By Makutu Manneh & Aji Fatou Ceesay
Dembo Jah, the Human Resource Manager of Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), has testified before the Local Government Commission of Inquiry on the improper appointment of individuals in key positions in the Council.
Mr. Jah first adduced evidence on the appointment of Isatou Faal, former PR manager of the Council. Mr. Jah told the Commissioners that he signed Ms. Faal’s appointment on behalf of the CEO.
When asked what the minimum qualification for the position of PR manager is, witness Jah answered that a high school certificate and experience suffice.
“It is an embarrassment for you to say that the minimum qualification for a manager is a high school certificate. No wonder you are working for an institution that does not follow due process,” Counsel Gomez told the witness.
When pressed again on the same matter, he changed his statement saying at least the person should have a BSc degree. He said in Ms. Faal’s case, this was different because a decision had already been made that he could not change. He was referred to the application and appointment letter of Ms. Faal which both bear the same date.
In his response to the Lead Counsel, witness Jah objected and said this must have been an oversight on his part.
However, Lead Counsel Gomez argued that the applicant applied for the job the same day, adding that Ms. Faal said she was working for Mayor Bensouda before his election and expressed her interest to the Mayor that she wanted to work at the Council.
“It is an arranged employment. Is that a possibility?” Counsel Gomez asked.
The witness agreed that it could and equally agreed that the employment process of Ms. Faal did not follow due process. He said when he started working for the Council in 2018, the KMC did not have guidelines for appointments or scheme of service.
Witness Jah was presented with several letters he wrote to Ms. Faal, warning her of lateness and persistent absence from work. He confirmed writing the letters and warning her verbally on several occasions.
“This is what happens when you appoint unqualified people to certain positions,” Counsel Gomez told him to which he agreed.
Witness Jah was also given the book of Nuru Deen Adams, the protocol of Mayor Bensouda. He looked at the file and told the Commission that Mr. Adams’ appointment did not also follow due process. He was asked if he was familiar with the audit report which highlighted the abnormal employment process of certain staff who do not have the qualifications for the positions they were given. He said he was aware of this audit report.
Sittings continue.
