Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) of the National Assembly has expressed fresh concerns over the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) continued failure to respond to critical parliamentary resolutions, despite repeated reminders.

One such resolution flagged widespread financial irregularities, including unretired imprests, missing payment vouchers, and unaccounted COVID-19 food aid worth more than D100 million.

Presenting an update before lawmakers, FPAC Vice Chairperson Hon. Alhagie Mbowe, the National Assembly Member for Upper Saloum, revealed that the OVP has yet to provide any feedback on resolutions passed on September 29, 2022, and September 14 and 18, 2023.

“This silence is deeply troubling. It undermines the oversight role of this Assembly and sends the wrong signal about accountability in public office,” Hon. Mbowe told Parliament.

While some ministries, departments, and agencies have responded to FPAC’s queries, albeit with varying degrees of adequacy, the OVP stands out for its complete lack of engagement.

Lawmakers argued that as one of the highest executive offices, its refusal to respond reflects poorly on the government’s commitment to transparency.

NAMs stressed that unresolved audit findings are not mere figures on paper but issues with direct impact on citizens. They cited the COVID-19 food aid scandal as an example, noting that unaccounted resources could have supported thousands of vulnerable households.

Some MPs suggested that persistent defiance from the OVP and other offices may warrant future censure motions.

Hon. Mbowe assured the Assembly that FPAC will continue pressing for compliance but cautioned that without executive cooperation, “the cycle of mismanagement and weak accountability will persist.”