The Government of The Gambia through the Accountant General Office under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs is planning to introduce an automated revenue management system in the country.
The main objective of introducing the system is to eliminate cash handling and establish a modern and efficient revenue management system in The Gambia.
The Deputy Accountant General of The Gambia, Mr Lamin Singhateh has disclosed the intention of the government to eliminate cash and cheque payment by next year.
“Cash and cheque payment will be eliminated by 2021,” the Deputy Accountant General stated.
Singhateh has made these revelations at the recent budget and finance reporting exercise organised by The Gambia Press Union. The project is supported by the International Republican Institute to further promote fiscal transparency and accountability in The Gambia.
“All payrolls and pension payments to be automated through direct bank transfers, mobile money and forex bureaux,” he said.
He disclosed that an Indian company has won the contract for the new automated system. He also noted that the new system has minimal expense compare to the old system.
According to him, the IFMIS ICT Infrastructure has been upgraded with new servers and equipment. The unit is responsible for application systems administration, business process re-engineering, requirement analysis, implementation support and maintenance of the chart of accounts amongst others.
“Whatever payment is made there must be proper documentation,” Mr Singhateh said.
The Deputy AG lamented over the challenges facing the current system is that monies are given to people for activities but failed to retire the imprest. He added that offenders would be deducted from their salaries while those who are close to retirement would have their gratuity forfeited to their pensions.