By: Fatou Krubally
National Assembly members on Thursday pressed the Public Enterprises Committee (PEC) to clarify key findings in its long-overdue report on state-owned enterprises (SOEs), raising concerns over accountability, legal compliance, and institutional efficiency.
The 2021 report, tabled by Hon. Lamin J. Sanneh, member for Brikama South constituency and Chairperson of PEC, sparked a heated debate, with lawmakers questioning the timeliness and substance of the committee’s findings.
Hon. Musa Badjie of Talinding asked why the report focused on 2021 operations was only being presented in mid-2025. “Some of the issues in this report have already been overtaken by events. How do we now verify what actually happened?” he asked, citing unresolved staff loan recoveries and overdue actions.
His colleague, Hon. Yaya Sanyang of Latrikunda Sabiji, district said while the report refers broadly to legal challenges facing SOEs, it fails to pinpoint which entities are affected. “If we want to convince Parliament, let’s be specific. I want the committee to tell us which SOEs are facing legal difficulties,” he demanded.
Wuli East lawmaker Hon. Suwaibou Touray noted that some institutions were clearly not delivering on their mandates, ‘We must commend the functional ones and question those that seem directionless,” he stated.
Focusing on Gamcel and Gamtel, Hon. Omar Jammeh of Janjanbureh called for a deeper review of recommendations. “We can’t keep recycling institutions that have no functioning boards. Let’s not run institutions like homes. They must be guided by law and staffed with qualified personnel.”
Niamina West’s Hon. Biram Sowe raised concerns about asset disposals at the Gambia Ports Authority, citing lapses flagged by PEC. “The way the disposals were handled is not proper. If this persists, we’ll be left with no choice but to take other actions,” he warned.
Hon. Musa Cham of Serrekunda recommended that PEC begin setting deadlines for the implementation of its recommendations. “We need timelines, especially in cases like Social Security and GRTS,” he said, urging recovery of public assets.
Central Badibu member Hon. Sulayman Saho praised PEC’s work but stressed that institutions like Social Security must be reformed. “These bodies should serve the people, not be exploited for individual gain,” he added.
In response, PEC chairman said all 14 SOEs were reviewed in accordance with legal timelines, and that the challenges of delayed reporting and board governance are already being addressed in line with the law.
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