Information Officer, MOFEA
On the 12th January, 2022, the AGD invited all government accountants in the ministries, departments and agencies as well as those on diplomatic mission (via zoom) to its annual event dubbed the ‘Accountants’ Forum’ at Metzy Hotel.
According to the Accountant General, Momodou Lamin Bah, this event provides accountants the opportunity to self-review their how well or otherwise, they have delivered on their mandate in Public Financial Management (PFM) during the past year. Mr. Bah added that the forum gives them the chance to enhance on their strengths, as well as address the gaps and weaknesses in their PFM functions.
He further stated that in accordance with the provision of the Public Finance Act 2014, Accountants perform the roles of Receiver General, Paymaster and Chief Accounting Officers for the Government. These, he said are huge responsibilities which require Competence, Confidentiality, Dedication to duty, and above all very high sense of personal integrity.
As the Head of Accountants, he urged participants to nurture these values at all times, and under all circumstances as required by the codes of conduct and ethics of their profession. He promised them that the Accountant General’s Department will continue to invest in capacity building, and support the career development of its staff. With this, he encouraged all staff to take full advantage of the opportunities accorded to them. He thanked the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs for gracing the occasion and the support he continues to render to the Accountant General’s Department and the overall government’s public Financial Management Reforms agenda.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Finance echoed that this forum provides the environment for government accountants to take stock of the Public Financial Management (PFM) activities of the government and the challenges encountered during the past year in order to formulate the necessary strategies and measures that are required for the continual improvement of the Public Financial Management functions. “As the primary custodians of the government finances, Accountants play a very crucial role in the public service delivery”, he added. He urged Accountants to strictly adhere to the codes of conduct and ethics of the Accountancy Profession.
Hon. Njie noted that there have been significant improvements in the public financial management functions in the public sector due to the various public Financial Management reforms that are being implemented by government over the past year. He hailed the AGD for spearheading the PFM reforms that government is committed to enhance.
Minister Njie concluded that he will continue to provide the required resources, as well as his moral support, in order to bring about the required success in the said Reforms.
