Kemo Ceesay has officially taken charge of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF), bringing an end to Lamin Kaba Bajo’s 12-year tenure at the helm of Gambian football.

Mr Ceesay assumed administrative authority of the federation during a colourful handover ceremony at the GFF Football House, accompanied by his newly elected Executive Committee and a member of the coaching team.

The ceremony formally marked the transfer of power following the GFF presidential election and the beginning of a new chapter in football governance in The Gambia.

GFF General Secretary Lamin M. Jassey welcomed the new leadership and thanked the Electoral Committee, football stakeholders, media and partners for their role in facilitating what he described as a democratic transfer of power.

Mr Jassey assured the new administration that the GFF Secretariat remained committed to supporting its work and ensuring the continued development of football in the country.

Outgoing president Lamin Kaba Bajo used his final official handover ceremony to thank stakeholders for their support throughout his 12 years in office.

Mr Bajo congratulated Mr Ceesay and his newly elected executive, describing the transition as a historic moment for Gambian football.

He highlighted some of the key developments during his tenure, including the establishment of legal frameworks within the federation, such as term limits.

Mr Bajo also commended the Electoral Committee for conducting what he described as fair, transparent and peaceful elections.

He urged football stakeholders and the wider public to support the incoming administration, stressing that the success of Mr Ceesay and his team would ultimately mean success for Gambian football.

In his acceptance remarks, President Kemo Ceesay formally declared that he had assumed responsibility for the affairs of the GFF.

He reaffirmed his commitment to developing football in The Gambia and pledged to lead the federation following his election victory.

As part of the ceremony, Mr Ceesay presented a certificate of merit to the outgoing president in recognition of his service to the federation.

The GFF Secretariat also presented Mr Bajo with a certificate through the General Secretary.

The formal transition was completed with the signing of the handover documents, officially marking the beginning of the new administration.

President Ceesay and his executive committee were subsequently taken on a tour of the GFF Secretariat as they began familiarising themselves with the federation’s administrative operations.

The handover brings to an end one of the longest presidential eras in Gambian football and places the new leadership at the centre of efforts to shape the federation’s next chapter.

Mr Ceesay now inherits responsibility for overseeing the country’s football administration, including the development of the game and the implementation of the federation’s future plans.

The ceremony ended with the formal transfer of administrative authority from Mr Bajo to his successor, signalling a new era for football governance in The Gambia.

By Adama Makasuba