The Director General serves as the chief executive officer of the Administration, responsible for steering the administration towards achieving its mandate under national and international maritime regulations. 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 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.

DG Olimatou Danso-Malang has an LLM. in International Maritime Law from the International Maritime Law Institute 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.

Prior to her appointment by GMA, DG Danso-Malang worked as a Senior State Prosecutor (Criminal Division) at the Ministry of Justice in 2017. She started her legal career at the Judiciary where she worked as Assistant Registrar of Courts from 2006 to 2011. Counsel Danso has attended trainings on anti-corruption, irregular migration and its impact on international shipping, counter-terrorism, amongst others. She has also served as a trainer in collaboration with the Female Lawyers Association, on Access to Justice on the Women’s Act 2010; trained community leaders on Women’s Act 2010, Sexual Offences Act 2013 and Domestic Violence Act 2015. Madam Danso-Malang also conducted sensitization of chiefs and their district tribunal members   on the Children’s Act 2005.

DG Danso-Malang is a member of The Gambia Bar Association, Female Lawyers Association and the focal person for Women in Maritime for West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) Gambia chapter.