Counsel Olimatou Danso-Malang is the Director General of  the Gambia Maritime Administration (GMA) and brings over 12 years of experience in maritime law and legal services. She was appointed by the President of the Republic of The Gambia, Mr. Adama Barrow effective 4th August 2025. Counsel Danso Malang joined GMA in 2018. Prior to her appointment as DG, she was the Director of Legal Affairs of the Administration and had previously served as the Legal Manager and Senior Legal Manager of the Administration respectively. 

Counsel Danso Malang joined GMA in 2018. Prior to her appointment as DG, she was the Director of Legal Affairs of the Administration and had previously served as the Legal Manager and Senior Legal Manager of the Administration respectively. 

As DG, she  serves as the chief executive officer, responsible for steering the Administration towards achieving its mandate under national and international maritime regulations. DG Daso-Malang  brings with her a wealth of experience in legal and public service having served as State Counsel and Senior State Counsel at the Ministry of Justice and has over 12 years of experience in the legal sector and judiciary. 

DG Danso Malang holds a master’s degree (LLM.) in International Maritime Law from the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) in Malta and a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of The Gambia. She is also a Barrister at Law from The Gambia Law School.

Counsel Danso Malang started her career in the Judiciary of The Gambia as a Clerk in 2006 and rose to the position of Assistant Registrar. She is an executive member of Gambia Bar Association (GBA) and Female Lawyers Association of The Gambia (FLAG) as well as the Focal Person for Women in Maritime for West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA). She also serves as the President of WIMOWCA Gambia chapter.

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.