The Office of the President in Gambia has spent D86.85 million on capital projects in the first six months of 2026. This significant expenditure represents 290 percent of its full-year capital allocation of D29.98 million. The figures were presented to the National Assembly by Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs Seedy Keita in his mid-year statement on the implementation and monitoring of the 2026 national budget.
According to the budget performance report, the Office of the President had a total spending of D486.50 million by June. This represents 66 percent of its total annual budget of D737.82 million. The spending includes D99.80 million on salaries and D299.85 million on other day-to-day expenses. The large capital spending figure has raised questions about how the additional spending was authorised.
The report does not provide an explanation for the excessive capital spending by the Office of the President. The budget performance report only provides the figures without detailing the reasons behind the significant overspending. This lack of transparency has sparked concerns about the management of the country's budget.
The unusual capital spending figure comes as the government reported total expenditure of D15.42 billion during the first half of 2026. This represents 42 percent of the approved annual budget. The government's overall spending has been significant, with various sectors recording substantial expenditures.
The Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita, presented the mid-year statement to the National Assembly. The statement provides an update on the implementation and monitoring of the 2026 national budget. The budget performance report highlights the spending patterns of various government sectors, including the Office of the President.
The excessive capital spending by the Office of the President has raised concerns about budget management and authorisation. The government needs to provide clarity on how the additional spending was authorised and whether the annual allocation was subsequently revised or supplemented. This will help to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of the country's budget.
The country's budget management has been a subject of interest, with various stakeholders calling for transparency and accountability. The government has been working to improve budget management and ensure that public funds are used efficiently. The mid-year statement provides an opportunity for the government to review its spending patterns and make adjustments as necessary.
Key points
- The Office of the President spent 290 percent of its full-year capital allocation by June 2026.
- The Office of the President had a total spending of D486.50 million by June 2026.
- The government's total expenditure was D15.42 billion during the first half of 2026.
