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New Department Takes Over as Government’s Financial Helm
Banjul, The Gambia - In a significant development, the Accountant General’s Department has taken over as the premier financial authority in the country, replacing the erstwhile Treasury Directorate. Headed by the Accountant General, the department is responsible for all cash transactions and accounts of the Government.
Accountant General’s Responsibilities
The Accountant General is accountable to both the Permanent Secretary on administrative matters and the Minister on technical matters. Key responsibilities include:
- Supervising and directing technical and professional functions within the department
- Establishing proper accounting systems in each government department
- Ensuring the prompt collection of all public revenue
Other duties include:
- Bringing to account all revenue or other receipts under the relevant heads of accounts
- Charging all expenditure under the proper heads of accounts
- Providing for the safe keeping of all public moneys, stamps, securities, and valuable documents
- Supervising accounting officers entrusted with the receipt and expenditure of public money
- Taking precautions against fraud, embezzlement, or carelessness
Financial Regulations
The department is guided by the Financial Regulations 2016, which outline the financial duties of various government officials. According to Section 6 (1) of the Public Finance Act, 2014:
- Public officers who conduct financial business on behalf of the Government must produce records for inspection or audit purposes when called upon
- Records include receipts and disbursements of public and trust moneys, public stores, and transactions
Handing Over of Financial Records
Section 7 (3) of the Financial Regulations requires that a public officer handing over financial and accounting duties to a relieving officer must:
- Prepare and sign a note in triplicate showing details of all accounting records and documents kept
- Include keys, cash, bank balances, public stores, equipment on hand
Vote Controllers’ Responsibilities
The head or chief executive officer of a budget agency or its Vote Controller is responsible for:
- Operating and managing approved accounting systems to ensure accountability and facilitate efficient government business
- Ensuring the efficient use of appropriations under departmental control in line with Government policy
- Complying with any enactment or regulations
Looking Ahead
The Accountant General’s Department has a crucial role to play in ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance in the country’s financial management. As it takes over as the premier financial authority, the department is expected to strengthen its capacity and systems to effectively discharge its responsibilities and contribute to the overall development of the country.
Contact Us
For further information or clarification on the Accountant General’s Department or the Financial Regulations 2016, please contact [insert contact details].