By Binta Jaiteh
National Audit Office has hosted the 18th edition of the Governing board meeting of the African organization of English-Speaking Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI-E).
The 18th edition of the meeting was held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Conference Centre, Bijilo.
Karamba Touray, Auditor General said the National Audit Office continue to have its mandate enshrined in the constitution by conducting different types of audits of government and related government authorities and programs ranging from financial audit performance reports, compliance and special audit.
“This audit exercises are geared toward helping government to be more prudent in the management of public funds and resources for public sound management. My office has so far published numerous audit reports including audit of Gambia government covid-19 reports,” he said.
According to him, reports of this exercise are submitted to the National Assembly for discussions are other action and implementation of the audit implementation. We have included in our strategic development plan for 2020 t0 2024 for a priority such as increase for data and stakeholder engagement.
“Subsequently we have been posting audit report on our web site and started simplifying audit report to more summarize and simple language to help the citizens better understanding of the report. However, we also conduct public and stakeholder engagement and we are happy that this initiative helps to build and increase interest around the work of the audit office and audit report. Ultimately, we hope our work will be seen by stakeholders and the complementary mechanism aimed at helping government to carry out proper and effective management of public resources,” he added.
Muhamed Ali, chairperson of AFROSAI- E noted that this 2022 AFROSAI-E and the 18th governing board meeting is very crucial adding that adaptation and resilience has become the new corner stone for organizations and 2021 has proven to become another tough year for the world.
‘’It is because of highly engaged members that we able to forge ahead with implementing our strategic goals, with different methods planned and our response to covid 19 pandemic has shown how our region can mobilize its members to help one another to get through major crises ‘’ he said
Allagie Mbowe, National Assembly member for Upper Saloum said the importance of a high-profile forum of this magnitude cannot be overemphasized it accords stakeholders the opportunity to interact exchange ideas and experiences centred around strengthening the sprint audit institutions determination to improve in areas of independent, transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, he said, this forum is not only to present prizes but equally to brainstorm on strategies and mechanisms that will ensure the accountability of public funds in the public institutions.