Since the report made by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs that 50 million dollars have been received from the recycling bridge, it is important for the government to be transparent and indicate what is being done with the money. The constitution is very clear on what should be done with all monies paid to the Gambia Government. Section 150 of the Constitution states:
“There shall be a Consolidated Fund into which shall be paid (a) (b) all revenues or other money raised or received for the purpose of, or on behalf of, the Government, and any other money raised or received in trust for, or on behalf of the Government (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), and Act of the National Assembly may provide- (a) for the payment of particular revenue or other money into some other fund established for a specific purpose; or (b) for the retention of revenue or other money by the department of Government that received it for the purpose of defraying the expenses of that department.”
Section 151 adds:
“No money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund Funds except – (a) to meet expenditure charged on that Fund by this Constitution or an Act of the National Assembly; or (b) where the issue of that money has been authorised by an Appropriation Act, a supplementary Appropriation Act or in accordance with subsection (4) of this section. (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Annual estimates 152 And appropriation 6 of 2001 6 of 2001 (1) No money shall be withdrawn from any other public fund of The Gambia unless the issue of that money has been authorised by law. No money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund or any other public fund of The Gambia (including a withdrawal under subsection (4)) unless the withdrawal has been approved by the Auditor-General or a member of the National Audit Office designated by him or her for the purpose and it is made in the manner prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.”
Hence all expenditures must be backed by law.
It is therefore very important for budget allocations to be clearly stated and miscellaneous allocations should not be entertained.
Foroyaa will therefore contact the ministry to get updates on the recycling bridge and get more information on the concrete measures taken to extend the resources derived from the deal.
