Dr. Ceesay Defends Barrow Government, Says Previous Administrations Were More Corrupt

By Fatou Sillah

Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, has defended President Adama Barrow’s administration against allegations of corruption, arguing that the country’s two previous governments were more corrupt than the current administration.

Speaking in an interview with West Coast, Dr. Ceesay said the Barrow administration had introduced stronger measures to combat corruption than its predecessors, insisting that those efforts distinguish the current government from previous administrations.

“The two previous governments are more corrupt than this government because of the measures taken to fight corruption,” he said.

Dr. Ceesay also accused opposition parties of exploiting sensitive national issues for political gain. He said that while the opposition had traditionally focused its criticism on corruption and the rising cost of living, it had increasingly turned to tribalism as another political talking point.

He dismissed allegations that the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and its coalition partners were promoting ethnic divisions, arguing that inflammatory statements by individual supporters should not be interpreted as official party policy.

“There is no systematic policy or any systematic strategy by the NPP or its allied parties to promote tribalism. It doesn’t exist,” he said.

The information minister also took issue with remarks by United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainou Darboe concerning President Barrow’s decision to withdraw a Gambian candidate’s nomination for a position at the International Court of Justice in favor of a Nigerian candidate.

Dr. Ceesay said Darboe’s comments appeared to suggest that the president’s decision was motivated by tribal considerations, an interpretation he rejected.

Despite their political differences, Dr. Ceesay acknowledged Darboe’s contributions to The Gambia’s democratic struggle, saying his role in advancing democracy should not be overlooked.

He further noted that some UDP supporters had made statements he considered unacceptable but argued that such remarks should not be used to characterize the entire opposition party as tribalist.

Dr. Ceesay maintained that President Barrow remains committed to national unity and equal treatment of all Gambians, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or regional background.

His remarks come amid continuing political debate over corruption, governance, and ethnic divisions, issues that have increasingly featured in exchanges between the government and opposition parties.