Africa-Press – Gambia. The Government of The Gambia has strongly denied allegations by the Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) that it is attempting to discredit the 2021, 2022, and 2023 National Audit Reports.
In a statement issued on October 23, 2025, the government described the claims as “completely false and without merit.”
EFSCRJ had accused Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Works Minister Ebrima Sillah, and Chief of Staff Mod K. Ceesay of publicly attacking the Auditor General and the National Audit Office (NAO) by alleging fabrication and misrepresentation in the audit reports. The organization characterized these comments as “misleading and irresponsible,” warning that such actions “undermine transparency and accountability, hence weaken governance.”
In response, the government called the claims “completely false and without merit.” The official statement clarified that the government had obtained authorization to publish the audit reports ahead of the scheduled debate by the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC). It further noted that certain activists and commentators had circulated misleading information on social media regarding the reports.
“The government sought and obtained authorization to publish the reports of the auditor before the scheduled debate by the FPAC. For some time, so-called activists and biased commentaries flooded the social media space with misleading and calculated postings to mislead and misinform the public about the reports,” the government release stated.
The government, through the Ministry of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, reaffirmed its respect for the independence of the National Audit Office (NAO) and the due process established under the 1997 Constitution and the National Audit Office Act, 2015.
It emphasized that once audit reports are submitted, they are subject to review by the National Assembly, specifically the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Public Enterprises Committee (PEC), through open hearings and established legal procedures. The government assured full cooperation with these committees, including the submission of management responses and relevant documentation.
The statement also addressed claims that public communication responding to inaccuracies constitutes “interference,” describing such allegations as misguided. It noted that ministers and senior officials have a duty to inform the public, correct misinformation, and clarify the government’s position—particularly when preliminary commentary on audit findings may be incomplete or misinterpreted.
The government clarified that public statements by ministers do not replace or pre-empt parliamentary review; rather, they supplement the process by ensuring that citizens are accurately informed while the legislative review is ongoing.
“This is consistent with government press transparency and prior clarifications on audit-related matters,” the statement read.
The government reiterated its commitment to fully cooperate with PAC and PEC, submitting management responses and appearing before the committees as part of its accountability obligations. “Government will cooperate with PAC/PEC and submit management responses and appear before the committees in fulfillment of oversight accountability responsibility.”
It further assured that where PAC or PEC validates audit findings and issues resolutions, corrective actions will be implemented. These measures may include strengthening internal controls, recovering verified losses of public funds, and pursuing legal remedies where necessary.
The statement concluded by affirming the government’s dedication to accountability while upholding its duty to communicate clearly and transparently with the Gambian public.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
