D926,000 Flight for First Lady Among D32M in Unverified Presidential Office Payments, Audit Finds
First Lady Fatou Bah Barrow & President Barrow
By Fatou Sillah
The 2023 Audit Report on the Government of The Gambia’s financial statements has revealed that the Office of the President (OP) disbursed over D32.5 million to suppliers without the required procurement documentation, including a D926,292 business-class round-trip ticket for First Lady Fatoumatta Bah Barrow’s travel to New York.
The report states that in November 2023, the OP extended a soft loan of D32.5 million to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretariat to cover staff salaries. While the OIC sought to repay the amount into the consolidated revenue fund, the OP issued a directive for the repayment to be redirected to its suppliers, including Fatima Trading, Ansu Auto Service, Cinderella Travel & Tours, Malick Mendy Tailoring Ltd., and the National Security Adviser’s Account.
Auditors reported they requested procurement and supporting documentation for the services rendered, but the OP did not furnish such records.
The report further notes that Cinderella Travel & Tours was paid D926,292 ($15,212.55) for a round-trip business-class ticket for the First Lady. A benchmark analysis conducted by auditors found that the standard market rate for similar routes and travel conditions ranged between GMD 487,120 and GMD 548,010 ($8,000–$9,000), raising concerns of overpayment.
“We concluded a benchmark analysis from airline agents for the same route, travel class, and similar travel dates. The standard market rate for such a ticket ranged from GMD 487,120.00 to GMD 548,010.00 (8000 to 9000 USD) as of the date of the invoice,” the audit report said.
Additionally, Ansu Auto Service received D2,575,000 for a used vehicle despite not being a registered vendor for high-value government purchases. The payment was made without the mandatory deduction of 10% withholding tax, in violation of the Income and Value Added Tax Act. Auditors noted that the amount paid was comparable to the market price of a brand-new double-cabin 4×4 pickup from an authorized dealer, which would typically include a manufacturer’s warranty and after-sales service.
“The price of GMD2,575,000.00 was paid for a used vehicle to Ansu Auto Service without the mandatory deduction of 10% withholding tax. This constitutes a breach of the Income and Value Added Tax Act. A market survey conducted by the audit team indicates that, as of 2023, this amount falls approximately within the market price range for a brand-new double-cabin 4×4 pickup vehicle from an authorized dealer, which would typically include a manufacturer’s warranty, after-sales service, and assured quality if OP had utilized it,” the audit said.