Africa-Press – Gambia. Members of the National Assembly have raised serious concerns over financial management at the Office of the Ombudsman after auditors revealed unspent millions, undocumented allowances and failure to submit statutory reports.
The issues surfaced during the review of the institution’s 2023–2024 reports by the Standing Committee on Finance and Public Accounts.
Auditors told lawmakers that D19.9 million remained in the agency’s bank account at the end of December 2024, accumulated over previous years.
The committee was advised that the funds should be returned to the Ministry of Finance if not required.
Another D1.5 million allocated for staff medical insurance since 2022 was also not used for its intended purpose and remained recorded as a liability.
The review further revealed that a staff member who went on leave to work abroad failed to remit mandatory pension contributions totalling D320,062, contrary to regulations.
Auditors recommended recovery of the full amount and payment to the Treasury.
Lawmakers were also informed that the Ombudsman and two deputies received additional fuel allocations in November 2023 — D10,000 and D5,500 respectively — above their entitlement without documented approval.
Auditors recommended the excess payments be recovered and a fuel management policy introduced.
The committee heard the office failed to produce annual reports as required under the Office of the Ombudsman Act 1997, despite repeated requests from the National Audit Office.
Further concerns were raised over a 50 percent increase in staff allowances without supporting documents, as well as loans issued without complete records and an incomplete asset register.
Operational challenges were also highlighted. Out of twelve vehicles belonging to the institution, only seven were roadworthy, while five had deteriorated due to prolonged non-use.
The office was advised to dispose of unserviceable vehicles and seek replacements.
Despite the administrative lapses, auditors issued an unqualified opinion on the financial statements, stating they complied with the Public Finance Act 2014 and international public sector accounting standards.
Officials from the Ombudsman’s office told the committee that the institution expanded its regional presence in 2024 and continues prison visits and complaint investigations, but cited limited funding as a recurring challenge in detention facilities.
The committee adjourned the session to allow further scrutiny, indicating officials may be recalled to provide clarifications on the audit findings.
