The National Assembly yesterday considered and approved the confirmation of appointment of Mr. Alagie Sowe as Ombudsman and Mrs Elizabeth Renna and Mr. Ebrima A. Mbye as deputy Ombudsmen following their appointment by His Excellency, the President, Alhagie Dr. Yahya Jammeh, with effect from November 1st 2007.

Moving the motion before deputies, the Vice President, Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy, said these persons are of good character and service to our community as shown by their Curriculum Vitaes (CVs).

According to the Vice President, section 2, sub-section 3 of the Ombudsman act, the appointees shall hold office for a period of five years and shall be eligible for reappointment. These appointees shall hold office for a period of five years and shall be eligible for reappointment. This appointment is in accordance with section 164 (1) of the constitution of The Gambia.

Mr. Alhagie Sowe replaces Mr. Junaidi Jallow.

Reacting to his appointment, Mr. Alagie Sowe, the new Ombudsman, expressed his delight at the appointment: “I appreciate it. It is a big honour for me. The position is a high position with big responsibility and indeed very challenging.” Mr. Sowe however assured the challenge, he would do his utmost to live up to expectation.

Mr. Sowe had previously worked at the Department of Co-operative as Director/Registrar of Co-operative Societies until 1994 when he retired. He was afterwards retained on contract for about three years as Director and later Adviser. In 2002, he took up appointment with Banjul City Council (BCC) as Marketing Manager, in which post he served until 2004.