One of the key areas highlighted was the accounting for non-tax revenue. Non-tax revenue refers to income generated by government institutions outside taxes collected by the Gambia Revenue Authority. In 2024, such revenue was collected by 11 ministries and departments; each responsible for different revenue streams and operating under separate internal control systems.
According to the report, total non-tax revenue collected during the year amounted to GMD2,380,297,420, representing approximately 10 percent of total government revenue. The Auditor General noted that beyond its monetary value, non-tax revenue attracts strong public interest because of how it is collected, managed and allocated.
In assessing this revenue, the audit considered its qualitative importance and the accounting principles used to disclose it. The report explained that the financial statements were prepared using the IPSAS Cash Basis framework, which requires revenue to be recognised only when it is received, not when it is earned. Given the complexity and judgment involved in public sector accounting, specific audit procedures were applied, including reviewing the financial statements and accompanying notes against the extended trial balance, and comparing reported revenue with bank statements to confirm accuracy and completeness.
The second major issue raised was the management and disclosure of contingent liabilities. The statement of contingent liabilities disclosed a total of GMD3,227,411,150.55, relating to ongoing litigation against the Government of The Gambia and loans guaranteed by government during the year under review.
The report stated that records of litigation cases are maintained by the Ministry of Justice, and obtaining detailed information on the progress of these cases remains challenging. Government-guaranteed loans, on the other hand, are managed by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and recorded in the Debt Management System, Meridian.
The Auditor General described contingent liabilities as material and significant due to the level of estimation and judgment involved. Experienced audit personnel were therefore assigned to gather comprehensive information on pending cases, assess outstanding claims and verify proper disclosure. Based on the audit work carried out, he concluded that the contingent liabilities were accurately disclosed in line with the Public Finance Act.
Additional procedures included comparing budgeted figures with actual amounts reported in the financial statements, supported by meetings with officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Accountant General’s Department.
