NAO and Media Strengthen Partnership for Improved Audit Coverage
NAO Auditor General Mr Modou Ceesay © NAO
By Fatoumata Jaiteh
In a strategic move to strengthen collaboration and raise public awareness of its mandate, the National Audit Office (NAO) of The Gambia hosted a two-day media engagement from 30th to 31st July 2025 at the Bakadaji Hotel. The event brought together journalists from television, radio, community networks, print, and digital platforms, alongside representatives from the Gambia Press Union.
The training aimed to deepen the media’s understanding of public sector auditing and the governance framework of the NAO. Participants engaged with key topics, including:
The legal framework and governance structure of the NAO
Public sector auditing principles
Financial performance and compliance audits
In his opening remarks, the Auditor General (AG) Mr Modou Ceesay, underscored the media’s crucial role in advancing transparency and accountability in governance. He welcomed participants and reaffirmed the NAO’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with the media.
“This event forms part of our annual engagement with key stakeholders, designed to enhance collaboration and increase the impact of our audits,” the AG stated. “We believe our work is most effective when citizens are well-informed and actively involved in monitoring how public resources are managed.”
He emphasised the role of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in democratic societies, noting their constitutional mandate to act as watchdogs over public finances, as enshrined in The Gambia’s 1997 Constitution. He also cited INTOSAI’s Principle 12, which highlights the importance of SAIs in improving citizens’ lives.
“SAIs are a cornerstone of accountability systems. But our work reaches its full potential only when it is understood, shared, and acted upon by the public—and that’s where the media comes in,” he added.
Delegates at engagement © NAO
Describing the media as the “fourth arm of government”, the AG acknowledged its power to inform, educate, and mobilise public interest around governance issues. He reaffirmed the NAO’s dedication to enhancing communication with journalists and expanding access to audit findings.
While commending the success of previous engagements, the AG called for broader and more consistent coverage of audit reports.
“We hope this two-day dialogue will sharpen your understanding of our mandate, processes, and expectations. Ask questions, seek clarity, and leave here better equipped to report on our work,” he urged.
He encouraged participants to see the workshop not only as a training but also as a platform for mutual learning and a springboard for more impactful reporting that drives public accountability.
In closing, the Auditor General thanked institutional heads for supporting their staff’s participation and highlighted the media’s pivotal role in advancing the success of public sector audits.
“With transparency and accountability as pillars of good governance, we count on you—the media—to amplify our work for the benefit of all Gambians,” he concluded.
During the closing session, Deputy Auditor General Baba S. Drammeh extended his gratitude to media leaders for releasing their staff to attend the event despite demanding schedules. He said their presence reflects the media’s strong commitment to promoting good governance and supporting the NAO’s mission.
“We are truly grateful for everyone’s support in helping us fulfil our constitutional mandate,” he said.
The media engagement marked a meaningful step toward deepening collaboration between the National Audit Office and the Gambian media. By equipping journalists with critical insights into public sector auditing, legal frameworks, and governance structures, the workshop laid a solid foundation for more informed and impactful reporting. As echoed by both the Auditor General and the Deputy Auditor General, the media’s role is indispensable in ensuring that audit findings resonate with the public and strengthen accountability in the use of national resources.
