The Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has accused the Gambia’s government of trying to undermine the 2021, 2022, and 2023 National Audit Reports, a claim that the government has vehemently disputed.
The administration called the allegations “wholly untrue and without merit” in a statement released on October 23, 2025.
By claiming that the audit reports contained fabrications and misrepresentations, EFSCRJ had charged Chief of Staff Mod K. Ceesay, Works Minister Ebrima Sillah, and Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay with openly disparaging the Auditor General and the National Audit Office (NAO). These remarks were described by the organization as “misleading and irresponsible,” and it issued a warning that they “undermine transparency and accountability, hence weaken governance.”
The administration responded by describing the allegations as “wholly untrue and without merit.” According to the official announcement, the government had received permission to release the audit results before the Finance and Public Accounts Committee’s (FPAC) planned debate. It also pointed out that certain pundits and activists have spread false information about the reports on social media.
“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.
Through the Ministry of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, the government reaffirmed its support for the due process outlined in the National Audit Office Act of 2015 and the 1997 Constitution, as well as the independence of the National Audit Office (NAO).
It underlined that the National Assembly, in particular the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and the Public Enterprises Committee (PEC), must assess audit reports through open hearings and established legal procedures when they are filed. Full participation with these committees, including the submission of management responses and pertinent paperwork, was guaranteed by the government.
The statement also addressed assertions that public statements that correct errors amount to “interference,” characterizing such arguments as misplaced. It stated that senior officials and ministers have a need to update the public, dispel rumors, and make clear the government’s stance, especially in cases when initial comments on audit results may be erroneous or incomplete.
The administration made it clear that ministers’ public remarks serve to enhance parliamentary review by guaranteeing that the public is properly informed during the legislative review process, not to replace or preempt it.
According to the statement, “this is consistent with government press transparency and prior clarifications on audit-related matters.”
As part of its accountability duties, the administration reaffirmed its pledge to work closely with PAC and PEC, providing management responses and testifying before the committees. “In order to fulfill its oversight accountability responsibility, the government will work with PAC/PEC, submit management responses, and appear before the committees.”
It also guaranteed that corrective measures would be taken in cases where PAC or PEC validated audit results and issued resolutions. Strengthening internal controls, recouping confirmed losses of public monies, and, if required, seeking legal remedies are some examples of these actions.
The government’s commitment to accountability and its obligation to speak openly and honestly with the Gambian population were reaffirmed in the statement’s conclusion.
