Deputies demand evidence of D4M disability fund disbursement

The Gambia’s D4 million annual fund for persons with disabilities has come under parliamentary scrutiny, with lawmakers demanding details on who benefited, how much was disbursed and evidence of how the money was spent.

The Government of The Gambia has allocated D4 million annually to the National Fund for Persons with Disabilities since 2024. 

The issue came under scrutiny at the National Assembly on Wednesday when the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Fatou Kinteh, responded to questions on the implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2021.

Minister Kinteh told lawmakers that the allocation has been used to support organisations of persons with disabilities, including the National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities and the Gambia Federation of the Disabled, as well as disability-related programmes.

However, the explanation prompted further questions from lawmakers seeking specific details on the use of the fund.

The Member for Kiang West, Hon Lamin Ceesay, demanded disbursement records and evidence of spending, while the Member for Sami, Hon Alfusainey Ceesay, asked for information showing the persons with disabilities and organisations that benefited from the fund by region.

Lawmakers also questioned the minister on the modalities for accessing the fund and how eligible persons and organisations become beneficiaries.

Kinteh said she did not have the detailed figures at hand but indicated that the information could be provided to the Assembly as an additional response.

She says they have made progress in implementing the Act, including establishing the National Advisory Council and its secretariat, expanding rehabilitation services and providing assistive devices.

But lawmakers are now seeking beneficiary lists, disbursement figures and supporting evidence, shifting the focus from the allocation of the money to how it has actually been used.

Source: The Point