Africa-Press – Gambia. The Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) of the National Assembly has briefed lawmakers on ongoing investigations into widespread fraud across several government institutions and missions, revealing millions of dalasis in misappropriated funds.
Presenting the update, FPAC Vice Chairperson Hon. Alagie Mbowe detailed cases under review, including those currently before the Ministry of Justice.
“The Department of Parks and Wildlife had an amount of D839,500 involved. The mission in Guinea Bissau amounted to D390,000, and the mission in Paris involved D1.5 million. All these cases are at the level of the Ministry of Justice, and we have asked for detailed updates,” Hon. Mbowe told NAMs
He also highlighted discrepancies in reported figures at the National Environment Agency (NEA). “There was an issue of delivery of certain items by the Director of Finance; the NAO asked the police to investigate. It was initially about D5 million, but the police investigation revealed the amount was about D11 million. The corporation was willing to negotiate with the ministry to repay,” he said.
On treasury-related fraud cases, Hon. Mbowe outlined the status of implicated officials.
“The suspect in the case of the Brikama Subtreasury no longer works for the government, and the amount involved was 6,592,000. The suspect in the Kerewan Subtreasury case does not work for the government, and the outstanding amount still stands at D2.1 million. The suspect in the Janjanbureh subtreasury has passed away, and the amount involved is D521,000. The three suspects in the case of the director of the National Treasury also no longer work for the government,” he explained.
According to the FPAC Vice Chairperson, some of the cases remain under review at the Ministry of Justice, with partial recoveries made based on police investigations. “The committee will continue monitoring these cases, and by the next session we will provide a comprehensive update on every single issue that is not closed,” he assured.
Hon. Mbowe further disclosed that some corporate entities implicated in fraud are cooperating with authorities to settle outstanding payments.
“The corporate entities involved in some cases are willing to negotiate repayment with the relevant ministries. The Ministry of Justice is reviewing all case files to ensure appropriate legal action is taken,” he said.
The revelations underscore ongoing concerns about accountability and financial management in public institutions, as the committee continues its oversight role.
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