The findings of the National Assembly’s Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) concerning the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) present a troubling picture of weaknesses in public financial management and institutional oversight.
At EFSTH, the country’s main referral hospital, auditors uncovered irregular payments, procurement deficiencies, suspected ghost workers, failures in tax compliance, and allegations of financial misconduct serious enough to warrant police investigation. Equally concerning are reports of lapses in recruitment procedures and the apparent absence of effective internal controls. These are not minor administrative oversights; they are issues that directly affect public confidence in a critical institution responsible for delivering healthcare services to Gambians.
The situation at the IEC is similarly alarming. The failure to remit millions of dalasis in public funds to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, the use of unauthorized bank accounts, missing receipts, questionable procurement practices, and the extensive reliance on cash transactions through personal accounts raise legitimate concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of electoral finances. As the institution entrusted with safeguarding the integrity of the democratic process, the IEC must be held to the highest standards of financial stewardship.
FPAC’s decision to impose clear deadlines—45 days for EFSTH and 60 days for the IEC—to recover funds, provide explanations, and implement corrective measures is both necessary and appropriate. Parliamentary oversight serves little purpose if findings are not followed by concrete action. The public deserves to know whether recommendations are implemented, whether misappropriated funds are recovered, and whether those responsible for misconduct are held accountable.
These reports also highlight broader systemic challenges within public institutions. Weak internal controls, poor record-keeping, inadequate procurement compliance, and ineffective monitoring mechanisms continue to expose public resources to misuse. Addressing these issues requires more than temporary corrective measures; it demands lasting reforms, stronger enforcement of financial regulations, and a culture of accountability across the public sector.
The recommendations for investigations by the police, the Gambia Revenue Authority, and other relevant authorities should proceed without delay. Equally important is ensuring that any investigations are conducted impartially and transparently. Accountability must not be selective, nor should it be influenced by position or status.
Ultimately, public institutions exist to serve citizens. Every dalasi lost through negligence, waste, or misconduct is a resource diverted from healthcare, education, infrastructure, and other essential services. The findings against EFSTH and the IEC should therefore serve as a wake-up call for all public institutions.
The coming weeks will test the commitment of both institutions to transparency and reform. Compliance with FPAC’s directives must not be treated as a procedural exercise. It should mark the beginning of a genuine effort to strengthen governance, restore public trust, and ensure that public resources are managed in the interest of the people.
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