By: Fatou Krubally
The Office of the President (OP) has come under scrutiny following an audit review in parliament that raised concerns over D42 million in additional works lacking full approval, as well as overpayments and documentation gaps in government contracts.
It will be recalled that the National Audit Office reported contract variations and addenda valued at D42,687,288 did not have complete authorisation from the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA). Auditors said only one approval document was presented for verification, leaving approximately D4.4 million in additional works unsupported at the time of reporting.
Members of the parliamentary committee reviewing the audit also questioned what they described as contradictory communication from the GPPA, which approved while indicating that certain conditions had not been fulfilled. The committee chair described the decision as inconsistent.
The audit further identified concerns over payments related to air-conditioning installations at the presidency, including a D50,000 overpayment resulting from revised unit costs and an additional D154,000 payment for an extra unit. Management informed auditors that the latter amount had been refunded and provided a receipt dated 8 December 2025.
Disagreement also emerged over whether piping and fittings for cassette-type air conditioners should have been included in the original equipment costs. Auditors maintained that such costs should have been integrated and clearly documented, while officials argued that additional materials were required for installation. The committee ordered further verification.
Auditors additionally highlighted contract price inflation estimated at D9.8 million, which management was unable to immediately substantiate with supporting evidence.
Another finding involved a 2018 contract awarded without a performance security bond, a safeguard intended to protect public funds in the event of contractor default. Although the project was completed, auditors said the omission breached procurement requirements.
The Office of the President requested additional time to locate missing approvals and supporting documents, with lawmakers setting deadlines extending into early March.
Auditors warned that incomplete records, weak oversight and procedural inconsistencies could expose public spending to risk.