By Fatou Bojang
The National Audit Office (NAO) has raised significant concerns about the implications of media outlets discussing incomplete audit findings, reinforcing journalists’ need to understand the audit process in detail before publicizing premature information.
During a press conference at the NAO office, the Auditor General underscored the importance of adhering to the legal framework guiding the publication of audit reports, as mandated by the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia.
During a press conference on Thursday, the Communication Specialist, Binta Touray, emphasized the importance of allowing the audit cycle to complete before disseminating findings, urging journalists to verify the status of reports before reporting on them.
Recent media coverage of audits, including the Special Audit of the IEC and the Financial Audit of the National Assembly Service, has made the NAO emphasize that discussing incomplete reports can result in inaccuracies and damage the accountability process. Binta highlighted that these reports are still drafts and require discussions in the National Assembly before public release. She encouraged media engagement with finalized audit reports but urged caution with findings still under review to maintain public trust in the audit process.
The NAO press release emphasized that the audit process involves several stages, including the initial fieldwork, submitting audit queries to auditee management, and drafting a management letter to address unresolved issues. “The public is reminded that the integrity of the audit process hinges on allowing it to complete its full cycle, which includes discussions in the National Assembly before reports are deemed final,” the press release stated.
In response to concerns about misinformation, the NAO is committed to improving media access and understanding of audit reports. Touray expressed the intention to engage more directly with media editors, ensuring that they are fully informed about the status of audit findings, thereby preventing the dissemination of incomplete information. “This press conference is about fostering dialogue with our media partners to strengthen collaboration and enhance the accuracy of reporting on audit findings,” she concluded.
NAO aims to implement additional strategies to facilitate better communication and understanding between the audit office and media practitioners, ensuring that public officials can be held accountable based on accurate and finalized reports.
As the NAO continues to navigate its responsibilities under the Constitution, it remains crucial for all stakeholders, including the media, to recognize their role in the accountability cycle and approach auditing information with the necessary diligence and understanding.
