A delegation of Gambian National Assembly members recently returned to Banjul following a 10-day study tour in London, according to a press release from the British High Commission in Banjul.

The tour, the release states, was aimed at giving the National Assembly members the opportunity to see how UK public authorities hold the Westminster government to account for public finances. The study tour which focuses on ways to improve financial accountability, is said to be part of a continuing effort by the Government of The Gambia to improve transparency and secure long-term financial stability. "The group, made up of 8 Public Account Committee (PAC) members and the Auditor General, saw at first hand a hearing on the financial management of the UK's Home Office. They also met the UK's National Audit Office and cross party and parliamentary group for Africa," the release indicated.

The UK's Department for International Development (DFID), the release went on, who funded the study tour through The Gambia financial governance project, has led efforts with other donors to address the gap in accountability. "DFID has worked closely with the government and provided technical assistance to strengthen the capacity of public sector institutions," the press release noted.

The majority leader of the National Assembly, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, said that "the tour could not have come at a better time", adding that it provided them the first hand opportunity to share experiences." This, he went on, will go a long way in assisting both institutions to enhance the "vibrancy and rigor in our work to hold government to account and enhance public sector accountability."