FactCheck: Is D33 Million Spent on UTG Bus Services Every Year?
In his quest to highlight The Gambia Government’s efforts to promote University education, the Minister for Information, Media and Broadcasting Services claimed that the government “spends D33 million” annually to shuttle University of The Gambia (UTG) students to and from the new Faraba Banta Campus. Our researchers have perused budget documents and received information from the Ministry of Finance proving the Minister’s claim are false.
SOE Report Warns: NAWEC’s Financial Woes Pose National Risk
The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) remains in dire financial straits as its losses continue to mount, raising concerns about its sustainability and impact on the national economy. More in the report.
The Crisis Threatening GAMTEL: D197 Million in Unpaid Debts
The Gambia Telecommunications Company (GAMTEL) is grappling with a severe financial crisis, burdened by nearly D197 million in unpaid debts. More in this report.
Debt Payments Consumed Over a Quarter of 2024 National Budget
As the government struggles to balance revenue collection and expenditure, a concerning trend persists with debt servicing continuing to consume a substantial portion of the national budget. More in the report.
Have Parliament and the Executive Violated the Law on Budget Oversight?
This publication interrogates the question of whether Parliament and the Executive have violated the law with regards to budget implementation by making reference to legal provisions and highlighting instances when this legal requirement has been ignored. This leaves the door open for waste, fraud, and abuse to continue unabated in The Gambia.
Exaggerated Tourism Boom? Investigating President Barrow’s Statement
President Adama Barrow’s recent claim that The Gambia recorded over 233,000 tourist arrivals in just three months has been debunked by official data. A fact-checking investigation reveals that the actual number is significantly lower, casting doubt on the government’s projections for the 2024-2025 tourist season. More in the report.
FactCheck: Has a Bag of Onions Dropped to D500 as Claimed by Dr. Ceesay?
While The Gambia’s Information Minister claimed that fiscal and monetary policies have led to a dramatic reduction in onion prices, our investigation found that the actual market prices are still much higher, undermining the minister’s statement. More in this FactCheck.
Can the New RF-NDP Deliver on Its Promises?
As The Gambia pushes forward with its Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP) 2023-2027, economic hurdles threaten progress. Rising debt, high inflation, and sluggish growth overshadow efforts to achieve stability and poverty reduction. With two years left in the plan, can the government turn the tide, or will the RF-NDP remain an unfulfilled ambition?
From Promise to Delay: The Story of Gambia’s Ambitious Highway Project
The Gambia’s ambitious Bertil Harding Highway expansion project, aimed at easing congestion and modernizing the country’s transportation network, has hit a snag. Despite securing a $40 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in October 2024, Phase III of the project failed to commence by the end of 2024 as promised by Transport Minister Ebrima Sillah. This delay has sparked public frustration and raised questions about the government’s ability to deliver on its infrastructure commitments.
FactSheet: Beyond Opinions - Audit Processes and Their Importance
Audit reports are essential tools for financial accountability, yet recent remarks by President Adama Barrow and Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay have sparked debate over their credibility. While some officials dismiss them as mere “opinions,” audits follow rigorous international standards to assess financial integrity and compliance. This article clarifies the audit process, its significance, and why these reports matter in ensuring transparency and good governance.
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