Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The National Assembly of The Gambia on Tuesday appeared before the Finance and Public Accounts Committee to present its 2022 Annual Activity Report, Audited Financial Statements, and Management Letter, with parliamentary leaders describing the exercise as part of Parliament’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.
Leading the presentation was the Chairperson of the National Assembly Authority, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, who told committee members that appearing before FPAC was both a constitutional requirement and a demonstration of Parliament’s openness in public administration.
Jatta said the National Assembly, as the country’s highest oversight institution, has a responsibility not only to scrutinize public institutions but also to subject itself to the same standards of accountability.
“The National Assembly is not above scrutiny, nor exempt from the standards it applies to other public institutions,” he told the committee, stressing that accountability must begin within Parliament itself.
The Clerk of the National Assembly, Kalipha MM Mbye, who appeared before the committee in his capacity as Accounting Officer of the National Assembly Service, also outlined how resources allocated to the institution during the 2022 fiscal year were managed and utilized.
According to Mbye, the Office of the Clerk handled significant administrative responsibilities during the year, including supervising the transition and winding down of the previous legislature, facilitating the induction and orientation of 58 newly elected and nominated members, reconstituting standing and select committees, and ensuring the swift resumption of parliamentary business.
Despite the challenges, he said the institution maintained professionalism, financial discipline, and administrative efficiency throughout the period under review.
Mbye further told the committee that the Assembly remained committed to complying with the Public Finance Act, Public Procurement Act, Financial Regulations, Assembly Service Regulations, and other public financial management procedures.
However, he acknowledged that the institution continues to face operational challenges, particularly increasing oversight responsibilities amid budgetary constraints, expanding committee functions, and the financial demands associated with Parliament’s digital transformation agenda.
The Finance and Public Accounts Committee is expected to continue consideration of the National Assembly’s reports on Wednesday, 13 May 2026.
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