer to his new role.
“Mr. Sanyang is now appointed Minister of Interior. A career police officer who first trained as a French teacher, Mr Sanyang is a graduate of The University of The Gambia and The Gambia Law School, where he trained as a Barrister at Law,” the state house announced.
Additionally, Honourable Ousman Sowe, Minister of Lands & Regional Government, assumes the position of Director General, State Intelligence Services, while Honourable Hamat N.K. Bah, Minister of Tourism and Culture, is redeployed to the Ministry of Lands & Regional Government.
Further changes include the redeployment of Honourable Abdoulie Jobe, Minister of Petroleum and Energy, to the Ministry of Tourism & Culture, with Mr. Nani Juwara taking over as Minister of Petroleum and Energy. Ms. Haddy Jatou Sey has been appointed Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, succeeding Hon. Claudiana A. Cole, who has been redeployed to The Gambia Foreign Service.
“Honourable. Abdoulie Jobe, Minister of Petroleum and Energy, is redeployed to the Ministry of Tourism & Culture. The new Minister of Petroleum and Energy is Mr. Nani Juwara. A career staff member of the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) rising to the top as Managing Director, Mr Nani Juwara holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from The University of Southern Denmark, following his undergraduate degree at The University of The Gambia
“Ms. Haddy Jatou Sey is appointed Minister of Basic and Secondary Education. A Development Specialist, Ms. Sey is a Sociology graduate of the American University in Washington, DC and holds a Master’s degree in Gender and Development from The University of Sussex, UK. Along with many years of development work across Africa, Ms. Sey also served as Senior Social Development Specialist with the World Bank from 2005 to 2020,” the state house announced.
In addition to these changes, President Adama Barrow announced several other appointments:
– Mr. Seedy Muctar Touray, the current Director General of The Gambia Immigration Department, is appointed Inspector General of The Gambia Police Force.
– Immigration Commissioner, Mr. Bai Ebrima Mboob, assumes the role of Director General, Gambia Immigration Department.
– Mr. Lamin Jadama, Director General, State Intelligence Services, has been redeployed to the Foreign Service, with Mr. Ousman Sowe appointed as his successor.
– Mr. Galo Saidy is appointed Managing Director, National Water & Electricity Company.
– Mr. Mambangick Njie, Special Adviser, is redeployed to the Foreign Service, while Mr. Momodou Sabally takes over as Special Adviser, Office of the President.
– Dr. Njogou N. Bah is appointed Director General, Public Utility & Regulatory Authority, succeeding Mr. Yusupha Y. Jobe.
The Cabinet reshuffle, effective immediately, marks a significant restructuring within the government on Friday, March 15th, 2024.