Governor Ousman Bojang of The Gambia’s West Coast Region has sparked wide debate following his call on President Adama Barrow to remove any district chief or alkalo (village head) who is not willing to support the president’s agenda. Akahi News learnt that the statement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting at Siffoe on Saturday as part of the ongoing “Meet the People Tour”.

According to reports carried by The Standard, Governor Bojang emphasised that, although no one should be forced to politically support the president, those who hold traditional leadership roles and cannot cooperate with the government should voluntarily vacate their positions or be removed.

“We are not saying that you should support President Barrow by force,” Bojang reportedly said. “But we the governors, chiefs and alkalolu are appointed by the president who was elected by the Gambians. So if you cannot work with him, then he should sack you.”

Akahi News gathered that Bojang further reinforced his position by citing a personal family example, explaining that his own father was once removed from his position as a chief due to his opposition stance against the government of the day. This, he explained, demonstrates that political alignment — or in this case, lack of cooperation — has historically influenced traditional appointments in the country.

Political Loyalty vs Traditional Neutrality

Bojang’s comments have reopened a long-standing debate in The Gambia about the role of traditional rulers in governance and politics. Chiefs and alkalolu are typically positioned as neutral community figures responsible for local administration, conflict resolution, and cultural leadership. However, their appointment by the executive arm of government places them in a politically sensitive position.

Observers speaking with Akahi News noted that the governor’s remarks appear to blur the line between service to the state and loyalty to an individual leader. While some argue that harmony between government officials and traditional authorities is essential for effective governance, others believe that it risks turning traditional institutions into political tools.

“It raises questions about whether leadership at the grassroots level is becoming more about allegiance than service,” one political commentator told newsmen.

Implications for Governance and Democracy

Akahi News understands that if such an approach is widely adopted, it could set a precedent for politically-motivated removals of community leaders, potentially affecting democratic principles and freedom of political expression.

Analysts believe the move may have short-term advantages for cohesion within the ruling system, but long-term implications could include:

• Reduced independence of traditional institutions
• Heightened political tension at the community level
• Increased fear of expressing dissenting views
• A weakening of democratic culture in rural governance

Nevertheless, others argue that since the government currently appoints chiefs and alkalolu, it has the authority to demand loyalty and cooperation to ensure smooth implementation of national and regional policies.

Akahi News gathered that President Barrow has not yet publicly responded to Governor Bojang’s appeal.

Public Reaction and Forward Outlook

On social and civic platforms, reactions have remained mixed. Some citizens support the governor’s stance, describing it as a practical approach to governance and national unity. Others see it as undemocratic and potentially dangerous for freedom of choice.

For now, the controversy continues to unfold. As President Barrow weighs his options, many Gambians are watching closely to see whether this appeal will translate into actual removals — or if it will simply remain a political remark made in the heat of regional mobilisation.

Akahi News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more details emerge.

Source: The Standard News

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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