Gambia Public Accounts Committee Return From UK Study Tour

A delegation of Gambian MP's have returned to Banjul following a 10 day study tour to London to see how UK public authorities hold the Westminster Government to account for public finances.

The study tour focused on ways to improve financial accountability and is part of a continuing effort by the Government of The Gambia to improve transparency and secure long-term financial stability.

The group made up of 8 Public Account Committee (PAC) members and the Auditor General saw at first hand a hearing on the financial management of the UK's Home Office. They also met the UK's National Audit Office and cross party parliamentary group for Africa.

The UK's Department for International Development (DFID), who helped fund the study tour through the Gambia Financial Governance Project, has led efforts with other donors to address the gap in accountability. DFID has worked closely with the government and provided technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of public sector institutions.

The Auditor General and the Majority Leader said "the tour could not have come at a better time. It provided first hand opportunity to share and learn experiences. This will go a long way in assisting both institutions to enhance the vibrance and rigor in our work to hold government to account and enhance public sector accountability".