Finance Minister Says Government Meets Statutory Deadline for Audited Public Accounts for First Time in More Than 30 Years

By Fatou Sillah

The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita, on Tuesday presented the Auditor General’s Report on the Government of The Gambia’s Financial Statements and the accompanying Management Letter for the financial year ended 31 December 2025 to the National Assembly, describing the exercise as a historic milestone in the country’s public financial management.

While tabling the reports, Keita announced that, for the first time in more than three decades, the Government of The Gambia had prepared and completed the audit of its public financial statements within the statutory reporting deadline.

He said meeting the constitutional timeline represents a significant achievement in strengthening the country’s public financial management system and underscores the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound fiscal governance.

“For the first time in more than 30 years, the government financial statements have been prepared and audited within the statutory reporting timeline,” the minister said.

Keita explained that the 2025 financial statements were prepared in accordance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) Cash Basis, providing a comprehensive record of government revenues, expenditures, and financial commitments during the reporting period.

He noted that the timely preparation and submission of the accounts reflects sustained efforts to improve public financial management and align the country’s financial reporting framework with internationally recognized standards.

“Presenting the public finance accounts for the year 2025 before this Honourable and august Assembly within the constitutionally stipulated time is historic and a significant milestone in the financial reporting of The Gambia,” Keita told lawmakers.

The minister said the achievement demonstrates the government’s resolve to strengthen fiscal discipline, enhance transparency in the management of public resources, and reinforce confidence in the country’s financial reporting processes.