Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-02-28 10:09:00
Auditor General Modou Ceesay has emphasized that the National Audit Office’s commitment to transparency and integrity in overseeing the judicious use of public funds will remain unwavering. Taking over from his predecessor, Karamba Touray, Ceesay aims to uphold the high standard of work that has been established at the NAO over the past decade.
In a recent interview with The Standard, Ceesay addressed concerns about his independence and loyalty to the government, reassuring the public that the NAO will continue to operate with transparency. He reiterated the office’s commitment to publishing audit reports as soon as they are discussed at the National Assembly, emphasizing the importance of public accountability.
To enhance the effectiveness of the NAO, Ceesay revealed that an amendment bill has been proposed to the National Assembly, seeking to grant the office greater autonomy and clarify its powers, including the authority to surcharge. The bill also aims to address legacy challenges, such as the pre-audit of pensions, which could compromise the NAO’s independence.
Ceesay highlighted the importance of operational autonomy for oversight institutions like the NAO, Independent Electoral Commission, and Ombudsman, emphasizing their critical role in holding all branches of government accountable. He also mentioned the significant progress made in clearing audit backlogs and the transition to conducting current year audits from March onwards.
The NAO has embraced new audit technology to streamline its processes and reduce reliance on manual work. Ceesay explained how this technology allows for better documentation, quality assurance, and efficiency in the auditing process. However, funding constraints and limited access to records and personnel remain key challenges for the NAO.
Despite these challenges, Ceesay lauded the National Assembly for its efforts in promoting accountability and supporting the work of the NAO. He emphasized the need for more resources to enhance staff capacity and meet the increasing demands for audits in a timely manner.
Overall, Ceesay’s leadership at the NAO signals a continuation of the office’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity in overseeing the use of public funds. Through ongoing reforms and technological advancements, the NAO is poised to strengthen its role as a critical watchdog of government finances and operations.
Read the original article on The Standard
