He reminded that public procurement is far more than a routine administrative task; rather, it is a fundamental pillar of good governance.
The Clerk noted that while the National Assembly holds the constitutional mandate to exercise oversight over the Executive’s use of public funds, the authority must be mirrored by the Assembly’s own commitment to transparency and procedural excellence.
“This training has been conceived in recognition of the evolving landscape of public financial management, which is increasingly characterised by stricter compliance requirements and heightened expectations for accountability,” Mr. Mbye stated.
“Its value lies in its ability to align and harmonise our internal processes with the provisions of the Gambia Public Procurement Act and Regulations.”
The training, organised by the Office of the Clerk and facilitated by The Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA), aims to bridge technical gaps and ensure that the Assembly’s internal gatekeepers are well-versed in the latest regulatory frameworks.
Mr. Mbye expressed optimism that the outcome of the retreat would help promote greater adjustment in procurement issues, noting that the professional competence gained should translate directly into the elimination of procedural weaknesses and a significant reduction in audit queries.
“Ultimately, our goal is to streamline the procurement cycle and ensure that our systems remain robust and resilient under scrutiny,” the Clerk added.
Mr. Mbye urged the participants to approach the technical sessions with the utmost seriousness, further encouraging participants to actively engage with the resource persons from the GPPA, interrogate existing regulations, and reflect critically on how to enhance service delivery within their respective units.
“Our ambition must be clear: to position the procurement processes of the National Assembly as a benchmark of excellence within the public sector,” he added.
