At least three ministries in President Adama Barrow’s government have been listed to have the highest spending budget in 2021. 

The ministries included the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (D2.83 billion), Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure (D2.76 billion), and Ministry of Health (D1.69 billion). 

They collectively spent 7.28 billion dalasis in 2021.

Minister of Finance Mamburay Njie made the disclosure at the National Assembly yesterday. 

“In terms of absorption rates, about 40 percent of MDAs absorbed more than 100 percent of their initial approved budgets for 2021.

“This includes the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), whose budget absorption rate was 124 percent, mainly due to expenditure on voter registration and election activities which was made possible through the Supplementary Appropriation (SAP),” Mr Njie said.

“Similarly, the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure (MoTWI) absorbed 40 percent more than its approved budget, while the Ministry of Information and Communications Infrastructure (MoICI) absorbed 39 percent more than their initial approved budget. 

“The over-absorption for MoICI can be attributed to expenditure on Subventions (GRTS election related activities) Contributions to International Organizations and ICT infrastructure,” he added.

According to the minister, the top spending budget line items are subventions (D2.91 billion), roads and bridges (D2.19 billion), operating costs (D520 million), settlement of confirmed debts (D516 million), travel expenses (D319 million), food and food services (D301 million), vehicles (D291 million), school improvement grant (D289 million), general pension benefits (D244 million) and purchase of fuel and lubricants (D228 million).

Reporting by Adama Makasuba