The Gambia Radio and Television Service (GRTS) faced scrutiny before the National Assembly Standing Committee on Public Enterprises on February 1st, 2024, for failing to present its activity report and financial statements for the year ended December 31st, 2021.

The director-general of GRTS, Abdoulie Sey, attributed the delay to system issues that had impacted their financial system. He requested more time to finalize the documents, citing an incomplete management letter from the auditors.

Sey explained to the committee, “We could not submit our documents because our financial statement has been audited, but we are awaiting the management letter. The delay is attributed to some system issues that affected our financial system, but these have been rectified. Therefore, we seek your indulgence in granting us some time to go and finalize the documents.”

The auditors confirmed that the audits were completed, but there was outstanding information and audit journals that GRTS needed to address to finalize the work.

Chairman Lamin J. Sanneh expressed the committee’s frustration with GRTS regarding past engagements, highlighting recurring challenges with report submissions. Sanneh emphasized the need to break this pattern, stating, “It seems to be becoming a culture, and we have to put a stop to this.”

Sanneh raised concerns about the accuracy and timeliness of GRTS’s reports, noting discrepancies in the content of the activity report compared to previous years. He specifically mentioned issues related to the reporting of the supplementary appropriation bill, which had not been adequately reflected in GRTS’s activity report.

Committee member Honourable Lamine Ceesay echoed the committee’s concerns, citing a consistent struggle for GRTS to submit reports on their initially scheduled dates. In response, GRTS management requested a second chance and proposed submitting both reports on February 22, 2024, which the committee agreed to. The meeting was adjourned to the specified date of February 22, 2024.

The delay in submitting reports by GRTS has raised questions about the organization’s efficiency and transparency in financial reporting. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Public Enterprises will closely monitor GRTS’s compliance with the new deadline and expect improved accountability and timeliness in future submissions.