Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Auditor General of The Gambia has expressed serious concern over the repeated premature publication of audit findings that have not been finalized, warning that such disclosures can lead to distortions and harm the credibility of the accountability process.

In a statement, the Auditor General cited recent instances where media outlets discussed audit reports that were still at preliminary stages, including the special audit of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for 2020–2023, the financial audit of the National Assembly Service for 2022, and the consolidated financial audit of the Government of The Gambia for 2021 and 2022.

“These reports had not been tabled at the National Assembly nor officially published. The IEC audit was shared with the Inspector General of Police for further investigation, while the National Assembly Service audit was at the preliminary query level when details were made public. The consolidated financial audit, meanwhile, is still at the draft management letter stage,” the auditor general explained.

The audit process, the statement emphasized, involves multiple stages before finalization. Audit queries are first communicated to the management of the audited institution for feedback. If unresolved, these findings appear in the draft Management Letter, allowing for further responses before the final report is issued. The premature release of audit information, the auditor general warned, risks spreading inaccuracies and undermining trust in the process.

“All stakeholders, including those with access to audit information, should respect the audit process and refrain from sharing reports before they are officially finalized,” the statement urged.

The Auditor General reassured the public that all finalized audit reports would be made available on the National Audit Office’s website, in accordance with Section 160 (1) (e) of the 1997 Constitution.

The statement also called on media houses to uphold professional reporting standards to ensure accurate and responsible dissemination of audit findings.