Kotu Cham Takes Over

According to a press release relayed over Gambia Radio and Television Services yesterday, President Yahya Jammeh has relieved Mr. Edward Singhateh of his Cabinet position with effect from 13th September 2007. The press release further stated that Mr. Singhateh has also been relieved of his position as the General Secretary of the APRC.

In the same breath the release noted that by virtue of the provisions of section 71 (1), 71 (3) of the constitution, the president has appointed Mr. Momodou Kotu Cham as Secretary of State for Forestry and the Environment.

Edward Singhateh is the longest serving Secretary of State, having served in various portfolios since the AFPRC came to power in 1994.

Mr. Kotu Cham, 54, joined the service in 1975. From

1995 to 1996, he served as Deputy Executive Director of the National Environmental Agency, rising to the position of Executive Director of National Environment Agency between 1996 and 2003.

In 2003-2005, he was appointed Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for Fisheries, Natural Resources and Environment.

From 2006 to date, Mr. Cham served as Permanent Secretary for Forestry and Environment.

The outgoing Edward Singhateh was member of the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council that took power in 1994, becoming Minister of Defence between 1995 and 1997. He also served as Vice Chairman of the ruling council after the removal and conviction of Sana Sabally on treason charges. He afterwards got appointed as Secretary of State for Trade, Industry and Employment before being made Secretary of State for Forestry and Environment, the Department he has headed until his removal.