The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice expresses deep concern over the recent attempts by the Government of The Gambia and certain cabinet ministers to discredit the national audit reports for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Since the Auditor General submitted these reports to the Minister of Finance and the National Assembly on 26th September 2025, as required by Section 160 of the 1997 Constitution, several ministers, notably Information minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Works minister Ebrima Sillah, and Chief of Staff Mod K. Ceesay have taken to the media to attack and accuse the Auditor General and the National Audit Office (NAO) of fabrication and misrepresentation. These public outbursts, aimed at dismissing the audit findings, are misleading and irresponsible. They undermine transparency and accountability hence weaken governance,
The EFSCRJ wishes to remind the Government that the audit process is a constitutional and professional financial management exercise based on internationally recognized standards and guided by the National Audit Office Act, 2015. Once submitted, the Auditor General’s report is to be examined by the Public Accounts and Public Enterprises Committees of the National Assembly through open and lawful procedures and not through media debates or political statements.
The continued efforts by ministers to undermine the integrity of the NAO and its findings constitute a direct interference in the independence of the Auditor General, which is expressly prohibited by law. Such conduct not only erodes public trust but also weakens the accountability mechanisms essential for good governance, transparency, and the fight against corruption.
EFSCRJ calls on the President and members of his Cabinet to respect the Constitution and refrain from making statements that discredit the Auditor General or the audit reports. The appropriate response is for the Government to:
- Set up a robust mechanism to review the audit findings.
- Recover misused or unaccounted public funds.
- Discipline or prosecute officials found culpable.
- Implement reforms that will further safeguard public resources and strengthen institutional accountability.
EFSCRJ reiterates that the National Audit Office is a vital instrument of democracy and accountability. Attacking the Auditor General or attempting to manipulate public perception against the audit reports is tantamount to undermining the rule of law and the sovereignty of the Gambian people whose taxes finance public expenditure.
The Centre therefore urges the National Assembly, civil society, and the media to remain vigilant and defend the independence and credibility of the National Audit Office as a cornerstone of transparent and accountable governance in The Gambia.
2025 – The Year of Transparency and Accountability
