The former Secretary to Cabinet, Ebrima Ceesay, has denied his involvement in the operations of the Janneh Commission during his appearance before the Special Select Committee on the Sale and Disposal of Assets identified by the Commission.
Mr Ceesay told the committee that his role was limited to documentation related to the distribution of tractors, insisting he had “never taken part in any operations during the Janneh Commission”.
The former official, who was appointed by the Inspector General in 2017, gave an account of his educational background and outlined the structure of the Office of the President.
He explained that the chain of command ran from the President, Secretary General, and Head of the Civil Service, to the Secretary to Cabinet and the various Permanent Secretaries.
Describing the role of the Secretary General, Mr Ceesay said: “The Secretary General is the chief technician to the President. He advises the President, manages the affairs of the Cabinet, and provides immediate responses on matters affecting the Presidency.”
Tension rose during questioning from Counsel Lamin Dibba, who pressed him on whether he had any role in the sale of former President Yahya Jammeh’s assets.
Mr Ceesay repeatedly denied any direct involvement or interaction with the commissioners.
However, he later admitted that he was once instructed to inform Mr Kurang to halt a sale, the only instance he acknowledged as a direct link to the Commission’s activities.
Counsel Dibba suggested that the witness might be withholding information. The committee has ordered Mr Ceesay to reappear on 21 August 2025 for further clarification.
