By: Binta Jaiteh
The National Audit Office (NAO) has concluded two-day training for journalists from various media outlets in the country.
The training which drew participants from: television, radio, print, community stations, and online platforms, aimed at improving understanding and coverage of audit reporting.
The training, held in Bakadaji Hotel focused on enhancing collaboration between the NAO and the media, with the goal of increasing the impact of audits and raising awareness about the role of stakeholders in promoting accountability.
Auditor General, Momodou Ceesay, addressing participants, said the initiative was part of NAO’s annual stakeholder engagement strategy.
“As the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of The Gambia, the National Audit Office has a critical mandate defined by the 1997 Constitution and other legislation,” Ceesay remarked. “In a democracy, SAIs play a vital role in holding government accountable and enabling legislative oversight of the use and management of public resources.”
He referenced Principle 12 of the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), which outlined the value and benefits of SAIs in making a difference in citizens’ lives.
“SAIs contributes to society by fostering accountability and transparency in government institutions and programmes. These contributions are most effective when SAIs communicate their work clearly to the public,” he noted.
Highlighting the media’s role as “the fourth estate,” Ceesay underscored its importance in informing citizens, raising awareness, and ensuring broader dissemination of audit findings.
“We recognize the media’s essential role and have committed to holding periodic engagements. These interactions have already enhanced our collaboration, although there is still room for growth,” he added.
Ceesay encouraged active participation during the training and expressed hope that the session would deepen journalists’ understanding of the NAO’s mandate, audit procedures, and reporting frameworks.
Deputy Auditor General, Baba S. Drammeh thanked the media for their continued support of NAO’s work.
He emphasized the media’s role in promoting good governance and public awareness, describing the training as “a step in the right direction” towards building stronger partnerships between NAO and the media.
Drammeh said equipping journalists with knowledge of public sector auditing, legal frameworks, and governance structures will lead to more informed and impactful media reporting.