Omar Malleh Ceesay, the former Executive Director of the Health Promotion and Development Organisation (HEPDO), has denied allegations of theft, forgery, and official corruption as he stands trial. Mr. Ceesay is being tried alongside Balla Kandeh and Muhammadou Lamin Jaiteh, who are identified as the first and third accused, respectively. The charges against them include obtaining money by false pretenses, forgery, economic crimes, and theft. The three accused collectively face a total of 28 criminal counts, noting the extensive nature of the allegations brought forth by the prosecution.
During the proceedings, Mr. Ceesay stated, "I deny the charges. I was never involved in any official corruption. My Lord, I do not accept those charges. I did not steal any money." This unequivocal denial forms the cornerstone of his defence as the trial progresses through various stages of evidence presentation and testimony.
HEPDO's Role and Ceesay's Tenure
Omar Malleh Ceesay served with the Health Promotion and Development Organisation (HEPDO) from 2007 until 2023, with a two-year interruption during that period while he pursued a master's degree. His appointment as Executive Director was formally confirmed through a contract letter dated July 1, 2021. This letter solidified his leadership role within the organization, placing him at the helm during a critical period.
HEPDO operates as a national non-governmental organisation, collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health. Its mission focuses on promoting health and development initiatives across the country. The organization originated from the Association of Youths Against Malaria (TAYAM), evolving from its initial structure to become a broader health promotion entity. Since 2005, HEPDO has maintained a significant partnership with the National Malaria Control Programme, contributing to public health initiatives, particularly in the fight against malaria. This long-standing collaboration shows HEPDO's integral role within the national health landscape and its commitment to public welfare. The organization's history and operational framework are key elements in understanding the context of the charges brought against its former director.
Court Proceedings and Evidence
During recent court proceedings, a 2018 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Association of Youths Against Malaria (TAYAM)/HEPDO and the National Malaria Control Programme became a focal point of discussion. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), K. Jallow, raised an objection when a photocopy of the MOU was tendered as evidence by the defense. The DPP argued that tendering a photocopy without proper justification for the absence of the original document was inadmissible. Justice Ebrima Jaiteh subsequently issued an order directing that the original MOU be produced at the next scheduled sitting of the court for examination. This judicial directive emphasizes the court's commitment to ensuring the authenticity and integrity of all evidence presented, particularly documents central to the contractual agreements in question. The original document is expected to provide definitive clarity on the terms and responsibilities outlined within the agreement.
Under the terms stipulated in the 2018 MOU, HEPDO held the responsibility for the recruitment, supervision, and payment of two consultants. These consultants were to be engaged for a specific period of 60 days to carry out their designated tasks related to the National Malaria Control Programme. The recruitment process for these consultants was facilitated by Lamin Jarju, who serves as a medical entomologist and National Focal Person. Mr. Jarju's involvement in the recruitment notes the specific operational details and personnel engaged in fulfilling the MOU's objectives. The implications of this MOU are central to understanding the operational agreements between HEPDO and the National Malaria Control Programme during the period covered by the ongoing trial, particularly concerning financial flows and personnel management. The court’s insistence on the original document shows the importance of verifying the exact terms and conditions that governed the collaboration and the allocation of responsibilities between the involved entities, which are key for assessing the allegations of financial impropriety and official corruption.
Trial Continuation and Defence
Omar Malleh Ceesay, identified as the second accused in the ongoing trial, testified in his defence before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Mr. Ceesay, alongside Balla Kandeh and Muhammadou Lamin Jaiteh, faces a total of 28 criminal counts. These charges include obtaining money by false pretenses, forgery, economic crimes, and theft, reflecting a broad range of alleged financial misconduct and abuse of office. His testimony provided his account of the events and his role within HEPDO, directly addressing the accusations leveled against him.
During his testimony, Mr. Ceesay presented his defence, contributing to the court's proceedings by offering his perspective on the transactions and decisions under scrutiny. The trial is scheduled to continue on October 13, 2026, at 1 p.m. At which point further evidence and arguments are expected to be presented by both the prosecution and the defence. This next hearing will be a critical juncture for the court to review additional materials and testimonies. The proceedings aim to address the numerous allegations brought against the former Health Promotion and Development Organisation (HEPDO) director and his co-accused, ultimately seeking to establish the truth regarding the charges of theft, forgery, and official corruption. The judicial process is designed to meticulously examine all evidence and testimonies before reaching a final verdict on the serious criminal counts.
