By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, has launched a probe into lease payments, financial accountability, and contractual agreements within the Ministry of Tourism and its affiliated agencies. The investigation centers on lease agreements, including those involving the Bintumani Hotel and other state-owned properties, amid concerns over inconsistent payments and financial mismanagement.
During a tense parliamentary session, Hon. Conteh expressed frustration over the ministry’s failure to provide comprehensive documentation regarding lease payments and financial transactions. He emphasized that while parliament is not interfering in executive discussions, it has the constitutional authority to demand transparency and accountability before any agreements are finalized.
One of the key issues raised was the inconsistency in lease payments by businesses operating under government agreements. Evidence presented showed partial payments made for some years, while others remained unsettled. The COVID-19 pandemic was cited as a major challenge that affected payment compliance, with some businesses requesting waivers due to financial hardship.
A representative from Bintumani Hotel explained that while the hotel officially began operations in 2015, payments for the first ten years of the lease agreement were impacted by factors such as post-war rehabilitation and international legal proceedings. Additionally, payments for 2020 and 2021 were delayed due to the economic impact of the pandemic. The hotel’s management argued that the Ministry of Tourism had yet to provide a formal response to their waiver request, further complicating the issue.
In response to the lack of clarity on lease payments, Hon. Conteh ordered an immediate halt on all ongoing negotiations and agreements until parliament receives full documentation from the Ministry of Tourism. He stressed that all financial records, payment receipts, and lease agreements must be verified before further transactions occur.
“As per the Public Financial Management Act, permanent secretaries and vote controllers are directly responsible for the effective and efficient management of government resources,” Hon. Conteh stated. He emphasized that ministries and agencies cannot enter financial agreements without parliamentary oversight, citing Section 60 of the Constitution, which grants parliament the authority to investigate executive decisions.
Way Forward: Parliament to Review Financial Records
To resolve the discrepancies, the PAC will:
• Request full documentation of lease payments from 2015 to the present.
• Verify financial transactions with the Ministry of Finance to ensure transparency.
• Summon all relevant stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, Bintumani Hotel, and the National Assets and Government Property Commission.
• Assess the impact of COVID-19 on lease payments and determine if any waivers were lawfully granted.
Hon. Conteh concluded by reaffirming parliament’s commitment to financial accountability, stating that public resources must be managed with integrity and fairness. He urged all stakeholders to cooperate fully, warning that any attempt to conceal information could lead to further scrutiny and legal consequences.
The PAC has set a deadline for the Ministry of Tourism and affiliated agencies to submit all requested financial records before further parliamentary action is taken.
