The Auditor General of The Gambia, Cherno Sowe, has demanded documentary evidence of payments made on fines imposed on arrested fishing vessels, following concerns over unaccounted funds totaling more than 50 million dalasis.
In his 2023 management letter on government accounts, Sowe disclosed that vessels arrested by the Gambia Navy were fined a total of GMD 60.45 million. However, only GMD 10.05 million could be verified as paid.
“The audit was unable to confirm the outstanding balance of GMD 50.4 million due to the absence of supporting payment documentation,” Sowe said.
He warned that the lack of records poses a risk of understating government revenue in the financial statements and urged authorities to provide proof of payment.
The Auditor General also reported that several vessels arrested for illegal fishing, including operating in prohibited zones, were liable to pay minimum fines of GMD 8.25 million under the Fisheries Act.
However, he said there was no evidence that the consultative committee imposed or enforced the penalties.
Further findings revealed that fines totaling GMD 53 million were approved by the consultative committee, but no records showed follow-up action or enforcement.
Sowe called on the Ministry of Fisheries to provide updates on the status of the affected vessels.
In response, management said receipts had been submitted showing payments of GMD 2.87 million. However, the Auditor General maintained that an outstanding balance of GMD 16.95 million remains unaccounted for.
Authorities also said documentation on illegal fishing cases is available for verification and that unresolved matters have been referred to the Ministry of Justice.
They added that vessel owners have been formally notified of outstanding fines and that some payments have since been made.
Bakary Tourey Jr
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