Parastatals defy statutory duty

The speaker of the National Assembly has expressed frustration with some public enterprises and agencies that have “blatantly refused” to submit their annual reports, accounts, financial statements and management letters to the Assembly’s joint  committee for scrutiny.

Hon Jahumpa-Ceesay also informed a press briefing convened at the National Assembly Chambers on Thursday afternoon that a number parastatals also failed to attend the joint sessions as scheduled, despite notification.

“Some would wait until the last minute and give flimsy excuses that they are traveling abroad or their Board chairpersons and/or accountants are indisposed,” the head of the country’s legislature fumed.

“Henceforth, and in view of the lack of cooperation by some enterprises and agencies in submitting to parliamentary scrutiny, the joint committee shall have no further option but to invoke the provisions of Section 109(3)(a) and (b) on those enterprises or agencies that defaulted in submitting their reports or are not taking the joint session seriously,” Speaker Jahumpa-Ceesay underscored.

She then continued: “Section 109 of the Constitution states that: For the purpose of effectively performing its functions, each of the committees shall have all the powers, rights and privileges as are vested in the high court at a trial in respect of enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them on oath, affirmation or otherwise, and compelling the production of documents.”

According to the speaker, Section 175(5) and Section 102(c) of the Constitution requires all public enterprises and agencies funded by taxpayers to, within three months, submit an annual report and financial statement to the National Assembly on their businesses and operations during the preceding year.

“The National Assembly is an oversight institution composed of elected representatives of the people and therefore, public enterprises and agencies or individuals, should take the Assembly seriously. It is obvious that when trusted with people’s money, you need to be accountable to them. Thus, this parliamentary scrutiny is not a witch-hunt, but is to assist institutions to meet their set targets and achieve their objectives,” she emphasised.

Hon Jahumpa-Ceesay also told the gathering that the joint committee has considered and resolved with immediate effect that the provisions of Section 110 shall be applied on any individual or corporation that fails to adhere to this constitutional requirement.