By Fatou Sillah
The Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has said that President Adama Barrow should not be held responsible for controversial remarks made by Nominated National Assembly Member Maimuna Ceesay during the inauguration of the Kiang West Road.
Speaking in an interview with West Coast Radio, Dr. Ceesay stressed that the comments attributed to the lawmaker were made in her personal capacity and should not be linked to the president.
At the event, Maimuna Ceesay alleged that the leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Ousainu Darboe, would not appoint Mandinkas to positions if left to decide alone. She further claimed that Mr. Darboe prioritizes family ties over broader ethnic representation, remarks that have since triggered widespread criticism online, with many describing them as divisive ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
Responding to the backlash, Dr. Ceesay said accountability rests solely with the individual who made the statements.
“The President never made such comments. If this was said by somebody, then that person should take responsibility, and the people should hold that person responsible for his or her words,” he said.
He added that the president does not pre-screen or control statements made by speakers at public or political events.
“The president cannot control who sits within a platform because what you are going to discuss is not discussed with the president beforehand, so the president cannot do anything about that,” he said.
Dr. Ceesay also rejected suggestions that the Kiang West Road project was politically motivated, emphasizing that the government’s development agenda is based on national needs rather than electoral considerations.
“Even though he does not win in Kiang West. The President is not doing this for politics. The president is doing this for development. He believes that the people of Kiang West deserve to live in dignity,” he said.
He cited major infrastructure investments in the area, including the construction of a 91-kilometer road, as well as improvements in healthcare and education facilities, as evidence of the government’s commitment.
“With this president, development has no boundaries. It is delivered where it is needed, and no one is left behind,” he added.
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