By Kebba AF Touray
Following the tabling of the estimates of revenue and expenditure for 2025 by the Minister of Finance last Friday, members of the National Assembly alongside the technical staff of the Assembly, have commenced a three-day pre-budget retreat on Saturday 16th November 2024. The retreat which is supported by International IDEA and the European Union (EU), aims to equip NAMs with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage effectively in discussions on fiscal policy and resource allocation for the upcoming year. The retreat also forms part of a broader effort to enhance parliamentary oversight of the budgetary process.
In his welcome statement to participants of the retreat, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Momodou Sise, emphasised the importance of parliamentary scrutiny in ensuring that the national budget aligns with the needs of the citizenry, adding that members must be well-prepared to interrogate the Draft Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure to ensure that they reflect the aspirations of the citizenry. He said the training will also enable the effective monitoring of the expenditure of the appropriated funds to the relevant sectors through oversight mechanisms during the implementation year.
The Country Director for IDEA, Ms Jainaba Faye, highlighted the significance of transparency, accountability, and oversight in the budget process and said: “The main goal of the training is to strengthen the oversight function of the National Assembly and its Committees on the National Budget, in order to deliver an expanded economy that is focused on creating greater national wealth and better livelihoods.”
The EU Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E. Immaculada Roca I. Cortes, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting The Gambia’s democratic institutions, particularly the National Assembly, and said: “The EU stands ready to assist The Gambia in its journey towards greater fiscal responsibility and institutional transparency. By strengthening the National Assembly’s role in budget oversight, we ensure a more inclusive and sustainable future for all.”
In his opening statement, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, acknowledged the role of the EU and the IDEA in supporting The Gambia’s democratic processes and urged NAMs to actively participate in the discussions and seek clarity where needed.
“Our duty is to safeguard public funds, ensure social equity, and promote economic stability,” he affirmed. The retreat also serves as a platform for dialogue among lawmakers and experts, by focusing on key areas of the budget such as education, healthcare, and agriculture, and it is expected to enhance their ability to scrutinise and approve a budget that aligns with national priorities and promotes economic growth.
