By: Fatou Dahaba
The Government of The Gambia has presented its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, to the National Assembly, signaling a major advancement in budgetary transparency and accountability.
Hon. Professor Pierre Gomez, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, stood in for the Minister of Finance and delivered the report. He emphasized that total revenue reached D24.6 billion, achieving 95% of the approved budget target. This performance, he told lawmakers, underscores the government’s efforts to strengthen revenue mobilization amid economic challenges.
Tax revenues were a standout, totaling D99.1 billion and surpassing the target by 110%, accounting for 88.9% of domestic revenue. Non-tax revenue, however, lagged at D2.4 billion, reaching only 43.2% of expectations and accounting for 11.1% of domestic inflows. Grants performed strongly at D3.2 billion, exceeding projections by 101.7%.
Total expenditure aligned closely with the budget at D27.9 billion. Breakdowns included D12.7 billion for government operations, D4.3 billion in transfers to other entities, D2.8 billion for capital investments, D4.6 billion in interest payments, D392.2 million for social benefits, and D3.2 billion in other expenses.
Professor Gomez praised the results as evidence of sustained fiscal discipline, improved revenue collection, and careful spending management. “These figures reflect both the obstacles we’ve overcome and the strides made in public finance management,” he said.
A key milestone highlighted was clearing a longstanding backlog of national accounts, which had been delayed by up to 3 years. “This demonstrates our resolve to align with international best practices and deliver timely, in-year reporting,” Gomez added.
The statements provide a comprehensive view of revenue streams, spending patterns, and financial obligations, offering citizens, stakeholders, and oversight bodies greater insight into the utilization of public funds.
The National Assembly referred the Auditor General’s 2024 report to the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) for detailed review, reinforcing commitments to transparency.
Hon. Omar Darboe, member for Upper Nuimi, proposed a motion for the Auditor General to publish the report publicly in line with constitutional requirements, pending FPAC’s findings. The motion was seconded and approved by Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta.
Speaker Jatta commended the report for embodying principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance within Gambia’s parliamentary framework. He noted it illustrates effective public fund use, sheds light on financial health, and pinpoints achievements alongside areas for enhancement.
Urging lawmakers to review recommendations thoroughly and foster constructive dialogue, Jatta stressed the importance of addressing discrepancies. “This process is vital to ensure taxpayer resources are handled responsibly, in the citizens’ best interests, and to build public trust in governmental stewardship,” he concluded.
