Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – A vehicle belonging to the Office of the Ombudsman has remained missing for six years after it was taken for a presidential tour and never returned, prompting lawmakers to question accountability and the treatment of independent institutions.
The matter emerged during the National Assembly’s Finance and Public Accounts Committee review of the Ombudsman’s 2023–2024 audit reports.
Committee chairperson Alhagie S. Darboe told members that the vehicle, identified as Ombudsman 11, was taken by the Vehicle Control Unit for use during a presidential Meet the People Tour. However, the vehicle was never returned to the Ombudsman’s office.
Ombudsman Bakary Sanyang informed lawmakers that his office made several unsuccessful attempts to recover the vehicle, including follow-ups after auditors flagged the issue.
He said it was later discovered that the vehicle had been reassigned to the Public Service Commission, where it continues to be used outside the Ombudsman’s control.
Mr. Sanyang added that the vehicle may no longer be roadworthy and has since been written off from the institution’s asset register. Despite this, auditors recommended that the office continue pursuing the matter and maintain proper documentation.
Lawmakers expressed frustration over what they described as a pattern of government units taking vehicles from independent institutions, warning that such actions undermine their operational independence. They urged the Office of the President to take measures to prevent similar incidents.
The Ombudsman further disclosed that several other vehicles, Ombudsman 4, 5, 6, 7, and 12, are also no longer roadworthy but remain listed as assets.
Mr. Sanyang said his office wrote to the Ministry of Finance on 25 February 2025 requesting approval to dispose of the obsolete vehicles and other damaged items, including air conditioners, printers, and furniture, but has yet to receive a response.
Lawmakers warned that abandoned and unserviceable government vehicles pose environmental and safety risks if not properly disposed of.
Meanwhile, the Ombudsman’s management acknowledged weaknesses in record-keeping, particularly regarding fuel allowances and unused medical funds, and pledged to strengthen internal controls to improve accountability.
