Two signed written statements from the witness were presented and admitted as exhibits during the hearing. One statement was dated January 17, 2024, while the other was dated November 23, 2023. These documents were deemed significant for the Commission's records.
Pa Sait Ceesay recounted his journey, stating that he began his career as a volunteer at the Kuntaur Area Council in 1992. In 1993, he was appointed as a revenue collector and later enrolled at the Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI) in the 1996/97 academic year, where he obtained AAT Level 2. The witness clarified that he possessed neither a diploma nor a degree.
Throughout his career, Ceesay held various positions within different councils, including revenue collector, senior revenue collector, accounting assistant, acting finance manager, finance manager, later as finance director at Mansakonko Area Council.
He was subsequently transferred to Basse as a finance director before returning to Mansakonko Area Council as the CEO. The witness provided twelve documents related to his appointments, transfers and confirmations, which were admitted into the Commission's records.
When questioned about the existence of a loan scheme at Mansakonko Area Council, Ceesay clarified that the council did not have such a program. However, he emphasised that despite the absence of a loan scheme, the council consistently included it in their budget proposals, which were duly approved by the council.
The testimony of Pa Sait Ceesay provided valuable insights into the operations and financial practices of the Mansakonko Area Council. As the Local Government Commission of Inquiry continues its proceedings, it aims to gather further evidence and testimonies to unravel the nature of the financial and administrative operations of the Mansakoko Area Council.
Meanwhile, Mr Ceesay continues to appear before the Commission, giving crucial evidence and answering questions concerning administrative and fiscal issues.
