The Accountant General’s Department has presented a detailed report to the National Assembly’s Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC), highlighting individuals involved in fraudulent activities within various government ministries, departments, and agencies.
This follows a resolution passed in September 2023 after an auditor general’s report exposed significant financial irregularities in government spending. The resolution demanded comprehensive updates on fraudulent cases, including the names of those involved, amounts misappropriated, and the status of each case.
Key Findings:
Gambia Immigration Department (GID):
In 2018, a visa fee of D1,302,000 was received, but only D700,000 was remitted to the government. The balance of D602,000 was reportedly shared among six officers, who are now on interdiction.
Brikama Health Centre and Sub-Treasury:
At the Brikama Health Centre, D273,674 remains unaccounted for, while D6,592,172.50 was misappropriated at the Brikama Sub-Treasury. The individual responsible for the sub-treasury case is no longer employed by the government, and the case is in court.
Kerewan Sub-Treasury:
An unaccounted amount of D2,136,327.61 was linked to an official who has since left government service. The matter is under police investigation.
Janjanbureh Sub-Treasury:
The missing D521,000 in this case involves a deceased suspect. Investigations are ongoing.
National Treasury:
D4,064,363.15 was withdrawn without authorization. While some suspects have been prosecuted, others implicated are either no longer employed or deceased.
Forestry, Parks, and Wildlife:
Of the D839,500 misappropriated, D510,060 has been recovered. The case is now in court.
Guinea-Bissau and Paris Missions:
At the Guinea-Bissau Mission, D390,000.32 remains unaccounted for, while the Paris Mission reported fraud involving €27,500 (D1,549,350). Both cases are under investigation.
Intellectual Property Office:
False receipts amounting to D10,410,000 were issued, involving two officials, one of whom is no longer employed by the government.
Recommendations:
FPAC has urged the government to recover outstanding amounts, address the status of deceased suspects, and implement measures to prevent future misappropriations. It also stressed the need for accountability among current public servants implicated in these cases.
Further updates on these matters are awaited as investigations and court proceedings continue.
