By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, has directed the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning to ensure proper accountability in land allocation, revenue collection, and reconciliation of financial records. During a parliamentary hearing, the committee identified discrepancies in land database records, revenue from building permits, and financial reconciliation between different departments.
Hon. Conteh emphasized the need for a properly maintained database of land allocations and regularized properties, urging the Director of Surveys and Lands to generate accurate reports. He noted that the failure to submit monthly or quarterly revenue records to senior management for review was a major compliance issue, particularly in tracking funds from building permits and sovereign leases.
“The records presented by the ministry show underperformance, and that is not acceptable. Your own reports do not match the bank statements, which means either more money was collected than reported, or funds were not properly accounted for,” he said.
A key concern was the discrepancy in revenue figures. According to the audit report, records from the ministry showed significantly lower revenue collections compared to the National Revenue Authority (NRA). The PAC found that while the ministry reported 400 building permits issued, the NRA recorded 1,181 permits, showing a major gap in financial reporting. Hon. Conteh called for an immediate reconciliation of records to present an accurate financial picture.
“When your own records show one amount and another institution records a significantly higher figure, it raises serious questions. You must harmonize your reports and ensure transparency,” he warned.
Another issue raised was the process of land allocation, particularly for Members of Parliament. The PAC urged the ministry to ensure fairness and transparency in land distribution while discouraging interference from external bodies. Hon. Conteh addressed concerns about reports suggesting that MPs were obstructing the ministry’s work and were being labeled as major land grabbers.
“It is unfortunate that the Minister of Lands reportedly claimed that Members of Parliament are the biggest land grabbers. If there is substantial evidence, it should be presented. Parliament is not here to obstruct but to ensure that laws are followed,” he stated.
Hon. Conteh emphasized that land disputes should be handled within the Ministry of Lands and not brought to Parliament unless there is overwhelming legal justification. He reminded officials that grievances over land allocations should follow legal processes and be settled in court if necessary.
The PAC Chairman concluded by instructing the ministry to implement strict supervision of land allocation and revenue reconciliation. He urged the Director of Surveys and Lands to collaborate with the Accountant General’s Office to ensure transparent financial reporting.
The session ended with a directive for the ministry to provide a comprehensive report on all land allocations, revenue collected, and reconciliation efforts before the next audit review. The PAC reaffirmed its commitment to holding public institutions accountable to prevent financial mismanagement and irregularities in land administration.
