The Committee acknowledged disbursement to media houses but notes with concern that there were unused balances amounting to GMD585,159.86 from the total amount disbursed.
The FPAC states that Auditors could not confirm if this balance was subsequently used or paid back to the account as bank statements to verify the balances were not provided.
It also pointed out that no financial and narrative reports were received from some grantees contrary to the provisions of the Grant Agreement. “As such, the Auditors could not ascertain whether the fund received was used for the intended purpose. Full payment to media houses should only be completed after the submission of financial and narrative report,” FPAC report indicated.
According to the report, the Ministry of Information, and Communication Infrastructure (MoICI) from the Supplementary Appropriation Bill passed by the National Assembly, an amount of GMD 15,000,000.00 was approved as support to the media houses in the country.
The report stated the support to the media houses was provided through the Ministry of Information Communication and Infrastructure which was delegated to manage the funds and distribute them amongst the media houses.
