Finance Minister Seedy Kieta
By: Fatou Dahaba
In a significant boost for public financial accountability, the National Assembly on Tuesday received the Auditor General’s report on the government’s 2025 financial statements, marking the first time in more than 30 years that audited accounts have been prepared, audited, and presented within the constitutional deadline.
Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Seedy Keita presented the report, describing it as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline, sound financial management, and transparency in the use of public resources.
“The financial statements were prepared in line with internationally recognized standards to ensure credibility and accountability,” Keita said. The documents include detailed cash receipts and payments, revenue and expenditure from government funds, and other supporting statements required under current reporting frameworks.
Keita added that meeting the 30 June constitutional deadline reflects the administration’s determination to provide timely financial information to citizens and stakeholders, while noting an overall improvement in the quality of the statements compared to previous years.
Speaker of the National Assembly hailed the development as a landmark achievement. He praised the Auditor General and Accountant General for their effective collaboration, which enabled the government to fulfill its constitutional obligation.
“Throughout my years in Parliament, I have never witnessed audited government accounts being tabled within the six-month constitutional timeframe after the end of the financial year,” the Speaker remarked. “This is an achievement that should make every Gambian proud, and I hope it becomes the new norm.”
The report was referred to the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) for detailed scrutiny following a motion moved by Hon. Fatoumatta Njie, Member for Banjul South. Supporting the motion, Njie urged Parliament to recognize positive developments.
“In my nine years as a legislator, this is the first time I have seen public accounts submitted within the required timeframe,” Njie said. “It is an achievement deserving of recognition.”
Before adjourning the matter, the Speaker called on FPAC members to thoroughly examine the Auditor General’s findings and recommendations. He stressed that the committee’s work would play a crucial role in strengthening financial accountability and ensuring public resources are managed in the best interest of Gambian citizens.
The timely tabling of the 2025 accounts is being viewed as a positive step towards restoring public confidence in state institutions and improving governance standards in The Gambia.
