From US Jail to Building a Nation: Gambian Deportee Serign Habib Ceesay Creates Jobs and Hope

In a story that challenges the stigma around deportation, Serign Habib Ceesay has turned personal setbacks into national service. Born in Banjul, he excelled academically in the US before a family member misused his savings, forcing him to drop out. A traffic violation led to 49 days in jail and eventually deportation in 2019. Back home, he faced rejection from employers due to his history, but a lifeline came from businessman Dr Amadou ‘Scattered’ Janneh: a contract to clear land and make concrete blocks. That opportunity launched Ceesay into construction, leading him to co-found Urban Architect with another returnee. The company completed a D5 million project for Methodist Academy, proving that deportees can drive national development. Beyond business, Ceesay founded Ndougagambia e-commerce platform, helped electrify Mamuda village, built a health centre, and supports women entrepreneurs. Now General Manager of M&T Global Construction Group, he mentors youth and asserts: ‘Deportation is not the end of life.’

Article and image source: thepoint.gm