The National Assembly Finance and Public Accounts Committee has recommended more powers for the accountant general amid allegations of corruption and financial irregularities by public officials. 

The house committee’s move comes after  a summarised report of the National Audit Office dated in 2017 showed that public funds including 665 million dalasis were misappropriated. 

Alagie Mbowe, National Assembly member for Upper Saloum and member of the committee, said they had already drafted the recommendations ready to be table before the National Assembly in their subsequent sittings.

“I agree that the position and powers given to the accountant general should be looked into and be empowered, so that he would do his job effectively. 

“That’s why there is a report which our committee will table which stipulates these areas to ensure his position is empowered,” he said.

“We are not police or intelligence agents; the parliament is tasked to make good laws and policies. But if it comes to squandering the nation’s funds or resources, the 1997 Constitution gives the auditor general right and power to exercise justice on anyone who squander the country’s funds.

“And the 2014 public the finance act also gives the accountant general to look into any expenditure,” he added

Reporting by Adama Makasuba