Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta has called for greater accountability within Parliament, saying the institution cannot credibly demand accountability from other arms of government while failing to uphold the same standards internally.
Speaking Tuesday at the opening of the 2026 National Assembly Outreach and Social Audit, Speaker Jatta said Parliament’s commitment to accountability must extend beyond its oversight of the Executive to the administration and operations of the National Assembly itself.
“We cannot credibly demand accountability from others while neglecting accountability within our own institution,” Jatta said.
He said the National Assembly Authority remains committed to strengthening the Assembly Service through sound administrative systems, continued capacity building, and the digitalization of parliamentary work.
According to the Speaker, the measures are intended to better equip lawmakers to discharge their constitutional responsibilities while improving the services Parliament provides to citizens.
Focus on Public Funds
Jatta also stressed the need for greater accountability in the use of public resources entrusted to lawmakers, particularly the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
He said CDF resources are public funds and must therefore be used transparently and responsibly, with communities receiving the benefits for which the funds are intended.
The Speaker linked Parliament’s internal accountability to its broader oversight responsibilities, particularly the work of the Auditor General and the Public Accounts Committee.
He said audit findings should not simply end up in reports but should result in corrective action and improvements in public administration.
Citizens to Question Parliament
The remarks come as Parliament prepares to scrutinize the government’s proposed 2027 Budget, with Jatta urging lawmakers to examine whether budget allocations reflect the needs of communities, whether previous allocations were properly utilized, and whether citizens can track how public funds are spent.
The two-day Social Audit is designed to bring citizens and Parliament closer together, allowing participants from Banjul, Kanifing Municipality, and the West Coast Region to raise concerns about public services, stalled projects, and the use of public resources.
Clerk of the National Assembly Kalipha M.M. Mbye described the forum as an exercise in “mutual accountability,” allowing citizens to ask questions, seek explanations, and share their experiences with the institution.
He said concerns raised during the engagement would be documented and, where appropriate, taken into the Assembly’s legislative, oversight, and policy work.
Speaker Jatta urged participants to speak candidly about shortcomings in public services and to hold elected representatives accountable.
The National Assembly’s current legislative sessions include consideration of government business, committee reports, bills, and the 2027 budget estimates.
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