Mr. Karamo Bakary Janneh assumed the role of Director General of GMA in November 2019 having served as Deputy Director General previously. Mr. Janneh is a seasoned public administrator with over 40 years of Administrative experience and 20 years of work experience in the maritime sector. DG Janneh holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Amborse Alli University, Edo State, Nigeria and a Bachelor’s degree in English and Education from University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

The Director General is the Chief Executive of the Administration and appointed by the President of the Republic of the Gambia after consultation with the Board of Directors and the Public Service Commission.  He/She is responsible for the execution of policies and directives of the Board. He is assisted in the execution of his/her duties by the Deputy Director General together with a team of exceptionally well qualified, responsible and experienced Heads of Department and Units. The Director General serves as the chief executive officer, responsible for steering the administration towards achieving its mandate under national and international maritime regulations.

DG Janneh started his public service as a school teacher where he rose to the position of Principal until he left for his first degree in Nigeria in 1995. His last place of work before joining GMA was at the Gambia Ports Authority where he held the position of Director of Training and Development until his appointment as Deputy Director General of GMA in 2017. Other places of work for the DG are the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation and the Women’s Bureau where he worked as an Advocacy and Education Officer as well as Director of Training, Development and Advocacy. DG Janneh has vast experience in gender mainstreaming in poverty eradication in workplaces. He has received numerous professional certificates in various fields, including governance, Management, Human Resource Development and Management, Maritime Affairs, Gender, Project Management, Dialogue and Negotiation skills. DG Janneh believes in Teamwork.

Below is a detailed description of the DG’s roles and responsibilities:

• Oversee the strategic planning and execution of the Gambia Maritime Administration's goals;
• Develop policies to enhance the effectiveness of GMA’s regulatory and operational mandates, aligning with international standards and conventions (MARPOL, SOLAS, etc.);
• Establish short- and long-term goals to foster maritime safety, security, and environmental protection in The Gambia's territorial waters;
• Ensure compliance with international maritime standards, conventions, and codes (e.g., IMO, MARPOL, IMDG) to maintain the integrity of The Gambia's maritime jurisdiction;
• Implement policies related to marine pollution, vessel inspection, port state control, flag state duties, and licensing;
• Oversee the development of regulatory frameworks to promote the safety and security of maritime activities;
• Drive initiatives for the expansion and modernization of maritime infrastructure, including port facilities, to support economic growth;
• Facilitate the enhancement of port facilities to improve operational efficiency;
• Promote investments in Gambia's maritime sector, fostering partnerships for infrastructural and service-based developments;
• Direct programs aimed at preventing marine pollution and protecting the marine environment, in line with MARPOL and other relevant conventions;
• Oversee the implementation of environmental management systems within Gambia’s maritime sector to mitigate ecological impacts;
• Ensure compliance with international obligations related to Marine Environment Management;
• Develop strategic partnerships with private sector stakeholders to attract investments into Gambia's maritime sector;
• Collaborate with international and local stakeholders, including port authorities, shipping companies, and regulatory bodies;
• Promote Gambia’s maritime interests at regional and international forums, fostering relationships that align with the country's economic and security objectives;
• Lead, supervise, and manage the day-to-day activities of the GMA, ensuring all departments meet performance targets;
• Direct human resource functions, including staff development, capacity building, and fostering a professional and ethical work culture;
• Manage the GMA's financial resources, ensuring transparency, accountability, and optimal utilization of funds for program implementation;
• Oversee maritime safety and security programs to protect The Gambia's coastal and offshore interests;
• Collaborate with security agencies to implement measures addressing maritime threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, trafficking, and other “Blue crimes”;
• Ensure that all safety protocols, emergency response systems, and risk management strategies are in place for effective maritime operations;
• Advise the government on maritime policy issues, including regulatory reforms, international treaty obligations, and strategic developments;
• Provide expert recommendations on matters affecting national and international maritime sectors, especially in areas requiring legislative adjustments or strategic intervention;
• Represent Gambia at international maritime organizations (e.g., IMO), promoting the nation’s maritime policies and contributing to global discussions on maritime governance;
• Ensure that the GMA complies with all reporting requirements, submitting timely reports to the Board of Directors and relevant government ministries;
• Provide comprehensive reports on the activities and accomplishments of the GMA, ensuring transparency and accountability to stakeholders; and
• Implement auditing practices to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of GMA’s operations.