By Fatou Sillah
The mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council and co-founder of the Unite Movement for Change, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, has accused the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, of eroding public confidence in the ministry through what he described as persistent partisan attacks on government critics.
Speaking in an interview with Kerr Fatou, Mayor Bensouda responded to remarks by Dr. Ceesay suggesting that he had abandoned municipal responsibilities for political engagement. He rejected the claim and instead questioned the minister’s conduct in office, arguing that it reflects a failure to distinguish between official duties and party politics.
“He doesn’t understand his role. A Minister of Information is not the spokesperson of the National People’s Party. You provide information about government activities, but going on the radio every day to single out individuals reduces the standing of the ministry. We have a lot of work to do to restore its prestige,” Bensouda said.
He further stressed that the Ministry of Information is a critical national institution whose credibility, in his view, must be safeguarded.
“The Ministry of Information is very important. When the minister speaks, people should believe him. But right now, every time he speaks, people question it. He is steadily losing public trust in this country,” he added.
Mayor Bensouda also criticized the minister for what he described as a focus on political disputes at a time when citizens are grappling with rising living costs, including fuel and transport fare increases.
“As Minister of Information, in the context of a global economic crisis and record increases in transport and fuel prices in The Gambia, the focus should be on addressing those challenges and supporting efforts to ease the burden on citizens, rather than engaging in disputes with a municipal mayor or political movements,” he said.
Defending his own record in office, Bensouda maintained that his accountability lies primarily with the electorate of the Kanifing Municipal Council.
“I am elected into office, not appointed. I report to the people of KMC, and as long as I am delivering and they are satisfied, that is what matters,” he stated.
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