The issue was raised by Hon. Alhagie S. Darboe, Member for Brikama South, speaking on behalf of Brikama North. He reminded the chamber that the matter had been brought up repeatedly, yet the government continued to delay action.
“Honourable Minister, with all due respect, this is the second time this question has appeared,” Darboe stated. “The law is clear. By not appointing a paramount chief, this government is breaching the very laws it swore to uphold. As policy advisor to the President, will you continue to sit back while the law is broken?”
Minister Bah conceded that no appointment had been made and admitted, “His Excellency the President is currently not considering such appointment until further notice.” When pressed on the reason for the delay, he responded, “Probably because I have not advised him.”
The admission drew sharp criticism from lawmakers, who accused the Minister of negligence and complicity in undermining the rule of law.
“Are you telling us you will be part of a system that openly violates the laws of The Gambia?” one member asked pointedly.
Attempting to defuse tensions, Bah said, “I will endeavour to advise the President,” but refused to commit to a timeline, citing that he was “not the appointing authority.”
Hon. Member for Bakau questioned whether the Minister’s failure to advise the President constituted a breach of the 2002 Local Government Act. Others demanded to know whether the ministry had ever formally discussed the issue with the President.
Bah declined to answer, stating such matters were outside his purview to disclose.
Hon. Member for Niamina Dankunku warned, “This matter has lingered for far too long. If government itself chooses which laws to obey and which to ignore, what message are we sending to Gambians?”
Despite repeated calls for clarity, Minister Bah stood firm, reiterating, “I cannot give you a timeline because I am not the appointing authority.”
The debate has reignited concerns over governance, accountability, and the rule of law—raising questions about the government’s commitment to upholding its own legislation.
