NAO Unveils Five-Year Strategy to Strengthen Governance and Accountability
Group photo at launch © Askanwi
By Haddy Ceesay
On 24th April 2025, the National Audit Office (NAO), in collaboration with the Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly, Members of Parliament, and dignitaries from various institutions, officially launched its Strategic Development Plan 2025–2029 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo.
The newly unveiled strategic document outlines the NAO’s goals for the next five years, with a focus on enhancing public financial management, strengthening governance, and promoting transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.
In his keynote address, Auditor General Modou Ceesay highlighted the importance of the new strategy, stating:
“As an institution that serves as an accountability mechanism, we are committed to promoting good governance, prudent financial management, and effective public service delivery. A well-thought-out strategic plan is essential for guiding the operations of a Supreme Audit Institution.”
He further emphasised that the strategy will enable the NAO to produce more impactful audits, contributing to improved public sector performance and addressing key societal challenges.
Auditor General Ceesay also outlined four key strategic outcomes the NAO aims to achieve through the plan:
Enhanced independence of the NAO,
Increased public trust in the institution,
Improved financial reporting across the public sector, and
Better management of public resources.
In a notable advancement, he announced that, for the first time, the NAO has estimated the financial resources needed to implement the strategy over the five-year period.
NAO Auditor General Modou Ceesay © Askanwi
Speaking at the event, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Speaker of the National Assembly, praised the NAO’s strategic direction and expressed confidence in its potential to strengthen governance and support national development.
“As we launch this strategic plan, I am confident that the direction taken by the Auditor General will enable both the National Assembly and the government to benefit immensely over the next five years. The evidence generated through audits will support policymaking and enhance our ability to monitor the implementation of the national development agenda,” he remarked.
He also underscored the vital role of auditors in supporting the Assembly’s oversight functions:
“Auditors assist the National Assembly in holding the government accountable on behalf of the people. Their work ensures that public resources are used legally, responsibly, and efficiently for their intended purposes.”
The theme of the strategy reflects a shared commitment between the National Audit Office and the National Assembly—two key pillars of democratic accountability—to ensuring greater transparency and responsibility in the management of public funds.
Speaker Jatta and Auditor General Ceesay © Askanwi
