The Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Kalipha M.M. Mbye, has underscored the critical necessity of unwavering adherence to public procurement regulations, describing them as the bedrock of institutional integrity and accountable governance.
Speaking on Friday at the commencement of a three-day intensive capacity-building retreat for members of the Contracts Committee, the Special Procurement Unit (SPU), and Finance and Audit staff of the National Assembly. He asserted that public procurement is far more than a routine administrative chore; it is a fundamental pillar of good governance.
The Clerk noted that while the National Assembly holds the constitutional mandate to exercise oversight over the Executiveโs use of public funds, that authority must be mirrored by the Assemblyโs own commitment to transparency and procedural excellence.
โThis training has been conceived in recognition of the evolving landscape of public financial management, which is increasingly characterised by stricter compliance requirements and heightened expectations for accountability,โ Mr. Mbye stated. โIts value lies in its ability to align and harmonise our internal processes with the provisions of the Gambia Public Procurement Act and Regulations.โ
The training, organized by the Office of the Clerk and facilitated by The Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA), aims to bridge technical gaps and ensure that the Assemblyโs internal gatekeepers are well-versed in the latest regulatory frameworks.
Mr. Mbye expressed high expectations for the outcome of the retreat, noting that the professional competence gained should translate directly into the elimination of procedural weaknesses and a significant reduction in audit queries.
โUltimately, our goal is to streamline the procurement cycle and ensure that our systems remain robust and resilient under scrutiny,โ the Clerk added.
Addressing the participants directly, Mr. Mbye urged them to approach the technical sessions with the utmost seriousness. He encouraged them to actively engage with the resource persons from the GPPA, interrogate existing regulations, and reflect critically on how to enhance service delivery within their respective units.
โOur ambition must be clear: to position the procurement processes of the National Assembly as a benchmark of excellence within the public sector,โ he concluded.
