The Lord Mayor of Banjul, Rohey Malick Lowe, has issued a formal cease-and-desist notice to nominated councillor Fallou Gallas Ceesay over allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement at the Banjul City Council (BCC).

The letter, dated February 5, 2026, signals possible legal action and accuses Ceesay of what the mayor’s lawyers described as a “deliberate, intentional and sustained campaign of smear” aimed at damaging Mayor Lowe’s reputation and undermining the credibility of the council’s leadership.

The notice, issued by A. Fatty & Co Chambers, alleges that the councillor has repeatedly made false accusations on broadcast and social media platforms, including claims of corruption, financial impropriety, mismanagement, collusion, and favoritism in the selection of officials for foreign trips.

The legal warning also references Ceesay’s recent appearance on Sunu Reww, a current affairs programme aired on Eye Africa TV, where he allegedly accused the council leadership of financial mismanagement, marginalisation of councillors, and creating tensions within the council.

At the centre of the dispute is the Urban Youth Led Cleaning System Project, a BCC initiative aimed at creating jobs for young people while improving sanitation in the city.

The mayor’s legal team argues that Ceesay’s comments questioning the project’s funding and implementation amount to defamatory attacks on the integrity of the council and its leadership.

However, Ceesay has defended his statements, claiming on social media that he has dozens of financial documents which he says could expose irregularities involving council officials.

He has also criticised the council for failing to hold regular monthly meetings, arguing that such a practice violates the Local Government Act.

According to the mayor’s lawyers, the cease-and-desist notice was issued under the High Court Rules, 2022, which require parties to explore an amicable settlement through negotiation before initiating legal proceedings.

The letter demands that Ceesay immediately stop making what the mayor’s office describes as defamatory statements and retract his claims. It warns that if he fails to comply, the mayor’s legal team is prepared to file the matter at the High Court.

By Adama Makasuba