Ceesay disclosed that council properties lacked proper documentation, raising serious questions about their management.
Facing a panel of counsels and commissioners, Ceesay revealed that the council provided loans based on individual requests and income levels, with a focus on short-term repayment.
Lead Counsel Yakar Cox directed Ceesay to review the Local Government Finance and Audit Act and the Financial Manual for local government councils to assess the legality of these actions. Ceesay explained that the council's ability to grant loans was tied to employees' salary grades and available funds, with a stipulated repayment period of 24 months as per the Financial Manual.
Furthermore, Ceesay outlined the various sources of revenue for the council, such as taxes, licenses, grants and subventions. He highlighted the consultative nature of the budgeting process and revealed that during his tenure, only the Contracts Committee, Finance Committee and Establishment Committee were fully operational, while others remained dormant.
Probed on the council's medical scheme, the ex-CEO admitted that no such scheme existed at Mansakonko Area Council. He also acknowledged the presence of an asset register during his time as CEO, maintained by the Internal Auditor.
Moreover, the Council's assets, according to Ceesay, encompasses the premises of the council, the CEO’s quarters, the finance director’s quarter, the conference centre, multi-purpose centres at Kwinella and Japineh, the markets, tractors and motor vehicles.
However, he disclosed that none of these properties has proper documentation to establish ownership and show that they belong to the council. He stated that the council was established in 1935 during colonialism.
In a startling admission, Ceesay further stated that the council had no leased properties or land register, including those for leased properties belonging to individuals.
Furthermore, he detailed the purchase of 50 by 150 plot of land from the Bah Kunda family of Mansakonko at the tune of D175,000 for the construction of a conference centre and guest houses (lodge), a project that was part of the Gam Works Project for which the council paid D15,000,000.
Additionally, Ceesay noted that the lands for multi-purpose centres in Kwinella and Japineh were provided by the respective communities.
Ceesay’s revelations have raised significant concerns regarding the management and oversight of council properties and finances.
With critical questions surrounding documentation, ownership, and expenditure, the findings of the inquiry are sure to prompt a thorough re-evaluation of the Mansakonko Area Council's operations.
