Financial Crime World

Gambia’s Accountant General Department Takes Over Treasury Directorate

In a major restructuring move, the Government of The Gambia has replaced the Treasury Directorate with the Accountant General’s Department, effective immediately. This change aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the country’s financial dealings.

Key Responsibilities of the Accountant General’s Department

  • Oversees all cash transactions and accounts of the government
  • Supervises and directs technical and professional functions of the department
  • Establishes proper systems of accounting in each government department
  • Ensures prompt collection of all public revenue
  • Brings all revenue or other receipts to account under proper heads of accounts, sub-heads, and items
  • Charges all expenditure under same headings
  • Provides for safe keeping of all public moneys, stamps, securities, and valuable documents

Ministry’s Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

“We are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in our financial dealings,” said the Minister of Finance. “The Accountant General’s Department will play a crucial role in achieving this goal.”

New Responsibilities of the Accountant General’s Department

  • Consolidates and compiles monthly accounts received from all departments, including Development Fund and Special Fund
  • Submits reconciled accounts to Auditor General within six months after end of each financial year
  • Carries out inspections as necessary to ensure integrity of internal control system operating in each department
  • Has full access to all documentation, systems, stores, officials, safes, and other relevant information needed for an inspection

Public Finance Act Outlines Financial Duties of Public Officers

The Public Finance Act outlines the financial duties of public officers, including those responsible for conducting financial business on behalf of the government, receiving, keeping, and disbursing public and trust moneys, and keeping proper records of all transactions.

Conclusion

The Accountant General’s Department is expected to play a key role in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in The Gambia’s financial dealings.