By Fatou Krubally
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Government Assurances has expressed concern over repeated requests for extensions by ministries and government institutions in responding to commitments made before Parliament.
The concern was raised on Thursday during an engagement with Permanent Secretaries on the mandate and operational procedures of the newly established committee, which is tasked with identifying, verifying, monitoring and reporting on assurances and undertakings made by government officials during parliamentary proceedings.
Committee members said delays in receiving responses, progress updates and supporting documents from ministries have become a recurring challenge in ensuring effective parliamentary oversight.
Hon. Samba Jallow, National Assembly Member for Niamina Dankunku and a member of the committee, said while ministries are expected to provide updates on commitments made before Parliament, delays in submitting reports and evidence have affected the committee’s ability to properly track implementation.
“Sometimes committees do find challenges with the timeframe given to various ministries to report or provide evidence of what has transpired,” Jallow said, noting that repeated extension requests continue to affect oversight work.
The committee stressed that its mandate is not aimed at creating tension between the legislature and the executive but at ensuring that government commitments are properly documented, monitored and implemented.
Members told Permanent Secretaries that their role is crucial in translating ministerial assurances into administrative action. They urged ministries to establish internal mechanisms to track parliamentary commitments, designate responsible officers and submit evidence-based progress reports.
The committee explained that reports submitted by ministries should be supported by relevant documentation, including official correspondence, policy documents, procurement records, implementation updates and other evidence demonstrating progress.
It further encouraged government institutions facing implementation challenges to provide clear explanations, outlining the causes of delays, measures being taken to address them and realistic timelines for completion.
The lawmakers also reminded Permanent Secretaries of the provisions of Standing Order 100, which requires responsible ministers to respond to National Assembly resolutions or committee reports within 30 days.
They clarified, however, that the provision does not necessarily require all commitments to be completed within that timeframe, particularly where implementation depends on processes such as budgeting, procurement procedures, legislative approval or Cabinet decisions.
Responding on behalf of Permanent Secretaries, a participant said the Executive already has mechanisms through Cabinet conclusions to monitor government decisions and implementation.
He noted that the work of the Government Assurances Committee would complement existing systems by strengthening follow-up on commitments made by government officials on the floor of Parliament.
The engagement concluded with calls for improved cooperation between ministries and the National Assembly to enhance accountability, transparency and timely implementation of government assurances.