CA Reaffirms Support for President Barrow’s Development Agenda
Dr Ismaila Ceesay at CA Elective Congress © Askanwi
By Edward Francis Dalliah
Amid growing criticism over its alliance with President Adama Barrow, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay has reaffirmed his party’s steadfast support for the government’s development agenda. Speaking at the Citizens Alliance (CA) congress on Saturday, 26th April 2026, in Jarra Soma, Dr. Ceesay reiterated CA’s commitment to promoting sustainable growth and driving national progress ahead of the 2026 presidential election.
Initially established as an opposition party, CA’s stance has evolved considerably since its inception. The shift is particularly notable given Dr. Ceesay’s early confrontations with President Barrow’s administration—including his arrest and subsequent release in 2018. Tensions grew further when President Barrow publicly criticised Dr. Ceesay for his absence during the national struggle to oust former President Yahya Jammeh, remarks that quickly went viral.
Founded in 2019, CA emerged as a bold, reform-minded political force rooted in transparency, national unity, and inclusive development. At one point, CA was compared to the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), with some urging the two to form a Coalition. In the lead-up to the 2021 presidential elections, CA held frequent press conferences criticising the Barrow administration and presented itself as a credible alternative to the status quo.
However, the party encountered a major setback when the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) initially barred it from contesting the 2021 elections—a decision later overturned by the Supreme Court. Despite the legal victory, CA noticeably toned down its public engagement, drawing criticism over its increasingly cordial relationship with President Barrow. This growing closeness ultimately led to internal divisions, prompting high-profile resignations, including those of Dr. Dominic Mendy and Nenneh Freda Gomez in July 2022.
By the time of the 2021 presidential election, CA had visibly aligned itself with the ruling party—a move that was formalised after President Barrow secured a second term. The once vocal opposition party began scaling back its critiques of the government, signalling a strategic pivot.
This alliance was solidified in 2024 when Dr. Ismaila Ceesay was appointed Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services—a move widely regarded as a turning point in the government’s communication efforts. Dr. Ceesay, leveraging his experience as a senior lecturer and political analyst, introduced a renewed focus on transparency, citizen engagement, and open dialogue.
However, he has been criticised for his misleading statements, with journalists considering him one of the most fact-checked government officials. Askanwi Media has also published numerous fact checks on Dr Ceesay since becoming the Information Minister.
Speaking at the recent congress, Dr. Ceesay addressed both party members and the public, shedding light on CA’s decision to join forces with the National People's Party (NPP). “This was not a personal decision—it was made in the national interest,” he said. According to Dr. Ceesay, the alliance was approved through an internal party vote and reflects CA’s aspiration to play a direct and impactful role in shaping the country’s future.
The NPP’s support for CA was on full display during the recent congress, which was hosted at an NPP bureau in Soma—further underscoring the strength of the alliance.
Now a prominent figure within the government, Dr. Ceesay continues to take on a highly visible role. His appointment marked a new era in state communication, one grounded in accessibility, accountability, and public trust.
Cross section of delegates at CA Congress © Askanwi
