History of DT Associates
DTA’s journey began with a commitment to diligence and corporate assurance, evolving into the cornerstone of professional services in The Gambia. Over the decades, the firm has grown, redefined its identity, and rebranded to DTA, maintaining the highest standards of excellence. As the longest-established and leading firm in the country, DTA continues to provide expert solutions and steadfast support to clients, embodying a legacy of integrity, expertise, and innovation. Each chapter in DTA’s story reinforces its role as a trusted partner in shaping the future of businesses across The Gambia.
Founded as Pannell Fitzpatrick Graham & Crewdson Chartered Accountants, the firm became The Gambia’s first expatriate audit firm, led by Resident Partner Gordon True, with Magdalene Galaghar as secretary.
The firm recruited its first Gambian staff: Mamoudou Cole and Lamin Juwara as audit clerks, Alfa Ceesay as office assistant, and Gabriel Sambou as trainee accountant.
William Fawcett succeeded Gordon True as Resident Partner, guiding the firm through a period of foundational growth.
John Stewart Baird assumed the role of Resident Partner from 1968 to 1972, overseeing the firm’s renaming to Pannell Fitzpatrick & Co. and its integration into the Pannell Kerr Forster International network.
Pa Cham joined the firm as an auditor, contributing to significant audits such as the Gambia Ports Authority. His work exemplified the firm’s commitment to delivering high-quality audit services.
Florie Owens became the first Gambian woman to join the firm as a clerk. After completing a series of training programs, she advanced to become the firm’s first Gambian secretary in 1974, succeeding a line of British secretaries.
David Simpson took over as Resident Partner, leading the firm until 1978. During this period, he handed over leadership to Martins from 1974 to 1976, then resumed the role afterward.
Peter Smith became Resident Partner, a position he would hold until 1996, further strengthening the firm’s industry standing.
Under Peter Smith’s leadership, the firm navigated economic challenges in The Gambia during the 80s, consistently providing excellent service and laying the groundwork for future growth.
Peter Smith, with a vision to pass leadership to a Gambian, invited Alpha Barry to join as a consultant..
Alpha Barry officially joined as a consultant, and, sharing a vision for growth and expansion, he and Peter Smith initiated the firm’s affiliation process with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. Driven by a commitment to development, they sought the partnership to position DTA for accelerated growth and broadened service offerings through alignment with a Big Four firm.
The firm officially joined Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, marking a transformative shift for both the firm and the nation. Rebranding from Pannell to Deloitte, the firm relocated from a small Banjul office to a state-of-the-art building in Westfield, reflecting the international standards DTA aspired to uphold. That same year, Alpha Barry was appointed as Partner alongside Peter Smith, solidifying this new era of growth and leadership.
Alpha Barry initiated significant growth, assembling a skilled team of Gambian Chartered Accountants, including Cherno Jallow as Audit lead and Abdoulie Barry to lead the newly established Consulting Unit.
Alpha Barry became the first Gambian Managing Partner, relocating the firm to a new building on Kairaba Avenue, symbolizing a new era.
Cherno Jallow succeeded Alpha Barry as the firm’s second Gambian Managing Partner. On April 1, 2011, the firm dissolved its merger with Deloitte, rebranding as DT Associates and establishing itself as an Independent Correspondent Firm (ICF) of Deloitte.
Omar Bah assumed the role of Managing Partner, supported by Aji Penda Sankareh, who became the firm’s first female partner.
Aji Sankareh became the first female Gambian Managing Partner, leading DTA into a new era.
Today, Aji Penda Sankareh leads DTA, supported by key team members, including Ramatoulie Jallow (Head of Audit), Mustapha Cham (Head of Advisory), Janko Bass (Head of Tax), Mariama Camara Cham (Head of Human Resources), and Elizabeth Roberts (Admin Manager). From its beginnings with a team of five, DTA has grown to over 40 professionals, establishing itself as a leader in professional services in The Gambia.
As DTA celebrates 60 years of excellence, we extend our deepest gratitude to the visionaries, alumni—both living and departed—and team members who have shaped our journey, as well as to our clients and communities who have entrusted us along the way.
With our rebrand from DT Associates to DTA, we embark on a bold new chapter, grounded in our commitment to delivering “Business Solutions that Work.” Moving forward, we remain dedicated to supporting and uplifting the societies in which we operate, carrying our legacy of integrity, professionalism, and innovation into the future.
Leadership since inception
| Period | Managing Partner | Secretary |
|---|---|---|
| February 1964 To June 1966 | Mr. Gordon True | Mrs. Magdalene Galaghar |
| June 1966 To June 1968 | Mr. William T. Fawcett | Mrs. Swinfen |
| June 1968 To June 1972 | Mr. John Stewart-Baird | Miss. Dorothy Brewer |
| June 1972 To June 1974 | Mr. David Simpson | Ms. Delphine Gell |
| June 1974 To June 1976 | Mr. Martins | Ms. Florie Owens |
| June 1976 To June 1978 | Mr. David Simpson | Ms. Florie Owens |
| June 1978 To 2002 | Mr. Peter Smith | Ms. Florie Owens |
| 2002 To 2011 | Mr. Alpha Barry* | Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts |
| 2011 To 2014 | Mr. Cherno Jallow* | Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts |
| 2014 To 2016 | Mr. Omar Bah* | Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts |
| 2016 To Date | Mrs. Aji Penda Sankareh* | Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts |