By Kebba AF Touray
The Finance and Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly (FPAC) has recommended the reallocation of one hundred and sixty-nine million Dalasi (D169m), to entities to enable them execute their respective development plans and projects for the 2025 fiscal year.
FPAC made these reallocations in its report on the 2025 estimates tabled before the plenary on Wednesday, 27 November 2024.
The committee recommended that the Police (Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention) be reallocated D8,000,000 in their budget line for vehicles, and an additional D7,000,000 to complete the purchase of two trucks for the Police Intervention Unit, and to pay for outstanding arrears.
On the Health Ministry, the committee recommended a total additional allocation of D184, 1450,000.00 intending to align with the Ministry’s priorities and operational requirements.
On the Gender Ministry, the committee made a reallocation of D850,000 due to the adjustments made to certain budget lines. However, the funds were subsequently reallocated to other budget lines as deemed necessary, in alignment with the Ministry’s priorities and operational requirements.
The budget of the National Population Secretariat under the Office of the Vice President, as recommended by the committee, is to be increased by over D3 million to D18, 600,000 to cover the cost of two international training programs scheduled for 2025. However, according to the FPAC report, the committee recommended a reallocation of GMD74, 312,088 to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for the purchase of vehicles for the Ministry.
Meanwhile, the report indicated that the 2025 budget estimates project total revenue and program grants of D32.10 billion, reflecting a 24 percent increase from the previous year.
As explained in the report, the growth is primarily driven by enhanced domestic revenue mobilization efforts and sustained support from development partners.
The government, as highlighted in the report anticipates a 23% increase in tax revenue which is attributed to improved tax policies, strengthened compliance measures and the implementation of digital solutions in tax administration.
The Finance Minister, according to the report, indicated that the 2025 budget demonstrates fiscal discipline with a projected gross deficit of only D198.32 million, or 0.10 percent of nominal GDP, the lowest in the past decade.
This, he said, represents a 67% reduction in the budget deficit compared to 2024, underscoring the government’s commitment to fiscal sustainability.
The report which was tabled before the plenary by the Chairperson of the committee, Hon. Alhagie S. Darboe, was adopted by the legislature, after debating on it.
