The National Assembly on Saturday opened a three-day pre-budget review and analysis retreat on the 2027 budget estimates tabled by the Minister of Finance on Friday. The event is organised in partnership with Gambia Participates. It will avail lawmakers to interact with experts, sector officials and other stakeholders to conduct rigorous analysis on the proposed allocations, expenditure, and government’s development priorities in the 2027 budget.
In his opening statement, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Fabakary Tombong Jatta said the Assembly had grappled with difficult fiscal trade-offs, scrutinised budget allocations and debated national priorities, with the aim of protecting the welfare and economic interests of Gambians over the past four budget cycles.
Speaker Jatta stressed that, as the Assembly enters its final budget cycle for the 2027 fiscal year, the people of The Gambia expect lawmakers to complete their legislative journey with diligence, rigour, responsibility and statesmanship.
He also noted that, while Section 152 of the Constitution provides for the preparation and laying of the Estimates before the National Assembly, the tabling of the Budget is only the beginning of the constitutional process, as the Assembly ultimately scrutinises, considers, approves and authorises expenditure from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
The Clerk of the National Assembly Kalipha MM Mbye described the retreat as a critical period of preparation for one of the Assembly’s most consequential responsibilities: the scrutiny and approval of the 2027 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure.
Clerk Mbye urged lawmakers to ensure their deliberations are guided not by what is politically convenient but by what is fiscally responsible, economically justified and in the best interest of the Gambian people.
He reminded NAMs that no tax may be levied and no public expenditure incurred without the authority of the National Assembly, adding that this constitutional power can only be exercised meaningfully when backed by knowledge, preparation and rigorous analysis.
Mbye further noted that the retreat carries special significance for the Sixth Legislature, as it is the fifth and final pre-budget review and analysis retreat before the end of the current parliamentary mandate.
Gambia Participates programme manager Annetta Bv Mahoney, called on lawmakers to approach the sessions with open mind, ask hard questions, test assumptions and ensure the budget reflects the wishes and aspirations of the people they represent.
She reiterated GP’s commitment to support the Assembly to effectively perform its oversight and enhance accountability in public sector governance.
The retreat forms part of the National Assembly’s broader efforts to strengthen informed debate, transparency and accountability in the scrutiny of public spending proposals.