Leadership
THE HONORABLE MINISTER
EDUCATION
Honourable Sanyang is a Law graduate of the University of The Gambia and was called to the Bar in 2000 as a Barrister of Law. Aside from that, he also bagged an Advance Diploma in Education in both English and French, Diploma in Linguistic Studies, and Diploma in Law. He is bilingual in both English and French.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Prior to his appointment as Minister for Interior, Honourable Abdoulie Sanyang served in various capacities in The Gambia Police Force notably; Inspector General of Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Commissioner Administration, Officer in Charge of Peace Support Department, Personal Assistant to the Inspector General of Police, Public Relation and Press Officer, Scribe to Crime Management Coordinator, Station Officer among host of other portfolios during his three decades career as a police officer.
AWARDS & PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
In November 2022, he received the West African Golden Star Award from Africa Security Watch for his outstanding leadership performance, which, for the first time, was awarded to a serving Inspector General of Police.
THE PERMANENT SECRETARY
EDUCATION
Mr. Matar Ceesay is a highly qualified engineer and project management professional. He holds a Master’s degree in Project Management from Nottingham Trent University and a Postgraduate degree in Construction Management from Birmingham City University in the United Kingdom. He also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management and an Associate’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Northampton.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Prior to his deployment as Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Ceesay served as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Transport, Works & Infrastructure. His distinguished career spans nearly two decades of leadership in both the public and private sectors, managing billion-dollar infrastructure portfolios across The Gambia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. His previous roles include Infrastructure Project Lead for the Region of Peel in Canada, where he managed a $3 billion asset network, and Director of Technical Services in The Gambia, where he led the delivery of major national projects such as the $80 million highway reconstruction and the $50 million International Conference Center.
AWARDS & PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Mr. Ceesay is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) and a Chartered Engineer. He holds prestigious Fellowships with the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation and the Institute of Highway Engineers, recognitions of his significant contributions and expertise in the engineering field.
DEPUTY PERMANENT SECRETARY (ADMIN &FINANCE)
EDUCATION
Mr. Abraham K. Mendy holds a Dual Master of Science degree in Peace, Conflict and International Relations, and Security Studies from the Pan African Institute for Development West Africa.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Mr Abraham K. Mendy is a seasoned public administrator with a career spanning over two decades, currently serving as the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Administration and Finance at the Ministry of Interior since 2023. Prior to this key appointment, he held the pivotal role of Chief of Staff at the National Security Office in the Office of the President. His extensive career in public service also includes nearly nine years as a Senior Personnel Officer at the Personnel Management Office within the Office of the President. His foundational experience began in the education sector, where he served for over eight years as a classroom teacher and government instructor, followed by roles as a Training Specialist and Administrative Secretary for various civil society organizations.
PROFESSIONAL FOCUS
With his advanced academic background in security and conflict studies, Mr. Mendy brings substantial expertise in administrative leadership and financial management to his role. His unique career path demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of governance and public service delivery, from education and community work to personnel management, national security, and senior ministry administration.
DEPUTY PERMANENT SECRETARY (TECHNICAL)
EDUCATION
Mr. Lamin J. Gassama is an accomplished security and intelligence professional. He holds a Master’s degree with Distinction in Security, Intelligence, and Diplomacy from the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Mr. Gassama is a highly experienced law enforcement and intelligence expert with over thirteen years of dedicated service. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Director of Intelligence and International Cooperation for the Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG). In this role, he specialized in analysis and successfully led investigations into high-profile transnational drug trafficking cases. He is actively leading the establishment of the National Narcotics Intelligence Analysis Centre (NIAC) in The Gambia and has played a key role in developing critical frameworks, including the National Drug Control Strategy and other institutional policies for the DLEAG. Mr. Gassama is also a proficient trainer and part-time lecturer, having delivered training to law enforcement officers both domestically and internationally.
AWARDS & PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENTS
Mr. Gassama is highly respected for his expertise in global security and actively engages with prestigious international organizations such as the UNODC, INTERPOL, and the World Customs Organization (WCO). His extensive knowledge and skills in intelligence gathering and investigating transnational organized crime have established him as a key figure in his field.
