By: Alieu Ceesay
The management of Gambia’s state-owned telecommunications giants, Gamtel and Gamcel, faced tough questioning from the National Assembly’s Public Enterprises Committee (PEC) regarding their 2022 annual activity reports, financial statements, and accompanying audit findings. The session highlighted both progress in revenue generation and persistent compliance lapses that threaten the entities’ financial health and national telecommunications infrastructure.
Led by Chairperson Mr. Salieu A. Jack, the Gamtel/Gamcel leadership presented a picture of recovery amid challenges. The companies reported revenues of D450.3 million in 2022—a substantial rise from D356 million in 2019—demonstrating improved performance despite ongoing operational and restructuring difficulties. Jack emphasized that these gains reflect stronger financial generation and a focus on safeguarding the country’s vital telecom backbone.
“The board has taken precise measures, including financial payment actions, engagement of private sector partners, and implementation of its social plan to restore sustainability and cooperation,” Jack told the committee. Management reiterated its dedication to enhancing governance, protecting infrastructure, and delivering reliable national telecom services.
However, the audit report painted a more concerning picture, uncovering several areas of non-compliance. A key issue was the failure to remit staff salary deductions to the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation during 2022. Auditors warned that such delays carry serious financial risks, including penalties, interest charges, and additional costs for institutions.
The report explicitly recommended that management ensure timely payments to GRA and Social Security on or before the 15th of each month to prevent the accumulation of liabilities. In response, Jack acknowledged the findings and committed to proactive steps: “Management remains committed to implementing this issue through compliance and proactive approaches to avoid penalties.” He assured the committee of ongoing stakeholder engagements to resolve the matter swiftly.
Procurement practices also drew criticism, with auditors identifying “lapses” such as missing supporting documents for transactions. These weaknesses undermine internal controls and heighten the risk of unauthorized or irregular spending. Recommendations called for stricter adherence to procedures, including ensuring all transactions are properly documented and tagged with relevant evidence.
Management pledged corrective action, stating that purchases are conducted wholesale directly from suppliers and promising to address documentation gaps with utmost care. “Management will notice this act and address it accordingly,” the response noted, signaling intent to bolster accountability in procurement.
The PEC engagement forms part of broader parliamentary oversight of public enterprises, aimed at ensuring transparency, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility in state-owned entities. While the revenue uptick signals positive momentum for Gamtel and Gamcel—key players in The Gambia’s connectivity landscape—the audit revelations underscore the need for urgent reforms in statutory obligations and internal controls.
Observers note that unresolved issues, such as delayed remittances, could erode public trust and expose companies to additional liabilities at a time when the sector faces competition and infrastructure demands. Both entities have expressed resolve to implement recommendations fully, positioning the engagements as a step toward long-term sustainability.
